In a world where climate change is a constant threat, district heating is emerging as a crucial focus for climate action. However, cities are struggling with significant obstacles in their efforts to be climate neutral cities by 2030. At Sit & Heat, we work closely with governments, cities and municipalities to bridge the gap between climate plans and actual climate action, especially in the field of sustainable heating. We are convinced that this transition is not only an opportunity to combat climate change, but also to improve the quality of life of our citizens and the health of our planet.
Redefining sustainable heating
In the face of climate change and ever higher but certainly lower temperature spikes, a pressing question arises: How can we combat the cold effectively and sustainably without exacerbating the problem we want to address? This challenge has us completely in its grip and is the reason for our journey been to come up with heating solutions that are part of the solution, not the problem. This is where we are firmly aligned with governments and cities on our path to NetZero.
Introducing: NetZeroCities
Sit & Heat is immensely proud to support Europe's ambition to become climate neutral. We are actively involved in the NetZeroCities project, which is in line with the EU's mission to achieve 100 climate-neutral European cities by 2030. NetZeroCities helps cities tackle specific problems on their way to climate neutrality by 2030 by offering tailored expertise and services.

Paving the way for a greener future
Alongside our ongoing product innovation, our journey begins with strong partnerships with governments, cities and municipalities. In these partnerships, we work closely together, to transform the transition from emission-intensive heating systems to our sustainable heat solutions. Through these important partnerships, we seek to provide accessible and sustainable heating solutions offer, not only in the Netherlands but worldwide. Our mission is fitting well into the picture of creating 'Net zero cities' across Europe, uniting to meet emission reduction targets and create smart cities for the future.
The power of cities
Cities have a significant influence not only in meeting climate targets set by international frameworks such as the COP21 Paris Agreement, but also in ensuring that our reduction efforts are equitable and contribute to the well-being of European citizens. Although cities occupy only 4% of the EU's land area, they house 75% of EU citizens, consume more than 65% of the world's energy and are responsible for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions, according to The Net Zero Cities Project.
Cities show the way
Cities occupy a unique position as forerunners of climate action and innovation on a global scale. While change can be daunting, Sit & Heat sees this transition as an opportunity to bring about positive change. We strongly believe in the ability of cities to explore new ways of living and working while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, starting with one of the most energy-intensive and carbon-producing activities: heating. We continue to work with cities to ensure that measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are equitable and enhance the well-being of European citizens.
Economic and environmental benefits
Cities reap multifaceted benefits from Sit & Heat's innovative solutions. In addition to environmental benefits, our heating innovations contribute to the economic health of urban areas. Across Europe, what were once barren winter terraces have blossomed into lively and cosy hotspots, attracting more and more customers during the colder months for a drink or a bite to eat. This increase in visitors leads to higher revenues for both businesses and governments, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. More hospitality translates into more tourism and a host of benefits for cities and regions.
United Progress
Addressing emissions reductions often reveals a gap between businesses and governments, where plans are difficult to implement and change proceeds at a slow pace. Our work provides expertise to cities, governments and businesses to enable the implementation of their stated goals. Sit & Heat tailors programmes and packages to easily fit cities' plans and budgets and work in accordance with established regulations and guidelines. Contacting us is easy and cities have done so with ease.
United Progress
Our cooperation with governments has made progress, from our participation in the European Green Capital initiative in Nijmegen to our collaboration in The Hague. We currently have several projects underway with local governments and municipalities in Eindhoven, Leiden, Utrecht, Zandvoort, Breda, Haarlem, Apeldoorn and beyond. By revolutionising the way we heat our terraces in cities, we are having a significant impact on emissions. This marks a step forward in Sit & Heat's mission to make heating more sustainable.
The Green Hospitality Challenge
In the Green Hospitality Challenge, we are joining forces with the city's hospitality industry to make over 20 terraces more sustainable. Our introduction of innovative heating pads, designed to minimise heat loss to the outside air, promises remarkable energy savings of up to 95%. This is an important step towards achieving net-zero cities. The Green Hospitality Challenge in Arnhem led to increased awareness among hospitality operators and customers about the significant energy consumption associated with gas or electricity heating. This has resulted in impressive savings of 224,400 kWh and 66,659 kg of CO2.
Europe's green capital: The role of Sit & Heat in Nijmegen's success
Sit & Heat is proud to have supported Nijmegen in achieving the title of ''European Green Capital'' in 2018. By spreading our innovative heating products throughout the city, we have actively contributed to increasing environmental awareness in the city. Sit & Heat continues to work closely with cities and municipalities on sustainable solutions. Such projects fit seamlessly with the broader mission to achieve climate neutrality and create climate-neutral cities by 2030.
Expressions of support and impact
Our steadfast commitment to tackling climate challenges through personalised heating, as opposed to ambient air heating, has earned recognition. In particular, we have received the support of the King of the Netherlands, who was deeply impressed by our approach to this pressing problem. By collaborating with numerous municipalities, local citizens have gained access to our products through subsidies. This collaborative process often includes upgrading outdoor heating systems, replacing emitting gas stoves and expensive electric heaters with our heated seats. This optimisation not only improves heating but also the look, benefiting both businesses and the local community.
EU policy in action
Europe has taken a clear stance on climate action and ambitious climate targets. Initiatives such as the Horizon Europe research and innovation programmes, the European Green Deal and the EU mission "100 climate-neutral cities by 2030" are pushing Europe towards a sustainable future.
Conclusion
Sit & Heat is committed to turning climate plans into action, especially in the field of sustainable heating. This journey offers an opportunity to combat climate change and improve lives. Through innovative heating solutions and partnerships with governments and cities, we are redefining heating and paving the way to a greener future. Cities, although small in land area, have enormous potential as beacons of change. Our journey from climate plans to climate action shows the collective progress in our mission to create a better, sustainable future.