We face a major task in the Leiden region: energy transition. This is not just a change of operations, but a complex interplay of system changes. Everyone is involved. Governments, energy companies, grid operators, developers of technology and suppliers of technical solutions, companies, institutions and individuals. There is a task for everyone. In order to visualize this task for companies, Key Region Leiden, together with Entrepreneurial Leiden, commissioned an inventory called: ‘The place of Business Parks in the Energy Transition’. Marnix Zwart of Bedrijfsadvies conducted a large number of interviews. Together with solution directions and recommendations per party involved.
On May 31, 2023, there was a well-attended meeting at PLNT Leiden where proceeds and developments were discussed.
[reading time 5 min]
Real steps forward
‘The climate goals are clear, but not everything is possible that we would like,’ Marnix Zwart points out. ‘If even the frontrunners are not taking the steps they would like to take, something is wrong. Then we shouldn’t keep pushing or blaming, but then it helps to name the causes. Then we can link actions to the people and organizations that can remove obstacles. That leads to understanding, to the right pressure in the right place, and therefore to better results. Superb that Key Region Leiden has taken up this challenge: contributing to real steps forward.’
The assignment
Key Region Leiden wants to tackle the energy transition on business parks jointly from entrepreneurs, municipalities and knowledge institutions. Marnix Zwart: ‘Business parks are pre-eminently locations where energy transition has major consequences. It is precisely there that large-scale consumers are located; it is precisely there that the impact of measures can be significant. They are also places where we can really do things. For example, there is a lot of roof space available so that large-scale PV installations are possible. That is why it is good to name the possibilities and impossibilities specifically for the business parks. And also to look at the dependencies and preconditions from a constructive drive. Identifying and addressing these was my assignment.
Four areas under the microscope
Four business parks were chosen to participate in the intensive discussions. These were Roomburg in Leiden, Dobbewijk in Voorschoten, ‘t Heen in Katwijk and De Boeg in Oegstgeest. Zwart himself is pulling the cart in Roomburg as advisor/park manager. A convenient combination given his assignment for Key Region Leiden. Zwart: ‘Roomburg’s ambition is to become energy-neutral and climate-neutral. In visible practice, however, ‘only’ steps have been taken in a large increase of PV installations on the roofs. The reasons why more has not already been realized are beyond the direct control of the companies. The willingness is there, but the opportunities are lacking. Very nice that through my assignment I can now share this experience of Roomburg and take the enthusiasm that is there a step further’.
Advantage
‘During the evening in PLNT it became clear that in these times of change and renewal, there are enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs to pursue a sustainable and future-oriented course. Municipalities also have a role in this,’ said Alderman Jacco Knape of the Municipality of Katwijk as he looked back on the meeting. ‘By tackling the challenges together, we can not only contribute to a better environment, but also create new markets and business models that benefit us economically as a region. We must act together and build a green and thriving future where sustainability and success go hand in hand.
Perspective
Nico Tates, chairman of Ondernemend Leiden adds, “We feel that we are still making too little progress in this very complex discussion. That is why we call on municipalities to be clear about what entrepreneurs can expect. Investments can only be made if there is perspective for the longer term. And to entrepreneurs I say: make a move where you can’.
Toolbox
About the report, Zwart says the following: “The discussions resulted in a toolbox of instruments that are useful for business parks. Feasible and affordable. Think of the mapping of future energy needs by switching to sustainable goods transport and sustainable mobility, consequences for the network and necessary stimulating measures. The toolbox also contains a ‘box’ in which frameworks and preconditions are named. Think of available space (above and below ground), quality of real estate, grid capacity for supply and purchase of electricity, legal or fiscal restrictions and possibilities, procedures, availability of technology and insurability of installations. Enough input for a joint step forward’.
Joan Ouwehand-Schuller, DGA at Auto and Truck Service Katwijk, appealed in the panel to municipalities to also have an eye for the smaller entrepreneurs: ‘Many small ones together can also make an impact and be an inspiring example for others’. From Platform bedrijventerreinen Nederland, Jeroen Bosma made the call to work together on a regional scale and to learn from each other. Jaco Quist of Universtiteit Delft gave the tip to delve into the new technical possibilities that are increasing every day.
Talking with each other
Cees-Jan Pen, lecturer in The Entrepreneurial Region at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, also envisions a joint future to take up this challenge. As chairman of the evening, he summarized it as follows: ‘After the presentations and the panel discussion, the participants started talking to each other. That is so important: not talking about, but with each other. That provides a good basis for cooperation and trust. That is badly needed to utilize the sustainable potential of business parks. That potential is very great when it comes to CO2 reduction and energy savings. In addition to residential areas, there must also be plenty of attention for working areas.
Let 10,000 flowers bloom
‘I saw in the partial sessions a great social commitment from many people privately and professionally,’ says Cees-Jan Pen. ‘People want to take better care of our living environment and leave it well to future generations. There is already so much happening that you almost have no overview anymore and that is just fine. Let’s go from 1,000 to 10,000 flowers blooming!’
Invest
‘The evening confirmed for me the great commitment I noticed during my interviews,’ summarizes Marnix Zwart. ‘All parties can now set to work in concrete terms, and will have to seek each other out to do so. In the partial sessions, it once again emerged that entrepreneurs want long-term certainty, but also that they dare to take steps faster if there is a risk fund as a backstop. In addition, government direction, speed and the necessary spatial planning are needed. Obstructing conditions must be removed as much as possible and information must be made accessible, preferably through a central counter. This will create the necessary trust needed to invest’.
- On the rooftop terrace, further discussions and new contacts were made.
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