Insulation can deliver the province of Utrecht an emission reduction of 250 kton CO₂-eq per year by 2030. It is the first and most cost-effective step in the building envelope, structurally lowering the energy demand of homes and buildings.
What it is
Heat always moves from warm to cool, so buildings must be heated in winter and cooled in summer. Insulation counters that continuous heat loss, through both materials and air. Economically it is a cost-effective way to cut energy use and emissions. Insulation comes before building systems and applications such as heat pumps, and reinforces those other solutions. Biobased insulation materials are preferred, as they store carbon in the material itself.
Potential in Utrecht
The built environment in Utrecht is responsible for 1.9 Mton CO₂-eq (2018), 65% of it from homes. The total addressable market is the 2018 building stock (VESTA model, PBL 2021, linked to CBS energy labels). The plausible scenario is a label jump for buildings rated G, F and E, yielding 78 kton CO₂-eq reduction; the ambitious scenario also includes D and C, reaching 250 kton.
Co-benefits
Insulation lowers energy bills, raises living comfort and strengthens follow-up steps such as heat pumps and smart thermostats. With biobased materials, carbon storage in the building envelope is added. Tackling the housing shortage and cutting energy use thus go hand in hand.
Provincial policy
The province of Utrecht promotes insulation with energy-saving subsidies (‘Meer met Minder in Utrecht’) and, since 2020, provides funds to support homeowners who lack sufficient capital. This lets municipalities, housing associations and energy cooperatives get to work on concrete projects.
In practice
In the Soesterkwartier district of Amersfoort, residents joined forces to make 1930s homes more sustainable. Thirteen households jointly insulated walls, floors and roofs, sealed heat leaks and installed double glazing — working together lowered costs and raised efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ can insulation save in Utrecht?
According to this assessment, up to 250 kton CO₂-eq per year by 2030 (ambitious scenario), or 78 kton in the plausible scenario, through a label jump in the existing building stock.
Why is insulation the first step?
Insulation is the most cost-effective measure in the building envelope, has high expected acceptance and reinforces follow-up solutions such as heat pumps.
Which insulation material is preferred?
Biobased materials, because besides insulating they also store carbon in the material itself.
Source: Preliminary Climate Solutions Assessment for the province of Utrecht (Drawdown Europe & New Economy, 2021), based on the Project Drawdown methodology. Part of the sector-based climate action plan for the province of Utrecht.