Iris Schultheiss has been working for the Sustainability Center for two years. “Together with a huge network of volunteers,” she says proudly. “Some visitors think we are a municipal point, but that is not the case. We do, however, work together with the Municipality of Hilversum and with experienced partners: Hilversum100, HilverZon, HET, and Omgevingseducatie.”
Visitors' questions are primarily seasonal. “Right now, people are spending a lot of time in their gardens, and the vegetable garden consultation hour is popular. People can get free seeds here that the municipality has specially mixed for bees. When it gets warmer, people come with questions about how to keep their homes cool. We also answer many questions about heat pumps and home batteries.”
New: the rainwater coach
Are you struggling with too much or too little water in your garden? You can now request a rainwater coach. “They will look at your specific situation and write a recommendation that you can use to take action yourself. For example, that you can connect a rain barrel to your downpipe.” You can apply via: regenwatercoach@hilversum100.nl
Iris was born and raised in Hilversum. She feels connected to the city and enjoys offering visitors a listening ear. “The theme really appeals to me; personally, I enjoy working with reusing materials like textiles, but I especially like the people involved. Of course, you can find everything on the internet, but there are plenty of people who just want to be heard and are happy to receive a paper brochure.”
Fun during the summer holidays
This summer, the Sustainability Centre is organizing all kinds of activities. Think of a garden bird consultation where you learn how to attract more birds to your garden. You can go on a bike excursion past green neighborhood initiatives. An IVN guide will explain what is happening there and how you can get involved. Gather tips on greening your surroundings and get to work in the garden with children. And come join the fun green get-together on Wednesday, July 1st, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, where you can meet other Hilversummers who are working on sustainability. Do you want to do something this summer that is good for yourself and for Hilversum? Then a visit to the Sustainability Centre is a great first step.
What does the Sustainability Center offer?
You get free advice and practical tips there. Think of:
- Save energy:
- How do you lower your energy bill?
- What subsidies are available?
- Is a heat pump right for you?
- Greener living:
- How do you make your garden attractive to insects?
- How do you collect rainwater?
- What can you do about the heat in your home?
- Reducing waste: From reuse to repair.
- Learning from others: In the center, you hear stories from Hilversummers who have already taken steps. That inspires and makes becoming more sustainable less complicated.
Drop in on: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 14:00 to 17:00. The Sustainability Centre is closed from Monday, July 20 to Sunday, August 2, 2026. For more information, visit: dchilversum.nl.
