In the ‘Our Fixers’ series, each month we talk talk to a colleague about working at Novar. Everyone works in a different department, but with a common goal: fixing the energy transition. In part 8, we speak to Liza Koch, Environment Manager at Novar.
‘As environment manager at Novar, I mainly focus on the participation process when developing a green energy system, for example a solar farm. For this, I carefully map the various interests of local residents and other stakeholders and look for ways to merge them. Early in the development process, I bring all parties together to get a good picture of the surroundings. In this way, we work together towards a plan that fits in well with the surroundings. It is important to stay in good contact with the surroundings. Even after making a plan and during the realisation and operation of a project.
The biggest challenge in my work lies in balancing all the diverse interests in a project. In development projects, you regularly come across situations where interests are at odds with each other. I understand very well that not everyone is keen on a solar farm in the immediate vicinity. Land in the Netherlands is scarce and energy transition is just one of many spatial tasks. Nevertheless, I believe that with a careful process and an open mind – sometimes even off the beaten track – we can work towards a design that most stakeholders agree with.
‘We keep innovating, moving with the times and always looking for opportunities to do better.’
I feel like a real fixer when we use creativity and collaboration to find solutions to complex issues. Increasingly, as environmental managers, we take an area-oriented approach, looking beyond the energy task. A solar farm, for example, can also offer opportunities for improving water quality (within the framework of the Water Framework Directive) or for strengthening the green-blue veining of the landscape. We look at an area with an open mind, so that we can create added value that goes beyond sustainable energy alone.
At Novar, you get the space to be creative within a clear framework. Of course our projects have to be financially profitable; that is the basis for a healthy company. But within that framework, there is a lot of freedom to explore what you can do for the environment. The balance between business and social commitment makes working at Novar special.
Novar’s strength lies in its resilience and perseverance. If things don’t work out the left way, we look for a route the right way. Our mission is clear: to realise 4 gigawatts of renewable energy, by 2030. The way we try to achieve that goal, in a sector that is constantly changing, makes us unique. We keep innovating, moving with the times and always looking for opportunities to do better.’
Do you want to work with us, do you have questions or do you want to pass on a change? Then contact us – we’re happy to help.
