Water-efficient Neighbourhoods Administrative Consultation
For results with impact: applying the findings of the Water-Efficient Neighbourhoods Construction Table leads to sustainable impact
The initial findings of the Water-Efficient Neighbourhoods Construction Table will be explored and applied in practice. Under the banner of the Water-Efficient Neighbourhoods Construction Table, 45 partners – including municipalities, developers, housing associations, provinces and drinking water companies – are working together to implement water-efficient residential neighbourhoods on a large scale. This collaboration is a response to the increasing demand for drinking water due to climate change, population growth and economic development. The goal: water-efficient construction as the national standard in construction projects.
The Bouwtafel has already achieved significant results. Thanks to the collaboration, building blocks have been developed for a scalable approach, such as an overview of available techniques, relevant legislation and regulations, and financial calculations for various techniques. A practical step-by-step plan has also been developed for anyone who wants to get started with water-efficient neighbourhoods. The results can be found here. From 2025 onwards, the Bouwtafel will put these results into practice.
Water-efficient construction is both necessary and possible
The building blocks that have been developed will now be applied in various (construction) projects. The Bouwtafel currently has six locations in mind for this. This not only offers the opportunity to save drinking water, but also provides valuable practical experience. This demonstrates that water conservation is not only necessary, but also achievable. These insights contribute to the government’s National Action Plan for Drinking Water Conservation, which also looks at safeguards for public health.
Launch of water-efficient concept homes
One of the partners of the Bouwtafel, developer Heijmans, was the first to internalise the building blocks for water-efficient construction in its work processes. Water conservation is now also being incorporated into five new construction projects by Heijmans to test this in practice. Heijmans is doing this by equipping its concept homes with rainwater storage for toilet flushing, washing machines and outdoor taps. Vitens is a project partner in this, helping to ensure a safe design and gathering feedback from future residents.
From results to impact
In 2025, the Bouwtafel will continue to roll out water-efficient construction practices and increase their impact. The focus will be on:
Applying the results in affiliated projects and decision-making, as Heijmans will also do.
Sharing insights and results for the National Action Plan for Drinking Water Conservation and with key parties.
Involving a broad audience and encouraging new partners to participate.
Organisations that want to contribute to a water-efficient future are welcome to join the collaboration.
About the Water-Efficient Neighbourhoods Construction Table
The Water-Efficient Neighbourhoods Construction Table is a broad partnership working on a sustainable and scalable model for water-efficient construction in the Netherlands. By sharing knowledge and gaining practical experience, the partnership is working towards a national standard for drinking water-efficient construction.
For more information, please contact us at thea@nflux.nl.
