Contents
Gemeente Middelburg - Involving Middelburg in green initiatives
Many residents show little interest in sustainability, limiting participation in green initiatives and subsidy use. This project explores effective communication strategies to increase awareness and involvement. The goal is to develop a practical solution, such as a campaign or neighborhood activity, to better engage residents.
Presentation
About this project
| Start date: | 02/03/2025 |
|---|---|
| Project description: | The municipality of Middelburg notice that many residents show little interest or affinity in sustainability and climate adaptation. The need to live more sustainably and adapt to the effects of climate change is becoming increasingly urgent. Municipalities support this partly by offering subsidies and information campaigns. In practice, however, it is difficult to reach and activate certain groups of residents is what the municipality of Middelburg found out. An example is the organisation of markets around the theme of sustainability, where attendance was low. Also, available subsidies for insulation measures are not widely enough used. The suspicion is that this is because many people do not see immediate benefits or do not have sufficient affinity with sustainability. This hinders participation in green initiatives and the use of existing subsidies. The question they have is: How can we convince and reach those residents of the importance of sustainability and climate adaptation, and actively involve them in green initiatives? |
| Outcomes: | This research explores how residents in Middelburg engage with sustainability efforts, revealing several important challenges and opportunities. While there is interest in contributing to a greener future, many residents face barriers such as a lack of awareness, financial constraints, and unclear communication. Younger residents are generally more open to sustainable practices, but often lack the resources to act, while older groups tend to be more cautious. Renters struggle with limited decision-making power, often blocked by landlords or housing associations, which hinders their ability to make environmentally friendly changes. Additionally, many residents find it difficult to access reliable and clear information about sustainability initiatives in their area. The study highlights the need for more effective communication strategies, accessible financial support systems, and policy reforms that empower both homeowners and tenants. Encouraging cooperation between local governments, housing associations, and the community is crucial. By addressing these barriers, Middelburg can support meaningful public participation in sustainability, which is essential for long-term regional regeneration, environmental impact reduction, and local economic development. |
| Commissioned for: |
Rens Verhage (Gemeente Middelburg)