The world is changing at a rapid pace. We are all facing major social challenges: the creation of a sustainable society. All this in the context of the environmental pressure on the earth, the increasing scarcity of raw materials and the growing influence of technology. This calls for a community platform where Limburg entrepreneurs from numerous sectors can find each other and strengthen each other.With shiftLimburg we are focusing on the four transitions: Energy, Circularity, Health & Digitalization. In this way we work together towards a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg.

This article is part of a 4-part series on the four transitions that are central to this platform. 

The LWV is committed to creating the most attractive business climate possible in Limburg. LIOF is the regional development company for enterprising and innovative Limburg. Our common ambition? To make Limburg future-proof. With knowledge, advice and a network, we help entrepreneurs to take the first step.

LIOF has formed a special team around each transition. Martin Schreurs is transition lead of the energy team. He talks about the current energy transition and the challenges in Limburg. Sonja Demandt of LWV follows up on this: she explains which tools there are for entrepreneurs, so that they can start working on sustainability independently.

The first meeting was held in April.

The four transitions energy, circularity, health and digitalization are crucial for the future of Limburg. LIOF wants to contribute to solving the biggest challenges Limburg is facing.

"We try to help SMEs in Limburg with advice, networks and financing. In this way we can together ensure that we become healthier, facilitate digitalization, help the climate and start creating a circular economy (and not a finite economy)," Martin said.

The energy transition is important for our province, because the economic structure of Limburg makes us have a large energy demand. Industry with Chemelot, logistics and the agricultural sector are strongly represented in Limburg and need a lot of energy. As a result, the energy challenge in Limburg is somewhat greater than the average in the Netherlands.

Martin: "There are thousands of entrepreneurs in Limburg, each with their own business situation. Generalizing is therefore difficult. But many have a positive attitude, they see and acknowledge that the energy transition is badly needed. Most entrepreneurs have a lot of questions. How do I handle it in my company? What buttons can I turn? What is the best and smartest approach? How do I start? They need help and support with that. Fortunately, we can provide that, together with our partners."

There are handy tools that help entrepreneurs on their way. On deb.nl, an independent and free online tool, you can get insight into the energy measures you can take within your company based on your zip code.

Sonja: "Saving starts with using less energy. Then you can look at what you can do to make it more sustainable. It is important to naturally scale up to sustainable means. First look at what you can change in your processes and go optimize. Everything you save does not have to be sustainable. Experience shows that it just goes that way. Heat has to be secured. The DEB tool is the basis." Want to know more? At deb.nl you can read all about it.

Martin: "We also advise entrepreneurs to make use of the Subsidy Scheme for Increasing Sustainability of SMEs (SVM). With this subsidy you can hire an advisor for tailored energy advice and for support in implementing one or more measures from that advice." You can find the information at rvo.nl.

In short, two great instruments that SMEs themselves can get to work with and will hopefully make a lot of use of. After all, energy saving is also economically relevant. Especially now with the sky-high energy prices!