Gas out of play thanks to a powerful combination

We spoke to Hans Brunnekreef, owner of Eco Green Twente, about these two special projects. Sportpark ’t Doesgoor and Sportpark Heeckeren are completely gas-free, with Weheat heat pumps providing space heating. Sports clubs have unusual hot water needs: an entire football or korfball team may shower simultaneously after a match or training. Industrial Mitsubishi heat pumps supply hot water to meet these peaks.

Space heating is handled entirely by a handful of Weheat Blackbird heat pumps. Arriving in the car park, you immediately see them spreading their wings, their distinctive hoods, on the changing-room roof. Every space, from changing rooms to clubhouse, is heated sustainably. Guests and members enjoy the comfort, and the clubs benefit financially.

The Blackbirds share the roofs with solar panels, whose generation is also stored in a battery. Combining heat pumps, solar panels and high-end energy storage will give both clubs net-zero energy use. A real answer to high energy costs!

Scoring for sustainability

Sports clubs have distinctive heating and hot water demand. Days are relatively quiet, while late afternoons and evenings are busy, precisely when energy is most expensive. Heating costs can become a serious business risk. Both clubs faced high energy costs that could not simply be passed on to members.

Erik Schut of ’t Doesgoor explains: “Sport connects people and must remain accessible. We needed another way to cover costs. Reducing them created enormous breathing room. We have not increased membership fees for eleven years.”

“Almost every part of the buildings has been addressed. Working with the club and local community produced exceptional results.” His brother Jan adds: “At the time, we did not realise how special it was. We simply wanted the best for the club. Sustainability plays a key role.”

Heat pumps for commercial buildings

Hans: “Homes are fairly similar, with broadly similar solutions. There are different models: one person chooses a Blackbird on the roof, another has garden space. But the application is usually comparable. For businesses, every situation is unique.

Each project is a new puzzle, perhaps the most enjoyable part: it is a real process. Working with ’t Doesgoor was unique. They asked critical questions and wanted the best possible solution. Their drive and deep interest taught me a lot too. It becomes a true collaboration.”

Sports club of the year

Alongside dramatically lower energy costs, ’t Doesgoor won another prize: NOC*NSF named it Sports Facility of the Year 2025. The award crowns their work. Jan says: “Ten years ago, we were on the brink and knew it was now or never. It became a project by and for the club. Members carried out many renovations themselves, and we used their expertise to develop the best plan.”

At the time, we did not realise how special it was. We simply wanted the best for the club. Sustainability plays a key role. – Jan

Over ten years, ’t Doesgoor also increased occupancy from 20% to 80%. The football club became a thriving neighbourhood facility with an important social role. True Naoberschap: looking out for and helping one another, as Twente knows so well.

Making commercial premises sustainable with Weheat

Weheat believes collaboration is the key to sustainable heating built for the future. Whether you are an installer, property manager or energy adviser, together we offer reliable, smart and sustainable heating, from renovations to new builds and from offices to football clubhouses.