After some successful previous collaborations, Knowledge Platform BuildinG and Knowledge Platform Livable and Kansrijk Groningen are organizing another conference this year. Our goal? To share knowledge and connect science, policy and real-life practice with anyone affected, involved or interested in the gas extraction file.
The gas extraction issue has been a major topic in Groningen for many years. Much has happened at the technical, social and administrative levels. What have we learned, where are we now and where are we going? This event will highlight the lessons and successes from Groningen.
We kick off on Wednesday, June 11, at the Academy Building of the University of Groningen during an inspiring evening with international speakers. Professor Gian Michele Calvi from Italy was involved in the reinforcement approach for churches in Groningen. He takes us through his research on reinforcing churches without affecting their beauty. In Kiruna, Sweden, part of the city must be relocated due to safety reasons because of the continuation of the iron ore mine. Anthropologist Elisa López and municipal official Nina Eliasson talk about what this means for the community and how it challenges public administration to make complicated choices.
On Thursday, June 12, we are venturing into the region. The conference will take place at De Toekomst in Scheemda. You can choose from a wide range of inspiring sessions, but you can also go on an excursion. Lyanne Levy and Jaap Romme will open the congress and reflect on what the government is doing - and can still do - to be closer to the public. The day is guided by moderator Alice Faber.
The complete program has been announced and can be found below. Sign up and don't miss out! When registering, also indicate your choice of sessions on June 12—having trouble choosing? No problem, after dinner we will repeat the program during the second block.
Wednesday June 11
19.00 - 21.00
Academiegebouw Groningen
Thursday June 12
15.00 - 21.00
De Toekomst Scheemda
Session A: The future of mining (act) in the North
The Mining Act is being renewed. Better consideration of safety and the impact on local residents is at the heart of this act. How does this process work? And how do you incorporate the lessons from Groningen for a better future? (This session is shorter and can be combined with session C or D)
Speakers: Marieke Dwarswaard and Tom Postmes
Session B: Personal contact and understandable language: how the IMG is working towards procedural justice in the handling of claims
The pursuit of fair and just treatment is very crucial in the contact between citizens and government agencies. Citizens' trust in effective claims handling is influenced by the communication with each other, and the perception of the professionalism and expertise of the agency. In this session, the IMG reflects on the application of these principles in the handling of claims and how it is perceived by citizens. (This session is shorter and can be combined with session C or D)
Speakers: Anneke Tilma and Alex Sheerazi
Session C: The dismantling of production plants and underground transport systems Groningen field: how does this work and what are the frameworks?
On April 19, 2024, the law signifying the definitive closure of the Groningen gas field was signed. What does the dismantling process look like and what does it involve? The NAM will explain this process in this session.
Session D: What's under your house? Foundations and Sustainable Repair.
A good foundation is the basis of a stable home. Ihsan Bal, lecturer in Structural Safety & Earthquakes at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, will talk about his research into structural stability, the role of foundations and possible reinforcement methods. The Repair Department of IMG is working on sustainable repair by looking at how damage to homes can be repaired and how repeat damage can be prevented. Together, they explore what is needed for a future-proof approach. (This session is in Dutch and English)
Speakers: Ihsan Bal and Joost Merema
Session E: Lessons and successes in the reinforcement approach
The earthquakes in Groningen forced us to learn fast. Within a short time, we grew from limited knowledge to broad expertise in earthquake-resistant construction. How do we secure the knowledge we have gained and use the structures we have built up sustainably for the future, here in Groningen and beyond? What worked, what didn't?
Speakers: Jan Rots and Ans Bekkering
Session F: Make sustainability a success!
This session is designed for residents who are not only dealing with the reinforcement task but also with sustainability. How do we make that combination work? And how do we make sustainability a success for everyone in the region? During this session, you can discuss subsidies, insulation, biobased materials, and available support with experts.
Speakers: Jelle Pama and Remco Hulst
Session G: Voiced and dissented: how does representation of the case set the course?
In the past, the gas extraction case has been reported on in many different ways: in favor, against, and everything in between. Different phases have been distinguished, from a focus on economics and gas profits to an emphasis on acknowledgement and compensation. In this session, we will discuss how history, and the way the case has been represented, shapes the course of the case today.
Excursion 1: From sour to sweet
Which 'loss' of the past can you now call a success? We tour buildings and “new pride” which were made possible in the area with earthquake money.
Excursion 2: Between heritage and reinforcement: the landscape of Groningen
How do we preserve the identity of the landscape in a region that is changing dramatically? A tour through the Groningen landscape shows the visible traces of damage, demolition, reinforcement and redevelopment. Along the way, various speakers share their perspectives on this broad and complex task.
Guide: Margret Brons
Excursion 3: Temporary housing through the eyes of young people
How do young people experience temporary housing? OPGESCHUD's youth team, in collaboration with the NCG, will show you what lessons we can learn from young people when it comes to temporary housing.
Guide: Jimmy's, Opgeschud and the NCG
This conference is independently organized by BuildinG and the Knowledge Platform and financially supported by the Nationaal Coördinator Groningen (NCG) and the Instituut Mijnbouwschade Groningen (IMG).