Nestled in the southern reaches of the Netherlands, Ecovillage Boekel emerges as a beacon of sustainable living, earning the esteemed title of the most sustainable organization in the country for the year 2021. Comprising 36 avant-garde flats, this eco-centric community has redefined the paradigm of green living. The distinct climate-positive round buildings that constitute the village stand as a testament to its commitment to environmental responsibility, sequestering a substantial 800 tonnes of CO2.
In a world grappling with multifaceted crises, including conflicts, environmental degradation, and climate upheavals, Ecovillage Boekel stands out as a beacon of hope, offering tangible solutions for social, economic, and cultural regeneration. Ad Vlems, the project manager, articulates the community’s ethos, emphasizing their proactive approach to becoming self-sufficient in terms of food, water, and energy. Positioned as a key player in a global network of eco-villages dedicated to enhancing resilience to climate change, Ecovillage Boekel has become a hub for innovative practices.
Beyond its architectural ingenuity, the ecovillage represents a collective effort of 48 passionate individuals deeply invested in the principles of the circular economy. Within this community, waste is a concept alien, where not a drop of water or a kilowatt of energy goes unused. What sets Ecovillage Boekel apart is its ability to navigate legal complexities seamlessly. The village has not only garnered the approval of ministers and ministries but has also been integrated into the law and the Crisis and Recovery Act, a testament to its success in aligning with sustainable and innovative projects.
Resident testimonies, such as that of Annemarie Wilhelmund Hendriksen, underscore the meticulous use of bio-sustainable materials like wood and hemp in constructing homes. The structures, beyond being environmentally conscious, have a profound impact on carbon sequestration, absorbing more CO2 than they release into the atmosphere. The community’s commitment extends beyond housing, manifesting in the cultivation of a ‘food forest.’ This innovative approach involves planting fruits and vegetables among trees and shrubs, not only ensuring a sustainable food source for the residents but also fortifying the garden against adversities like heavy rain, drought, and heat.
Boekel is not merely a residential space; it is a testing ground for cutting-edge innovations. The César heating system, a marvel of sustainable technology, stores energy generated by the ecovillage’s 600 solar panels. This stored energy, reaching temperatures of 450 degrees, subsequently provides emission-free heating for the houses, creating a harmonious and cyclical ecological system. Gonnie van der Vorst, from the public relations department of CESAR-energy storage, articulates the system’s elegance and efficiency, emphasizing its contribution to a CO2 emission-free environment.
With a total budget of €10 million, Ecovillage Boekel has secured financial backing from various sources, including €2.5 million from the province of Noord-Brabant, loans and grants, €1 million from the EU’s cohesion policy, and half a million from the Dutch Ministry of Energy and Climate. The village has not only achieved acclaim through numerous awards for the sustainability of its buildings but has also emerged as a trailblazer, leading the way toward a greener, more ecologically conscious future. Ecovillage Boekel stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable living, showcasing that communities can thrive while harmonizing with the environment.
