Natural gas-free Boschstraatkwartier
In Boschstraatkwartier, we are working with residents and local businesses to explore how the neighbourhood can move away from natural gas in a way that is realistic and affordable. On this page, you can read more about the latest developments and upcoming activities in the neighbourhood.
Why Boschstraatkwartier?
The municipality needs to make all homes in Maastricht natural gas-free by 2050. We are looking at the options neighbourhood by neighbourhood, because each neighbourhood is different and offers different opportunities. Boschstraatkwartier is not the only neighbourhood where we have started exploring the options. We are doing this in several other places too.
The Boschstraatkwartier is quite a unique neighborhood. It features a wide variety of housing types: historic buildings, apartments, townhouses, rental and owner-occupied homes, and homeowners’ associations (VvEs). That’s why there isn’t a single natural gas-free solution that works for everyone. We will have to assess the options on a building-by-building basis.
Natural gas-free heating
We've been exploring which natural gas-free heating options are well-suited to the Boschstraatkwartier neighbourhood. Of course, we have involved residents, landlords and experts in this research. We've visited various homes and buildings and assessed the current status of both the buildings and the heating within. We also looked at the costs. energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with central heating boilers and natural gas. This will be our baseline for comparing the various natural gas-free solutions. In doing so, we will consider not only what is technically feasible but also the implications for residents.
Help with our research and win a prize
Did you enter our prize draw yet? You can still take part until 11 september 2026.
We would like to learn more about the space where your boiler is located. Why? Because we want to help everyone move away from natural gas. Many alternatives to natural gas need extra space in the home. That is why we are asking residents to send us a photo of the room or area where their boiler is installed. This helps us understand what these spaces look like and what natural gas free options may be possible.
Everyone who sends in a photo will have a chance to win a Stoov heated cushion. You can send your photo to us up to and including 11 September 2026. The winner will receive a personal email from us.
Please send a photo of the space where your boiler is located, together with your address, to: aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl
What are our natural gas free options?
There are several ways to heat homes without natural gas. Below, we explain the various options and discuss why each solution may or may not be a good fit for the Boschstraatkwartier.
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With district heating, or a heat network, heat is produced at a central location and delivered to homes through underground pipes. Inside the home, a small unit replaces the gas boiler and provides both heating and hot water.
Our research shows that a heat network could be a good solution for a large part of the Boschstraatkwartier. Buildings with a shared heating system, a basement or existing pipework appear to be particularly well suited to this option.
Medium-temperature or low-temperature?
A heat network can supply heat in two ways: at a medium temperature (around 70°C) or at a low temperature.
A medium-temperature heat network works well with existing radiators. This makes it suitable for homes that are difficult to insulate, such as many listed and historic buildings. For that reason, it could be a good fit for the Boschstraatkwartier.
A low-temperature heat network is more energy-efficient, but it requires homes to be better insulated.
In the Boschstraatkwartier, we could start with a medium-temperature heat network. As more homes in the neighbourhood are improved and better insulated, the temperature of the network could gradually be reduced. This would make the heat network even more energy-efficient in the future.
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With your own, personal heat pump, you only heat your own home. You need enough space for the different parts of the system: an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a hot water cylinder. The heat pump can be connected to your existing radiators or underfloor heating.
In many cases, this is difficult in Boschstraatkwartier. Many homes have limited space, some are listed buildings, and the layout of certain properties makes installation challenging. As a result, this option is only suitable for a small number of homes.
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In some apartments or houses, a single heat pump can provide heating and hot water for the entire building. This means one installation can serve several homes at the same time.
For a number of buildings in the Boschstraatkwartier, this appears to be technically possible. However, there must be enough space for the heat pump, and this will vary from one building to another.
What's next?
No decision has been made yet. We have reviewed all the natural gas-free options listed above and will now further investigate which one would work best for the Boschstraatkwartier. We will examine:
- the costs for residents
- the timeline
- the permits
- the impact on historic buildings
- the implications for homeowners’ associations and other special situations.
Only then will we take the next steps.
What can you do yourself?
You can start today with simple measures that you will benefit from straight away. One example is insulation. This can save a lot of energy, especially in homes built before 1992. Homes built after 1992 are often already well insulated.
Need help or are you not sure what to do? Book a free advice session with one of CNME’s energy coaches. They will visit you at home and give advice and practical tips that suit your situation. You can make your home more comfortable and use less energy – step by step.
Do you have any other questions? Email aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl (aardgasvrij[dot]boschstraatkwartier[at]maastricht[dot]nl)
Invitation: Residents' meeting on 8 October 2026
You're invited to the next residents' meeting on Thursday 8 October 2026 in the Atrium at The Social Hub.
Join us to discuss our plans for moving the Boschstraatkwartier away from natural gas. During the meeting, we will mainly talk about the technical solutions and the costs involved. There will also be plenty of time to ask questions and share your ideas.
- What: Residents' meeting
- When: 8 October 2026
- Where: The Social Hub Atrium
If you cannot attend but would still like to share your thoughts, please email us at aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl.
Summary of previous meetings
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With district heating, or a heat network, heat is produced at a central location and delivered to homes through underground pipes. Inside the home, a small unit replaces the gas boiler and provides both heating and hot water.
Our research shows that a heat network could be a good solution for a large part of the Boschstraatkwartier. Buildings with a shared heating system, a basement or existing pipework appear to be particularly well suited to this option.
Medium-temperature or low-temperature?
A heat network can supply heat in two ways: at a medium temperature (around 70°C) or at a low temperature.
A medium-temperature heat network works well with existing radiators. This makes it suitable for homes that are difficult to insulate, such as many listed and historic buildings. For that reason, it could be a good fit for the Boschstraatkwartier.
A low-temperature heat network is more energy-efficient, but it requires homes to be better insulated.
In the Boschstraatkwartier, we could start with a medium-temperature heat network. As more homes in the neighbourhood are improved and better insulated, the temperature of the network could gradually be reduced. This would make the heat network even more energy-efficient in the future.
-
With your own, personal heat pump, you only heat your own home. You need enough space for the different parts of the system: an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a hot water cylinder. The heat pump can be connected to your existing radiators or underfloor heating.
In many cases, this is difficult in Boschstraatkwartier. Many homes have limited space, some are listed buildings, and the layout of certain properties makes installation challenging. As a result, this option is only suitable for a small number of homes.
-
In some apartments or houses, a single heat pump can provide heating and hot water for the entire building. This means one installation can serve several homes at the same time.
For a number of buildings in the Boschstraatkwartier, this appears to be technically possible. However, there must be enough space for the heat pump, and this will vary from one building to another.
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Thank you for visiting!
On Friday 28 August, the Pop-Up Energy Hub visited Lakenweversplein in Boschstraatkwartier. Many residents stopped by for a chat or to ask for advice. People also shared some great ideas with us, and we are very pleased about that.
A great meeting in the neighbourhood
Residents enjoyed talking with each other and with the experts who were there, while having a drink and a snack provided by a local caterer. Some children also created some lovely colouring pictures.
Several people were present during the afternoon to help residents. Visitors could speak with the VvE advisers and discuss the different options for apartment buildings with a Homeowners’ Association (VvE). An energy coach shared practical tips on small energy-saving measures that residents could start using straight away at home. Appointments were also made for personal advice sessions and follow-up conversations.
Would you like to book a free advice session too? Please contact CNME.
Staff from the municipality were also there to listen to your questions, wishes and needs. What matters most to you? What concerns do you have? What do you need to help you move away from natural gas in the future? These conversations help us develop the plans further.
How will the project continue?
We have spoken with residents and carried out technical research. What have we learned? There is no single solution that works well for everyone. That is why we will continue developing different options. We are looking at costs, ease of use, and the possibilities for listed buildings and apartment buildings with a VvE.
No final decision has been made yet. That is exactly why it is important for us to keep discussing the next steps with residents.
Let's keep talking
Would you like to share an idea or do you have any questions? Please let us know by emailing aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl (aardgasvrij[dot]boschstraatkwartier[at]maastricht[dot]nl). Your opinion is important to us.
Together, we are taking steps towards a future-ready Boschstraatkwartier. Thank you for your involvement, and we hope to see you at the next meeting.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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With district heating, or a heat network, heat is produced at a central location and delivered to homes through underground pipes. Inside the home, a small unit replaces the gas boiler and provides both heating and hot water.
Our research shows that a heat network could be a good solution for a large part of the Boschstraatkwartier. Buildings with a shared heating system, a basement or existing pipework appear to be particularly well suited to this option.
Medium-temperature or low-temperature?
A heat network can supply heat in two ways: at a medium temperature (around 70°C) or at a low temperature.
A medium-temperature heat network works well with existing radiators. This makes it suitable for homes that are difficult to insulate, such as many listed and historic buildings. For that reason, it could be a good fit for the Boschstraatkwartier.
A low-temperature heat network is more energy-efficient, but it requires homes to be better insulated.
In the Boschstraatkwartier, we could start with a medium-temperature heat network. As more homes in the neighbourhood are improved and better insulated, the temperature of the network could gradually be reduced. This would make the heat network even more energy-efficient in the future.
-
With your own, personal heat pump, you only heat your own home. You need enough space for the different parts of the system: an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a hot water cylinder. The heat pump can be connected to your existing radiators or underfloor heating.
In many cases, this is difficult in Boschstraatkwartier. Many homes have limited space, some are listed buildings, and the layout of certain properties makes installation challenging. As a result, this option is only suitable for a small number of homes.
-
In some apartments or houses, a single heat pump can provide heating and hot water for the entire building. This means one installation can serve several homes at the same time.
For a number of buildings in the Boschstraatkwartier, this appears to be technically possible. However, there must be enough space for the heat pump, and this will vary from one building to another.