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 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.

  • Many buildings in the Boschstraat neighborhood already have a shared heating system for the apartments. And even if they don’t have that yet, most buildings have the space and the necessary piping to install a district heating network. That’s why this is a good option for transitioning to natural gas-free heating in the Boschstraatkwartier, and we are seriously exploring this solution. 

  • A heat pump takes up space, both inside and outside the home. In many buildings, there isn’t enough space for one. Sometimes modifications aren’t possible either, for example, because the building is a historic landmark. Whether you can install your own heat pump must therefore be assessed on a building-by-building basis.

  • Our research into the various natural gas-free options for heating the Boschstraatkwartier is the first step. In the coming period, we will further analyze the costs and implications. We’ll keep you updated on this page.

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.

Upcoming activities

The Pop-Up Energy Hub will be at Lakenweversplein on Friday 28 August. We also visited the square on 3 June. You can read more about that visit in the drop-down section at the bottom of this page. Want to come along on 28 August? Keep an eye on your letterbox and this page for more information.

If you cannot attend but would still like to share something with us, please email aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl.

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 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 questions? Email aardgasvrij.boschstraatkwartier [at] maastricht.nl (aardgasvrij[dot]boschstraatkwartier[at]maastricht[dot]nl)

Files and reports

  • Many buildings in the Boschstraat neighborhood already have a shared heating system for the apartments. And even if they don’t have that yet, most buildings have the space and the necessary piping to install a district heating network. That’s why this is a good option for transitioning to natural gas-free heating in the Boschstraatkwartier, and we are seriously exploring this solution. 

  • A heat pump takes up space, both inside and outside the home. In many buildings, there isn’t enough space for one. Sometimes modifications aren’t possible either, for example, because the building is a historic landmark. Whether you can install your own heat pump must therefore be assessed on a building-by-building basis.

  • Our research into the various natural gas-free options for heating the Boschstraatkwartier is the first step. In the coming period, we will further analyze the costs and implications. We’ll keep you updated on this page.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • Many buildings in the Boschstraat neighborhood already have a shared heating system for the apartments. And even if they don’t have that yet, most buildings have the space and the necessary piping to install a district heating network. That’s why this is a good option for transitioning to natural gas-free heating in the Boschstraatkwartier, and we are seriously exploring this solution. 

  • A heat pump takes up space, both inside and outside the home. In many buildings, there isn’t enough space for one. Sometimes modifications aren’t possible either, for example, because the building is a historic landmark. Whether you can install your own heat pump must therefore be assessed on a building-by-building basis.

  • Our research into the various natural gas-free options for heating the Boschstraatkwartier is the first step. In the coming period, we will further analyze the costs and implications. We’ll keep you updated on this page.