Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Zon op alle Daken method
Zon op alle Daken (ZOAD) (Sun on all Roofs)
The Zon op alle Daken method is an innovative, social approach to the energy transition. We strive to create a more equitable society by alleviating (energy) poverty through solar projects. After analysing energy consumption, we create custom solar projects for our partners, considering spatial integrity. The profits from the sold green energy go towards local initatives which help improve the lives of those who need it the most.
Netherlands
National
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2019-09-13
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The Zon op alle Daken (ZOAD) (Sun on all Roofs) method is a transformative and inclusive approach to the energy transition, focused on making renewable energy more accessible and equitable, with a particular emphasis on those in energy poverty. The mission of the ZOAD method is to make the energy transition not only sustainable but also people-centred, prioritizing social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities. It enables vulnerable groups to actively participate in the energy transition, reducing energy costs for those who need it most.
The ZOAD method works by installing solar panels on large rooftops, such as those of community centres, agricultural roofs, care facilities, and rental housing, using community-led cooperative financing models that make renewable energy affordable for low-income households. The generated electricity is sold to a sustainable local energy provider, and the profits are reinvested into socially and environmentally responsible projects, such as energy efficiency upgrades for vulnerable households and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The flexible approach of the ZOAD method extends beyond solar energy to include wind power, hydropower, and solar carports. This makes the model scalable and adaptable to different regions and organizations. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the ZOAD method minimizes land use, reduces CO₂ emissions, and strengthens local energy resilience.
The ZOAD method aligns with the core values of the New European Bauhaus, integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics into the built environment. It fosters community participation, economic empowerment, and climate action, ensuring that the green transition benefits everyone, not just a privileged few.
This project represents a replicable and socially just model for the energy transition, serving as an inspiration across Europe, with the goal of creating a fairer and more sustainable energy future for all.
The ZOAD method works by installing solar panels on large rooftops, such as those of community centres, agricultural roofs, care facilities, and rental housing, using community-led cooperative financing models that make renewable energy affordable for low-income households. The generated electricity is sold to a sustainable local energy provider, and the profits are reinvested into socially and environmentally responsible projects, such as energy efficiency upgrades for vulnerable households and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The flexible approach of the ZOAD method extends beyond solar energy to include wind power, hydropower, and solar carports. This makes the model scalable and adaptable to different regions and organizations. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the ZOAD method minimizes land use, reduces CO₂ emissions, and strengthens local energy resilience.
The ZOAD method aligns with the core values of the New European Bauhaus, integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics into the built environment. It fosters community participation, economic empowerment, and climate action, ensuring that the green transition benefits everyone, not just a privileged few.
This project represents a replicable and socially just model for the energy transition, serving as an inspiration across Europe, with the goal of creating a fairer and more sustainable energy future for all.
Inclusive energy transition
community-driven sustainability
social equity
social empowerment
renewable energy access
The ZOAD method aims to make the energy transition inclusive, sustainable, and socially impactful, ensuring that renewable energy benefits those who need it most. Our key objectives in sustainability and how we meet them are:
Reducing CO2 emissions and advancing renewable energy. We provide our partners with insights into their CO₂ usage and support them in reducing their carbon footprint through decentralized solar and renewable energy projects. We aim to preserve the spatial integrity of the area, optimizing space as effectively as possible.
Ensuring affordable and accessible energy. Our projects make renewable energy financially accessible through Dutch government subsidies and cooperative models. This socially driven approach allows low-income households, tenants, and local communities to benefit from renewable energy—unlike traditional profit-driven energy transitions.
Strengthening local communities and fighting energy poverty. Our cooperative model enables direct participation, ensuring that citizens have a voice in decision-making and share in the benefits of the energy transition. We redistribute profits from solar energy sales into community-led initiatives.
The ZOAD method stands out as an exemplary model in sustainable energy transitions because it combines sustainability with social impact, actively addressing energy poverty. We use existing spaces efficiently, minimizing environmental impact and instead focusing on helping biodiversity flourish. We empower communities through local cooperatives, ensuring long-term engagement. In short, by prioritizing both climate action and social justice, ZOAD offers a replicable, community-centred model that can inspire sustainable energy transitions across Europe.
Reducing CO2 emissions and advancing renewable energy. We provide our partners with insights into their CO₂ usage and support them in reducing their carbon footprint through decentralized solar and renewable energy projects. We aim to preserve the spatial integrity of the area, optimizing space as effectively as possible.
Ensuring affordable and accessible energy. Our projects make renewable energy financially accessible through Dutch government subsidies and cooperative models. This socially driven approach allows low-income households, tenants, and local communities to benefit from renewable energy—unlike traditional profit-driven energy transitions.
Strengthening local communities and fighting energy poverty. Our cooperative model enables direct participation, ensuring that citizens have a voice in decision-making and share in the benefits of the energy transition. We redistribute profits from solar energy sales into community-led initiatives.
The ZOAD method stands out as an exemplary model in sustainable energy transitions because it combines sustainability with social impact, actively addressing energy poverty. We use existing spaces efficiently, minimizing environmental impact and instead focusing on helping biodiversity flourish. We empower communities through local cooperatives, ensuring long-term engagement. In short, by prioritizing both climate action and social justice, ZOAD offers a replicable, community-centred model that can inspire sustainable energy transitions across Europe.
The NEB highlights the importance of aesthetic quality and user experience in sustainability projects. We embrace this with the ZOAD method by ensuring that renewable energy solutions are not only functional and innovative, but they also conserve spatial integrity and community values. We achieve this through:
Architectural integration: Solar panels are installed in ways that enhance rather than disrupt the visual appeal of buildings. For monumental buildings, we find alternative solutions to ensure the ability to transition for every party.
Energy-positive and green urban spaces: we combine solar projects on land with making sure the biodiversity is maintained.
Educational and interactive elements: Communities are actively engaged in the co-creation and design of energy solutions, making sustainability a shared and experiential process.
We position ourselves at the heart of innovation and are enthusiastic about implementing new technologies, such as coloured solar panels.
We aren't afraid of complex sustainability issues, we think every organization deserves a chance to participate in the energy transition. Together with local communities we achieve innovative solutions, because of mutual & shared dedication.
Architectural integration: Solar panels are installed in ways that enhance rather than disrupt the visual appeal of buildings. For monumental buildings, we find alternative solutions to ensure the ability to transition for every party.
Energy-positive and green urban spaces: we combine solar projects on land with making sure the biodiversity is maintained.
Educational and interactive elements: Communities are actively engaged in the co-creation and design of energy solutions, making sustainability a shared and experiential process.
We position ourselves at the heart of innovation and are enthusiastic about implementing new technologies, such as coloured solar panels.
We aren't afraid of complex sustainability issues, we think every organization deserves a chance to participate in the energy transition. Together with local communities we achieve innovative solutions, because of mutual & shared dedication.
The ZOAD method is driven by the mission to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the energy transition, particularly those who need it most, with a strong focus on reducing energy poverty. We believe that sustainable energy should be accessible and affordable for all. The ZOAD method goes beyond simply sharing the financial benefits; it empowers communities to actively participate in decision-making processes about how the proceeds are used and distributed. As the project is owned by the cooperative, which in turn is rooted in the community where the energy is generated, it fosters a sense of ownership, inclusion, and collective responsibility.
A crucial element of this approach is the use of cooperatives, particularly GOED and local cooperatives, where even children are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas, contributing to a truly participatory and democratic governance structure. In these cooperatives, citizens are empowered to collectively participate in and influence the decision-making process, ensuring that local needs are met and that every voice is heard.
The proceeds from the sale of solar energy are reinvested into community-driven initiatives, such as energy-efficiency improvements for households in energy poverty, the development of green, climate-adaptive infrastructure, and making sure every energy bill in a community can be paid.
Through these efforts, with the ZOAD method we think the energy transition is not just about technological change but more about people and about social transformation. By prioritizing equity, engagement, and empowerment, the ZOAD method is developed as an exemplary model for inclusive societal change and demonstrates how the benefits of renewable energy can be shared equitably, driving real change in communities in need.
A crucial element of this approach is the use of cooperatives, particularly GOED and local cooperatives, where even children are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas, contributing to a truly participatory and democratic governance structure. In these cooperatives, citizens are empowered to collectively participate in and influence the decision-making process, ensuring that local needs are met and that every voice is heard.
The proceeds from the sale of solar energy are reinvested into community-driven initiatives, such as energy-efficiency improvements for households in energy poverty, the development of green, climate-adaptive infrastructure, and making sure every energy bill in a community can be paid.
Through these efforts, with the ZOAD method we think the energy transition is not just about technological change but more about people and about social transformation. By prioritizing equity, engagement, and empowerment, the ZOAD method is developed as an exemplary model for inclusive societal change and demonstrates how the benefits of renewable energy can be shared equitably, driving real change in communities in need.
Citizens have been deeply involved in the ZOAD project, playing a central role in both the decision-making process and in shaping how the project develops and benefits the community. The involvement of local communities is embedded within the core of the ZOAD methodology through the establishment of cooperatives such as GOED, Energie voor de Koepelkerk, Assens GOED and Amsterdams GOED and various local cooperatives. By involving citizens in the ZOAD project, they gain a deeper understanding of the value of their participation and how it directly impacts their community. For example, citizens who provide permission to use their rooftops for solar panels are not just helping generate renewable energy—they are also contributing to the financial sustainability of essential community services, such as the local community church. In this case, the energy generated from solar panels helps cover the church's energy bills, ensuring it can continue to serve the community without financial strain.
In summary, the citizens benefiting from the ZOAD method are not just end users; they are co-creators and active participants in shaping the future of their community. By involving citizens, we ensure that the project remains people-centred, socially just, and responsive to the unique needs of the community, ultimately making the transition to renewable energy a shared, empowering experience.
In summary, the citizens benefiting from the ZOAD method are not just end users; they are co-creators and active participants in shaping the future of their community. By involving citizens, we ensure that the project remains people-centred, socially just, and responsive to the unique needs of the community, ultimately making the transition to renewable energy a shared, empowering experience.
For the implementation of our method, we cooperate with local, regional and national actors. We help various government agencies in their efforts to enhance sustainable practices. These are municipalities and their respective branches involved in the energy transition. Examples include the municipality Smilde and Christian housing association Patrimonium in Groningen. Furthermore, we work with other national, regional and local non-profit partners, like FIXbrigade and the Energiebank. Finally, we work with for-profit organisations to realize the solar infrastructure.
The design of our method was realised by Musetta van Wetsingh and Hotze Hofstra who, guided by experience in the energy transition and passion for social equity, established this method together.
The design of our method was realised by Musetta van Wetsingh and Hotze Hofstra who, guided by experience in the energy transition and passion for social equity, established this method together.
Our project integrates multiple disciplines to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach to the energy transition. Our solar engineers analyse energy usage and develop custom, innovative solutions for solar installations, while our communication and participation team focuses on engaging local stakeholders and ensuring community involvement.
Collaboration between these disciplines is crucial for the successful design and implementation of each project. Throughout various stages, input from the communication team helps shape awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement strategies, and participatory decision-making, ensuring that all affected actors are informed and involved.
This interdisciplinary approach not only strengthens the quality and social impact of our projects but also fosters a dynamic learning environment. By bridging technical expertise with community-driven participation, we create more effective, accepted, and impactful renewable energy solutions, reinforcing our commitment to an equitable and inclusive energy transition.
Collaboration between these disciplines is crucial for the successful design and implementation of each project. Throughout various stages, input from the communication team helps shape awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement strategies, and participatory decision-making, ensuring that all affected actors are informed and involved.
This interdisciplinary approach not only strengthens the quality and social impact of our projects but also fosters a dynamic learning environment. By bridging technical expertise with community-driven participation, we create more effective, accepted, and impactful renewable energy solutions, reinforcing our commitment to an equitable and inclusive energy transition.
The ZOAD method stands out for its strong social focus, distinguishing it from mainstream energy cooperatives. While many projects prioritize technological and financial aspects, we place equity and community empowerment at the core of our approach. Our goal is not only to advance the shift to renewable energy but to ensure that this transition actively benefits those experiencing (energy) poverty and facilitates a more equitable society.
What makes the ZOAD method truly innovative is its cooperative model, which directly involves local communities in both decision-making and profit redistribution. By reinforcing social cohesion and inclusivity, we go beyond sustainability alone—driving a just and community-centred energy transition that fosters both climate resilience and social equity. This dedication is reflected in the establishment of local ‘child-cooperatives’: Energie voor de Koepelkerk, Assens GOED and Amsterdams GOED. These cooperatives were created to enhance the local bearing of the solar projects. Furthermore, our GenZ cooperative is particularly catered towards the inclusion of young individuals.
What makes the ZOAD method truly innovative is its cooperative model, which directly involves local communities in both decision-making and profit redistribution. By reinforcing social cohesion and inclusivity, we go beyond sustainability alone—driving a just and community-centred energy transition that fosters both climate resilience and social equity. This dedication is reflected in the establishment of local ‘child-cooperatives’: Energie voor de Koepelkerk, Assens GOED and Amsterdams GOED. These cooperatives were created to enhance the local bearing of the solar projects. Furthermore, our GenZ cooperative is particularly catered towards the inclusion of young individuals.
With the ZOAD method, solar panels are installed on large (agricultural) roofs, fields or carparks. These could include community buildings such as gymnasiums, care facilities, or rental housing complexes that have technical issues connection solar panels directly to the apartments. We are approached by a wide variety of national, regional and local actors desiring a sustainability transformation. We conduct a general stocktaking of energy usage and subsequently propose and realise a solar project. The solar parks are financed through funds, subsidies and loans, ensuring accessibility, and they pay for themselves after generating solar energy. The generated solar power directly benefits the local area. The electricity is sold to a sustainable local energy company, with revenues reinvested into social initiatives that support the community. This approach strengthens local ties and ensures that all community members can actively participate in and benefit from the energy transition.
Key aspects of the ZOAD method’s participatory framework include community-led energy cooperatives, ensuring local ownership and active citizen participation. Municipal support and collaboration enable policy alignment and large-scale implementation. Finally, with our Generation Zero Emissions (GenZ) cooperative, we empower young individuals to take control of the energy transition. As the only youth-led energy cooperative in the Netherlands, it ensures that funds benefit local communities, supporting initiatives like events, sports clubs, or school projects. By involving youth in decision-making and expanding solar energy to schools, scouting centres, and public spaces, GenZ makes the energy transition fair, inclusive, and impactful for the next generation.
By engaging stakeholders across multiple levels, the ZOAD method enhances knowledge exchange, shared responsibility, and long-term impact.
Key aspects of the ZOAD method’s participatory framework include community-led energy cooperatives, ensuring local ownership and active citizen participation. Municipal support and collaboration enable policy alignment and large-scale implementation. Finally, with our Generation Zero Emissions (GenZ) cooperative, we empower young individuals to take control of the energy transition. As the only youth-led energy cooperative in the Netherlands, it ensures that funds benefit local communities, supporting initiatives like events, sports clubs, or school projects. By involving youth in decision-making and expanding solar energy to schools, scouting centres, and public spaces, GenZ makes the energy transition fair, inclusive, and impactful for the next generation.
By engaging stakeholders across multiple levels, the ZOAD method enhances knowledge exchange, shared responsibility, and long-term impact.
The ZOAD method is an innovative, adaptable model that can be transferred and reproduced in various locations and settings. Its flexibility allows for implementation in urban, suburban, and rural environments, adapting to diverse community needs. Simultaneously, it permits integration with different energy sources, creating customized renewable energy ecosystems. It is scalable from small neighbourhoods to entire cities, ensuring accessibility to renewable energy at different levels.
This adaptability makes the ZOAD method a future-proof solution that can be continuously expanded and optimized, setting a precedent for sustainable energy transitions worldwide. The presented method is highly suitable for replication in foreign countries. Adaptation to the local community and technological advancement is inherent to the approach and therefore permits copying of the methods relatively easily.
This adaptability makes the ZOAD method a future-proof solution that can be continuously expanded and optimized, setting a precedent for sustainable energy transitions worldwide. The presented method is highly suitable for replication in foreign countries. Adaptation to the local community and technological advancement is inherent to the approach and therefore permits copying of the methods relatively easily.
With the ZOAD method we address several pressing global challenges by providing local, community-driven solutions. One of the most critical global issues it tackles is energy poverty. Across the world, millions of people face the dual challenge of rising energy costs and limited access to renewable energy. With the ZOAD method we directly combat this by making sustainable energy both accessible and affordable to low-income households. Through the installation of solar panels on community rooftops, such as those of churches, care facilities, and rental housing, we ensure that the benefits of renewable energy reach the people who need it most.
Another significant global challenge we address with the ZOAD method is the climate crisis. By using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, we help reduce CO₂ emissions at the local level, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The ZOAD method not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also fosters the development of green, climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring that the community is better equipped to withstand the effects and the fast innovation of climate change.
Summarized, with the ZOAD method we provide a solution to global challenges by combining affordable renewable energy, climate action and social equity at the local level. The ZOAD method is flexible when it comes to climate adaptation and innovation, demonstrates how communities can be empowered to tackle energy poverty, reduce carbon footprints, and create more inclusive, sustainable societies, offering a model that can be replicated to address both local and global challenges.
Another significant global challenge we address with the ZOAD method is the climate crisis. By using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, we help reduce CO₂ emissions at the local level, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The ZOAD method not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also fosters the development of green, climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring that the community is better equipped to withstand the effects and the fast innovation of climate change.
Summarized, with the ZOAD method we provide a solution to global challenges by combining affordable renewable energy, climate action and social equity at the local level. The ZOAD method is flexible when it comes to climate adaptation and innovation, demonstrates how communities can be empowered to tackle energy poverty, reduce carbon footprints, and create more inclusive, sustainable societies, offering a model that can be replicated to address both local and global challenges.
The biggest aim of the ZOAD method is to reduce energy poverty and help households and communities that need some help to pay their energy bills or make the transition to a more sustainable future. In order to do that we use the ZOAD method to generate sustainable energy and use the profits, money or sustainable energy, to help these households and communities. To express the outcomes of projects we would like to share some data of energy generation of projects where we used the ZOAD method for.
Please see the attached documents for more detailed information.
How the generated energy is being used for several projects that used the ZOAD method, is described below.
Christian Housing Foundation Patrimonium and the GOED cooperative will jointly alleviate energy poverty with solar panels on two roofs of the housing association. At the end of May, a total of 222 panels were installed on the roof of Schoolholm 10 and 17. The sustainably generated electricity is sold. In this way, about 20-25 households are supplied with green energy. And the proceeds are distributed to tenants in energy poverty at Schoolholm, who live under the GOED roofs.
In the Dutch province Frisia, the barn of Bert Hoekstra and Pietie Faber has become a GOED roof. More than 150 solar panels were installed. The profits of the generated energy are directed towards Dorpsbelang Hilaard (Village Interest Hilaard), which invests it in local sustainability projects, like enhancing the sustainability of the community centre.
Please see the attached documents for more detailed information.
How the generated energy is being used for several projects that used the ZOAD method, is described below.
Christian Housing Foundation Patrimonium and the GOED cooperative will jointly alleviate energy poverty with solar panels on two roofs of the housing association. At the end of May, a total of 222 panels were installed on the roof of Schoolholm 10 and 17. The sustainably generated electricity is sold. In this way, about 20-25 households are supplied with green energy. And the proceeds are distributed to tenants in energy poverty at Schoolholm, who live under the GOED roofs.
In the Dutch province Frisia, the barn of Bert Hoekstra and Pietie Faber has become a GOED roof. More than 150 solar panels were installed. The profits of the generated energy are directed towards Dorpsbelang Hilaard (Village Interest Hilaard), which invests it in local sustainability projects, like enhancing the sustainability of the community centre.
