4.2 The design of a technological solution

In this section we explain which steps are needed to connect the current state of the sub-system with the desired future. This is to determine how the transition towards a sustainable system to accommodate community will be achieved. 

The biggest challenge in the transition towards the future sub-system is how to minimize the energy consumption and the overall performance of the current facilities. This is not just a technological improvement of the building facilities but it has an important impact to many different sectors (the building industry, services and facilities related to HORECA etc.).

What should also be taken into account is that many of the existing facilities (not only hotels, hostels or camping areas but also restaurants, cafes and services connected to tourism) are not in use during winter. This is a waste of building stock, not to mention the energy spent for the materials and the construction. What Texelers should understand is that this isn’t just a waste of energy, but also a waste of income. This problem can be solved by making sure that the accommodation isn’t empty or it doesn’t waste energy when it’s empty

In order to cooperate with this issue, the most logical solution is to make incentives so that very accommodation can be used 100% all year round. To start with, it’s really important to improve the energy usage of all types of accommodation, both private and touristic. New advanced building materials and methods should be introduced to the island and the current classification and energy consumption of the existing facilities should be taken into account. Adjustments should be made so that the building stock can be used both during summer but and in winter. 

This also means that the following transition needs to take place: A rise in the popularity of winter tourism will distribute the tourism more equally over the year. For this transition to happen, the island life needs to slowly adapt to the new conditions. By improving the winter tourism, the island will receive money that could be spent for the improvement of the accommodation facilities.

At the same time, the island life needs to slowly transit into being able to facilitate winter tourism. For example, at the moment locals only work in the tourism sector in summertime. This means there are less people working there in the winter period. This doesn’t have to be a problem, as long as the transition takes place gradually. The income that facilities generate from winter tourism could slowly afford for more staff or different working hours. Nevertheless, if the winter tourism doesn’t increase and the income stays the same, there’s also no need for extra staff. This would mean this transition doesn’t create an irreversible risk for the locals. 

Finally, for every step that is needed to be taken, several aspects have to be taken into account. Who will by doing this? Why are the willing do this and how will they do this? What actor will start this step and why him or her and using what means of governance. This will be explained in paragraph 4.4.