Digital toolkit for inclusive neighborhood renovation Mariahoeve

The Mariahoeve neighborhood faces a major challenge: becoming natural gas-free by 2030 in a way that is affordable, fair, and understandable for all residents. The Hague University of Applied Sciences, together with residents and partners, is developing a digital toolkit that makes information on buildings, energy use, infrastructure, and social characteristics accessible at neighborhood and street level. This creates a shared information base that improves participation, transparency, and collaboration.

Background

The project contributes to The Hague’s ambition to become climate-neutral as part of the EU Climate-Neutral Smart Cities mission. At the same time, there is a strong need to ensure the transition is inclusive and fair. Mariahoeve is a representative neighborhood with diverse housing and populations. The research supports Climate Deal E5 and explores how digital tools can enable a just energy transition.

Participation in the energy transition requires equal access to information. When residents, businesses, and governments have the same data, each party can participate fully and effectively.

– Cees Verweij, project leader

Goal

To provide insight into requirements for a digital toolkit that supports stakeholders in achieving a just energy transition in Mariahoeve.

Method

The project combines applied research, network building, and knowledge sharing. We map stakeholder information needs and analyze systems such as Datalab, Spiegelstad, and Hypha Energy. Workshops and expert meetings are used to gather and validate insights, which are translated into a program of requirements.

Results

The project delivers a Program of Requirements for a digital toolkit that provides insight into buildings, infrastructure, energy use, and social characteristics. It structures stakeholder needs to ensure equal access to information and offers a widely supported foundation for further development.

Impact

The project improves transparency and collective decision-making in the energy transition. It strengthens collaboration, accelerates sustainability efforts, and enhances social cohesion. It also contributes to education by integrating knowledge on data, digital twins, and participation into the curriculum, engaging students in real-world sustainability challenges.

Duration

January 2025 – August 2026

Financing

Knowledge and Student City The Hague subsidy scheme

Partners

• Municipality of The Hague
• Area Cooperative District 25
• Hypha Energy

Team

Research Group: Future Urban Systems:

• Cees Verweij – Project Leader
• Sascha Binnendijk – Assistant Project Leader
• Ekko Nap – Lecturer-Researcher
• Bram Muller – Assistant Researcher
• Rizal Sebastian – Professor Future Urban Systems

Contact

Cees Verweij ([email protected])