Insulate

Voorschoten Launches a Quick Assessment for Protected Species

More and more residents of Voorschoten are making their homes more energy-efficient. This saves energy and is good for the climate. However, protected species such as bats, swifts, and house sparrows sometimes live in and around homes. To gain a better understanding of these species and the areas where they live, the municipality has launched an initial study: a quick scan. This study will serve as the basis for developing a species management plan (SMP). For this study, the municipality is collaborating with Habitus, an ecological consulting firm.

What is a species management plan?

A Species Management Plan (SMP) specifies where protected animals live and how we take them into account—for example, during renovations or insulation work. An SMP makes it easier for residents to make their homes more sustainable. You will no longer need to arrange for an inspection to determine whether protected animals are present; the municipality will handle this for you.

What does this mean for residents?

The species management plan is not yet in place. Therefore, the national regulations for nature and wildlife currently apply. This means that, for certain types of insulation (or other work on your home), you must first have the area inspected to determine whether any protected animals are present. We refer to this as an ecological survey.

Insulation is not always immediately permitted in the following cases:

• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Some types of roof insulation (especially on the exterior or on the roof structure)

This type of work often requires an ecological assessment. Are there any protected animals in the area? If so, you’ll also need to apply for a permit.

Insulation is often permitted immediately in the following cases:

• Insulation on the inside (such as floor or subfloor insulation)
• Minor work that does not affect living quarters

Please note: You must always treat animals and their habitats with care. This is known as the duty of care.

Temporary situation

At this time, there is no Species Management Plan (SMP) in place, so residents must arrange for their own surveys. Once the Species Management Plan is finalized, this process will become simpler and faster. The municipality will keep you informed of progress through the usual channels.

More information

Is construction taking place at or near your home? And would you like to know what to do about protected animal species? If so, visit the website of the Zuid-Holland Zuid Environmental Agency for more information on how to handle protected animal and plant species during construction work.

When making their homes more sustainable, many homeowners choose to insulate their cavity walls, floors, and/or crawl spaces. On the one hand, this leads to lower_{CO2 emissions} and reduced energy consumption, resulting in significant savings on energy bills. On the other hand, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and protected species.

EPS beads have been the most commonly used insulation material in cavity walls for decades. EPS stands for expanded polystyrene, better known as Styrofoam. EPS is used in the form of loose beads, also known as pearls. Hence the name EPS beads. When filling cavity walls, the EPS beads are blown into the cavity along with a thin layer of liquid adhesive. The adhesive causes the beads to stick together, preventing them from sinking into the cavity.

Prevent environmental damage

During or after filling the cavity, be careful to ensure that no EPS beads end up on the street, in your yard, or in public green spaces. This is because spills can sometimes occur when removing the nozzle from the opening in the wall or when refilling the equipment used to blow the EPS beads into the cavity or crawl space. EPS beads can also escape into the surrounding area through open cavity structures. The problem with this is that EPS beads are not biodegradable and therefore cause long-term environmental pollution. Needless to say, this is undesirable.

If EPS beads end up in public spaces, you—as the client commissioning the work—are responsible, together with the insulation company, for cleaning them up. Therefore, please remind the insulation company that spilled EPS beads must be thoroughly cleaned up, including in your yard. By doing so, you’ll prevent long-term environmental contamination. Furthermore, you’ll prevent the municipality or the environmental agency from having to take enforcement action.

Your home loses heat mainly through the roof, walls, windows, and floor. If your home is wrapped in a thick layer of insulation, you’ll retain heat more effectively. Not sure exactly what kind of insulation is in your roof, exterior walls, floor, and windows? Then take the Milieu Centraal self-assessment at. With the practical instructions, a lighter, and a measuring tape, you can find out for yourself.

You can request a customized online consultation at the Regional Energy Help Desk at . Fill out the home planner to learn which measures are best for your specific situation. You can also contact the Regional Energy Help Desk with any questions you may have about insulation options, grants, contractors, and requesting quotes.

Energy Subsidy Guide

There are various grants and programs available to help you make your plans a reality. The Energy Grant Guide at provides information on which grants and programs you may be eligible for.

The insulation subsidy is intended for residents of Voorschoten whose homes are poorly insulated. There are at least two requirements for taking advantage of this program:

• Your home has an energy efficiency rating of D, E, F, or G, or at least two parts of the home are poorly insulated or not insulated at all.
• Your home has a WOZ value of up to €596,000 (value as of January 1, 2024).

Sustainable Construction Help Desk

Applications for the insulation subsidy could be submitted through June 30, 2026, to the Duurzaam Bouwloket, the energy information center of the municipality of Voorschoten. For more information about the insulation subsidy, please visit the Duurzaam Bouwloket website at .

Residents could apply for the insulation subsidy through June 30, 2026, at the Duurzaam Bouwloket, the energy assistance office of the municipality of Voorschoten.