Local volunteers in Zwanenburg and Halfweg help residents cut energy costs with heat scans
Residents in Zwanenburg and Halfweg can now get free heat scans from local volunteers to identify energy leaks in their homes. This initiative helps households save on energy bills while making their homes more sustainable—just in time for autumn.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Duurzaam over de Brug (Sustainable over the Bridge) |
| Location | Zwanenburg and Halfweg, Noord-Holland |
| Volunteer Team | Energy coaches and Village Council members |
| Method | Infrared heat scans to detect heat loss |
| Participant Experience | Peter from Zwanenburg: Found minor leaks near doors, curtains helped |
| Next Scans | Scheduled for autumn 2026 |
| Residents' Evening | April 14, 2026, at Zwanenburg-Halfweg village hall |
| Website | duurzaamoverdebrug.nl |
Local residents' initiatives like Duurzaam over de Brug often collaborate with municipal or provincial governments to promote sustainability at the community level. While not a formal government program, such grassroots efforts complement broader energy-saving policies by providing hands-on support to households.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
New residents' initiative actively working with heat scans
A new residents' initiative has been launched in Zwanenburg and Halfweg: Duurzaam over de Brug (Sustainable over the Bridge). This group of engaged residents is ready to help their fellow villagers save energy. Their goal? To provide independent advice to villagers on the best ways to make their homes more sustainable.
The Duurzaam over de Brug team consists of volunteer energy coaches and members of the Village Council. Jan Willem is one of the two trained volunteers who have been working in residents' homes this winter. In addition, he is an energy coach at Energiebank Haarlemmermeer and provides practical advice on saving energy at home.
Insight into the home
During the heat scans, Jan Willem and the other trained volunteers went out with an infrared camera. This made visible where heat is lost. After the scan, residents received a short report with the images and a clear explanation.
The so-called 'heat leak hunts' originated from the desire to help residents save energy and improve their homes. By making heat leaks visible, residents gain a better understanding of the condition of their home and what steps they can take to save energy.
Experience of a participant
One of the residents who participated in the heat scan is Peter from Zwanenburg. He was curious about what the images would show. The scan provided some interesting insights. Peter: "I was particularly curious whether the insulation I had applied over the years in the house was effective. The result was as I expected: we found no major heat leaks, except for example near the door. Furthermore, the heat-insulating effect of the curtains really stood out to me."
New heat scans in the autumn
There is a lot of interest from residents in the scans. Jan Willem: "We couldn't handle everything at once, because it has become a bit warmer and it needs to be cold to perform a heat scan." Heat scans can only be carried out when there is a sufficient temperature difference between inside and outside. The scan must also be done outside before sunrise. That is why the volunteers will continue with new scans in the autumn.
Independent information
The heat leak hunt is one of the initiatives of Duurzaam over de Brug. Curious about what else they can help you with? Check out the website. You can also sign up for the residents' evening on Tuesday, April 14 at the Zwanenburg-Halfweg village hall.