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5 Ways the Beurs is [Probably] Smarter than you

Date:11 February 2020
Author:Sinead Walsh
The Beurs
The Beurs

1. Fossil Fuel Free 

The Beurs is an entirely renewable energy powered building. All old oil radiators were removed during the renovation process. It runs on entirely electricity with zero gas or any fossil fuels being used. It is the first all-electric educational monument building in the Netherlands.

The Beurs, 1880. Source: Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden
The Beurs, 1880. Source: Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden

2. Gets all its Nutrients from the Dutch Sun

Although we wish we could sometimes, because it would make our lives much easier, we cannot get all our nutrients from the sun. However, the Beurs can, here are 362 solar panels on the roof producing around 900 kilowatts of power per month. Obviously different types of equipment consume different amounts of energy. But to give you an idea, one kW powers roughly three hours of watching your favourite series on TV, two days on your laptop or boiling the kettle ten times.

The Beurs in its Library days. Source: Leeuwarder Courant
The Beurs in its Library days. Source: Leeuwarder Courant

3. It Always has Good Lighting 
The Beurs has completely made the switch from halogen and incandescent bulbs to LED lighting. This is a very smart and energy-efficient move. LED lights only lose 5% of its energy through the heat it produces converting the other 95% into light. Aside from the obvious energy-saving factor there’s is also a sustainability factor. LED lighting has a much longer operational life, lasting up to 25 times longer than halogen and incandescent bulbs.

4. Balanced like a Yogi 

Unlike most of us, the Beurs is pretty balanced and zen. The amazing restoration team for the building has managed to balance 100% old and 100% new throughout their process. The builders realigned the windows to the ground floor which is how they used to be positioned when it was built in 1880.

The Beurs, 2019. Source: UKrant
The Beurs, 2019. Source: UKrant

5. From the Ground Up
A combined heat and power plant has been drilled into the floor and the floor has been insulated. Extra walls have been installed to help insulate the monumental single-paned glass. This was done to ensure the insulation value of the facade so that we don’t lose heat or energy through the walls. Going from an energy label of G, which is the lowest, to earning a B, the second-highest. 

About the author

Sinead Walsh
Hey there! My name is Sinead Walsh. I grew up in Ireland and I'm in the process of figuring out life as an international student in the Netherlands. Aside from an interest in politics and the environment, I am currently studying an MSc in Sustainable Entrepreneurship at Campus Fryslân. You'll see me around the campus almost daily so don't be afraid to come up for a chat any time!