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.

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.

  • 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.

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.

Book an appointment

Do you have any other questions? Email aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl (aardgasvrij[dot]boschstraatkwartier[at]maastricht[dot]nl)

Summary of previous meetings

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Discussing the future of Boschstraatkwartier together

    With coffee, cake and time to catch up with neighbours, the meeting about a future energy system for Boschstraatkwartier started on Thursday 8 October. More than 30 residents came together to learn about the options being explored and to discuss what these could mean for their homes.
    During the meeting, we looked back at the steps taken so far. Consultancy firm DWA then presented the results of the technical study into possible alternatives to natural gas in Boschstraatkwartier.

    What does the study show?

    The study looked at different heating solutions, including several types of heat pumps and a district heating network. It considered costs, the space required, changes needed in homes and living comfort.
    The results show that a district heating network is currently the most promising option for Boschstraatkwartier, particularly for apartments. For some terraced and detached houses, a heat pump could also be an attractive option.

    No final decision has been made yet. More research is needed first. For example, an underground survey is required to find out where pipes could be installed, taking into account the infrastructure already in the ground. We also need to look at how the pipes could be installed and what impact this would have on the overall costs.

    Questions from residents

    After the presentation, residents continued the discussion in smaller groups. The discussion tables gave people the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and talk further with each other.
    This led to conversations about practical topics such as: What changes would be needed in my home? Who pays for any adaptations? How does a homeowners’ association (HOA) make decisions? And what can I do if my boiler needs replacing soon?

    Residents also shared what they need in order to take the next steps. For example, clear information about costs, grants and financing options. They also asked for more insight into the timetable and a better understanding of who makes which decisions and when. For older and listed buildings, there were questions about what is possible and who can provide support.

    Stay informed

    One of the wishes expressed during the evening was to stay informed about developments, including between meetings. We are taking that on board and are looking at the best way to do this.
    In the meantime, you can contact us at aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl (aardgasvrij[dot]boschstraatkwartier[at]maastricht[dot]nl) if you have any questions about making Boschstraatkwartier natural gas-free.

    The questions, experiences and points raised during the evening will help us develop the plans further. Many thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion about the future of Boschstraatkwartier!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • 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.