diff --git a/default_settings.py b/default_settings.py
index 9d0c0db..db4bc7b 100644
--- a/default_settings.py
+++ b/default_settings.py
@@ -377,4 +377,4 @@ def check_oidc() -> bool:
 }
 
 # Limit maximum allowed area of an order, in square meters. 0 for unlimited
-MAX_ORDER_AREA=0
\ No newline at end of file
+MAX_ORDER_AREA=float(os.environ.get("MAX_ORDER_AREA", "0"))