Accelerating Housing Development & Contributing to Climate Goals

NICE Developers municipalities in rapidly and effectively expanding their housing stock while complying with the Paris Agreement. By developing Paris Proof residential buildings and area developments, we are working together to bring about change. Are you striving for a healthy, future-proof city? A better future starts with you!

Change is urgent for municipalities. Climate legislation in Europe (following the Paris Agreement) obliges governments to actively contribute to CO₂ reduction. The goal is to remain below a 1.5-degree temperature increase, but if we continue to build with concrete at the current pace, we will surpass that limit as early as 2027! If municipalities build circularly, using biobased materials and adhering to the European Sustainable Goals (ESGs), the set targets are achievable. There is often a lack of knowledge and experience in this area, but we can help! We possess this experience. Paris Proof construction in wood is feasible, as we are already doing it. Furthermore, it does not necessarily have a negative impact on land exploitation.

The urgency for more Paris Proof residential buildings is clear. Additionally, topics such as increased inclusivity, participation, reduced loneliness, and community connection are important for municipalities. Which municipality does not strive for this? Which municipality does not want to take the step towards a healthy, climate-adaptive, biodiverse, and connected city for the future? But the most important question is: which municipality acts upon this necessity? Because that is, of course, what truly matters!

Densification

With Paris Proof new construction or by adding wooden top-ups, we densify existing urban areas. Due to our focus on participation with (local) residents, we always ensure sufficient support. Through densification, we contribute to the 15-minute city, where residents find all amenities within their own neighborhood (within a 15-minute walk or bike ride). This reduces traffic movements, which contributes to CO₂ reduction. We involve the community from the outset and, thanks to our experience with timber construction, are able to contribute quickly and efficiently to the densification challenge. The only thing municipalities need to do is dare. Dare to request this in tenders and procurements. This requires ambition, vision, and legal accuracy. We can assist with all of this. Not fear, but ambition drives us forward. Fears of higher costs for timber construction or a negative effect on the GREX are not necessarily justified. So municipalities: take your responsibility! Let's reduce CO₂ emissions from construction and fulfill the agreements made in Paris.

Quickscan

We help municipalities take action. We do this by conducting a Quickscan within four weeks, which clarifies the feasibility of timber construction. This applies to individual residential buildings as well as area developments. We advise municipalities and assist in drafting conditions for tenders and procurements. The result? More biobased buildings that store CO₂, are circular, and make a positive contribution to the climate and the neighborhood.

We understand that a municipality does not own all land and – for the healthy development of a city – is also dependent on other parties. However, this by no means renders municipalities powerless. We observe that a good example inspires others to follow. What happens, for instance, with the (re)development, construction, or sustainability efforts of municipal real estate such as schools and sports facilities? These are prime locations to make a statement. A statement for a healthy, green future for all residents.

Distinctive Approach

What sets our approach apart is that we collaborate with Mei architects and planners to design at Mei architects and planners the urban and building levels. We combine our extensive design knowledge with our knowledge of and experience in the development of areas and wooden buildings. The development of SAWA ensures that we are leaders in the Netherlands in the field of circular timber construction. We are also increasingly able to compete on price with traditional concrete construction. This means that the municipality's land prices are not put under pressure.

Would you like to know how you can realize wooden and circular residential buildings in your municipality that contribute to a better climate and are good for people and the neighborhood? We would be happy to discuss this with you and offer you our clear vision and progressive ideas on a silver platter. We feel the urgency that you undoubtedly feel too, and we are ready NICE Buildings more NICE Buildings .