Rotterdam builds wooden houses for all. 122 families will live sustainably

Rotterdam, one of Europe's most important port cities, is once again demonstrating its commitment to sustainability by announcing an innovative construction of 122 social housing unitsusing durable materials, especially wood.

The project, which will be implemented through four associations - Hef Wonen, Havensteder, Woonstad and Woonbron - is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. At least 30 % of the materials used will be sustainable, with an emphasis on the use of wood as the main building material.

"In Rotterdam, we believe that everyone has the right to a sustainable and comfortable home, regardless of their financial situation," says Chantal Zeegers, Municipal Councillor for Climate, Building and Housing. To support this vision, the municipality has allocated a total grant of €950,000.

The initiative comes at a time when traditional construction methods emit almost three times more CO2 than needed to meet the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement. By using wood instead of concrete, the new homes will make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

A crucial aspect of the project is the energy efficiency of the homes. They will benefit from a high energy rating, which will result in lower energy bills for future tenants, making sustainability affordable.

This initiative demonstrates that the transition to sustainable construction is not only necessary but also feasible, providing a model for other cities that want to combine climate responsibility with affordable social housing.