Biomass has been a much-discussed topic for years. For one person this is a solution for replacing a fossil raw material to make products or produce energy, for another the use of biomass is not negotiable at all. Rightly or wrongly, but what is the attitude of the Netherlands with regard to the use and application of biomass and how does this image come about? To this end, Biomass Facts, in collaboration with RVO, had a study carried out by the research agency Markeffect.
Striking results
The research shows striking results, such as that 87% of consumers indicate that they are familiar with the term biomass. A large majority of people are neutral or positive about the use of biomass. The more knowledge of biomass among government employees (civil servants), the more positive people are, but this is the opposite among consumers. Among officials directly involved, i.e. those concerned with the environment, permits, subsidies, etc., people largely think of whole trees being used as biomass, while this is only 48% among consumers. When the term biomass is used, one does not immediately think of the production of heat, yet this is something that is close to consumers and governments. Consumers do not actively search for information but read the newspaper and come across the news on TV, with half of the civil servants interviewed actively looking for information. The national government plays a crucial role in the provision of information.
Research
The results come from an online survey among 1.010 Dutch people (consumers) and 209 civil servants. The questionnaire used consisted of 23 questions, these were open (background) questions and some optional questions.
You can download a summary of this extensive research below.
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