Anton Schilder from Zwolle is an energy coach. He visits people in Zwolle who have registered with Warm Thuis Zwolle for help with saving energy. Anton visits several addresses per week and it makes him happy. ‘You can really make a difference for people,’ he says. ‘And they can also make a difference for me. I visit people at home that I would never get to know in everyday life. I learn a lot from that, it gives me hope for the future.’
People really feel helped
The real estate advisor likes the fact that this work has a social aspect. ‘The personal approach is an important part of Warm Thuis. It is not just about giving advice. This personal contact ensures that people feel heard. I see their eyes light up when they thank me. As an energy coach, we also signal when people need more contact. If they want that, Voor Elkaar Zwolle can provide appropriate help.’
Save year after year
In addition to the social aspect, Anton also finds it important to contribute to a more sustainable world. ‘The great thing about sustainability measures such as home insulation is that they not only provide benefits in the short term, but also in the long term. Year after year, these measures provide savings. Even when people move, the house remains energy-efficient.’
People pass on tips to others
Warm Thuis not only helps individual households, but also contributes to more awareness of sustainable behaviour, according to Anton. ‘Sustainability can sometimes seem like a big challenge, but often it is the small, practical changes in behaviour that make the biggest difference. For example, instead of charging your phone at night, you can do this during the day when the sun is shining. This way you make optimal use of sustainable energy sources, such as solar energy. Another example is using an electric blanket instead of an electric heater, which not only saves energy but is also comfortable. You notice that people share their experiences and tips with others, such as their sister or neighbour. In this way it contributes to awareness of sustainable living.’
Larger social problem
Anton is happy that he can help people, but sees the cause as a larger social problem. ‘In recent decades, we as a society have increasingly emphasized individual benefits and personal progress. What happens to my energy bill? Or what does this bring me? This thinking in terms of ‘I’ instead of ‘we’ has led to a society in which we have forgotten to work together for a greater good. We have forgotten the collective interest.’
Learning from sparrows
He gives an example from nature, where sparrows work together to protect their eggs from jays, which allows them to go further as a group than if they were acting alone. ‘This principle of cooperation and collective thinking is something we can learn a lot from. Instead of focusing on what sustainable solutions like solar panels and electric cars yield individually, we should look at the collective benefits. It’s not about who crosses the finish line first, but that we cross the finish line together.’
Sustainability only for rich people?
Finally, Anton would like to say this: ‘A common misunderstanding is that sustainability is only something for the richer people. In reality, it is precisely the people with a smaller budget who are often concerned with sustainable solutions, not only to save their wallets, but also out of concern for future generations. It gives me energy and hope to see how these people, despite their limited resources, want to live sustainably.’
Become an energy coach at Warm Thuis
Do you enjoy getting in touch with different Zwolle residents and helping them make their homes more sustainable? Then sign up as a volunteer and get started as an energy coach!
