The municipality of Zuidhorn applies an integrated development model for the redevelopment of the
Zuidhorn railway station area, along with the development of a new park-and-ride facility. Sustainable technologies are integrated, and in cooperation with consultants and research institutes, as much as possible new innovative technologies are implemented and tested in the area. The focus within the programme is not only on direct results (such as the development of the park-and-ride facility), but also on the development and testing of new approaches and technologies. By collaborating with knowledge institutes, and facilitating this testing in a public place, innovations can be brought forward. Energy savings and renewable energy generation are only long-term goals. The project aims to integrate several innovative technologies in the programme. One of the key aspects is 'piëzo‘ (piezoelectricity), as part of a research project with Tauw consultancy and the University of Groningen. In this technology, movements (vibrations) of pedestrians and vehicles are transformed into energy, used for instance for street lighting. The key short to medium-term goals are the development of the local/regional knowledge-based economy, and the application of innovative technologies in public.
NEEDS ADDRESSED:
• There are no policies that encourage to take into account the potential of efficient heating an cooling systems, in particular those using high-efficiency cogeneration,
at the local and regional levels(Art. 4)