the Dutch Sustainable Urban Delta

THIS BOOK TELLS THE STORY OF THE NETHERLANDS AS A SHOWCASE FOR THE WORLD A unique combination of landscape, man and innovation,

The Travelling Ecodome is effctively a collection of

this wonderful story needs to be told with conviction and

ideas built up around the calling card of the green sector

appeal. Together with the top sectors of the Dutch economy,

in the Netherlands. This is the ideal time to show the world

the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affirs (EZ) will be taking

what we are worth! Step by step, the Netherlands and the

the lead, and will be travelling with the Travelling Ecodome

top sectors of the Dutch economy will be revealed to you.

to tell its story at a series of different locations.

KNOWLEDGE IS THE POWERHOUSE THAT DRIVES OUR ECONOMY The Dutch Sustainable Urban Delta is a showcase for the Dutch green sector. It is entirely fitting that this book has been produced and will be

science and the government helps us maintain our pioneering position.

distributed across the world, because we can be proud of our country’s

Knowledge is our future and the powerhouse that drives our economy.

achievements in respect of the natural environment. Not only must we

Wageningen University, the world’s best agricultural university, is

continue to enjoy and cherish nature; we must also make sure that the

based in the Netherlands, and our ground-breaking top sectors Agri

use of nature goes hand in hand with economic opportunities. For that

& Food and Horticulture and Propagation Materials are constantly

reason, we are hard at work developing innovative Green Deal projects

working towards an innovative and sustainable agricultural sector.

that successfully combine nature and the economy.

As the world’s population continues to grow and resources become ever scarcer, it is all the more important that

Our agricultural sector leads the world by example. Foreign

the sector itself becomes greener without

governments, farmers and businesses are keen to find out about our

compromising on quality. Only then will the juiciest

seeds that are capable of growing with less water and fewer crop

tomatoes, the tastiest peppers and the freshest

protection agents, and our innovative and sustainable greenhouses that

milk continue to be our country’s calling cards.

create the ideal growing conditions for a variety of crops, irrespective of the outside environment. The excellent cooperation between industry, Artist ImpressionTravelling Ecodome

Minister of Agriculture, Martijn van Dam

In search of a new balance

The world is changing at an ever faster pace. Whereas nature took millions of years to achieve perfect harmony and symbiosis, man faces the challenge of reaching that same status in just a few decades.

Raw materials are becoming scarcer, the gap between rich and poor is growing ever wider and the global climate is becoming hotter. There is a clear need for knowledge and innovation to make it possible to achieve higher production on every m² of land, clean air in cities and space for nature. The Netherlands as a Sustainable Urban Delta can serve as a magnificent showcase for the world. As well as our knowledge of water, agriculture and ornamental plant culture, our country is also home to highly renowned universities.

THE TIME IS UPON US TO SHARE THIS KNOWLEDGE SO THAT MAN AND NATURE ONCE AGAIN RE-ESTABLISH A SOUND BALANCE.

Although the Netherlands is a

NOW IS THE TIME FOR US TO SHOW THE VALUE OF OUR KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATIONS.

relatively small country, our tulips, wooden clogs and windmills are renowned throughout the world. They are the icons that help give us our identity, not only for tourists but also for business and industry. The tulip once symbolised the Dutch entrepreneurial spirit; the old mills

Time for a new sound

represented innovation and the wooden clogs reflected our close ties with the nature around us. However, all these symbols above all refer to the past, while the Netherlands in fact has so much more to offer now and in the future.

It is time for a new sound. It is time for the Netherlands to stand up as the Dutch Sustainable Urban Delta!

Masterplan for the Floriade 2022 in Almere

Prêt-à-Loger

The Netherlands as a showcase As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, we can still demonstrate our ability to live, work and set up our homes surrounded by and sometimes even on water. Productivity is high and exports by the agricultural

including DSM, Heineken and Philips. Given the degree

sector are huge. Nonetheless there is still space for and

of optimisation already achieved by Dutch business and

knowledge of nature, and numerous recreational areas

industry, the emphasis today is being placed increasingly

are set aside for relaxation. Despite the population density,

on exporting knowledge rather than products. The exported

the air is relatively clean and the country is home to world-

knowledge of water, agriculture and horticulture is much

renowned universities and multinational companies

appreciated and sought after, worldwide.

A vision of the Floriade 2022 in Almere >

Prof.dr.ir. A.A.J.F. van den Dobbelsteen

< Special knowledge of water from Holland at work in New York

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT HAS EMERGED WITHIN GOVERNMENT WITH A CLEAR FOCUS ON ACHIEVING AN ALL-ROUND SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY.

The Dutch Royal Family also plays an important role. King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima enjoy close ties with the Dutch people, and take every possible opportunity to place the Netherlands on the international map, and to promote Dutch exports.

The best-known examples are the Green Deals, of which more than 160 have already been signed. There is also a new Government Vision on Nature, that focuses on the relationship between the economy and nature. The Netherlands; a land of water renowned for its delta technology

The Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs are working hard to establish a powerful lobby for our foreign counterparts. With the Dutch Presidency of the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has developed a new approach to communication, alongside the already existing values.

Nine top sectors

TOP SECTOR HORTICULTURE AND PROPAGATION MATERIALS 

Energy

The Netherlands is one of the world’s twenty largest economies, and has a worldwide reputation as a ground-breaking centre of knowledge. Our country has a centuries’ long history of developing inventions, sailing the world’s seas and trading with other countries.

Life sciences & health

The top sector Horticulture and Propagation Materials is a world leader in the development of resilient crops. In 2020, we aim to be world market leaders in sustainable solutions for societal problems.

Even in this era of global social and economic challenges, the Netherlands needs to examine how its innovative capacity and entrepreneurial spirit can continue to grow. The challenges facing society are for example leading to demand for clean energy, sustainably produced food, affordable health care, clean drinking water and safe deltas. The Netherlands has a strong position in products and services that contribute to solutions to these challenges. However, because they are not unique to the Netherlands, these challenges offer a wealth of growth opportunities for export on the world market.

Water

High tech systems and materials

Creative industry

Agri & food

top sector agri & food This top sector generates almost 10% of our national income and jobs. The Netherlands is a leading supplier for the most successful and innovative Agri & Food businesses

Logistics Chemicals

Horticulture and propagation materials

and knowledge institutions around the world.

Alongside world-leading universities such as the University of Technology in Delft and Wageningen UR, the Netherlands is home to world-renowned scientists like Bob Ursem, Andy van den Dobbelsteen, Jolanda Maas, Robbert Snep, Kim van der Leest, Maarten Arentsen and Andre van der Wurff. Their knowledge and skills are integral elements of the Travelling Ecodome.

Without science there would be no innovation, and innovation is the foundation stone for change and renewal.

From left to right: dr. André van der Wurff, prof. Dr. Ir. Andy van den Dobbelsteen, dr. Ir. Robbert Snep, dr. Jolanda Maas, prof. dr. ir. Michiel Haas, drs. Kim van der Leest, dr. Maarten Arentsen, drs. ing. Bob Ursem and prof. Dr. Olaf Schuiling.

MOBILITY

A NEW WORLD IN WHICH MAN LIVES IN HARMONY WITH NATURE. THAT IS THE DREAM OF NICO WISSING AND LODEWIJK HOEKSTRA, FOUNDERS OF NL GREENLABEL AND CREATORS OF THE TRAVELLING ECODOME. Nico is an authority in the field of landscape design and

URBAN FARMING

development. He has won a series of (inter)national prizes including World’s Best Garden Design, and travels the world giving lectures. Lodewijk is the most popular Dutch TV gardener and was recently voted one of the hundred most sustainable people in the country.

“The world is in urgent need of leadership and vision. The Netherlands is ideally suited to take on this role, based on our close ties to nature and water, and our knowledge of agriculture and ornamental horticulture in combination with a healthy entrepreneurial spirit.”

ENERGY, WATER AND SUSTAINISM

GREEN ARCHITECTURE AND SOCIAL DESIGN

Solar Energy

TRAVELLING ECODOME

Water gutter: converting rainwater into drinking water

LED Lighting

Dutch Design, combination of plants

Amsterdam 2016 The wonderful story of the Netherlands needs to be told with conviction and appeal.. Together with the top sectors of the Dutch economy, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ) will be taking the lead, and will be travelling with the Travelling

Chestnut wood

Ecodome to Amsterdam to tell its story for the first time.

Moss: water storage /CO2 bonding / ecological stepping stone

The Travelling Ecodome is effectively a collection of ideas built up around the calling card of the green sector in the Netherlands.

Fruit trees

The Dutch Presidency of the European Union is the Insect hotel

ideal time to show the world what we are worth! Step by step, the Netherlands and the top sectors of the Dutch economy will be revealed to you.

Climbing plants / vertical green

The dome will bring together a variety of new materials Herbs and edible plants

and combines several disciplines in a process known as sustainism. Not only will the design be utterly innovative; the programme will also be a remarkable showcase for the best of what the Netherlands has to offer in green, innovation and sustainability.

Recycled concrete

The Travelling Ecodome will be an (inter)national Olivine CO bonding paving 2

showcase for the Netherlands at a series of locations around the world.

Artist’s impression Travelling Ecodome

Urban Oasis

Ecodome

Dutch green inspiration center

Air So Pure Pergola: air purifying effect

Unique Atmosphere

Assimilation led lighting

Fruit trees

Dutch Design, combination of plants

Edible plants

Biobased furniture

Vertical green walls

Fine dust filter

Water element

Interior trees

Dutch design sustainable materials

Artist’s impression Travelling Ecodome

Urban OASIS

CAPTURE OF PARTICULATE MATTER, BIODIVERSITY, SOCIAL COHESION. The pavilion consists of a series of innovations based on my inventions inspired by nature. The top panels, for example, are covered with moss that provides a 5 to 7 % contribution to air purification as the hairs on the moss leaves electrically bond half of the neutrally charged

BOB URSEM

Tropical botanist/ecologist, inorganic chemist, physicist, nature-inspired scientist

exhaust fumes from automotive vehicles. Below the podium, an active technology device is installed – the ultrafine dust reduction system – that captures 70% of all particulates with a diameter of 10 nanometres or more, in open air, and even achieves 99% purification in semienclosed settings. As such it captures all exhaust fumes and even elementary carbon for improved health and a better urban environment. A positively charged internal electrode emits electrons

The red and blue LED technology generates the optimum growing light for cropping plants. As well as supplying this pink spectrum light, the LED technology delivers energy effiency at a factor of 200 times greater than a traditional optimum growth light bulb. Thanks to smart effiency measures,water demand by crops is reduced by one third.

that effectively eradicate the electrons on dust particles, causing the dust particles to acquire a positive charge. These dust particles then follow the field lines from the electrode to the grounded counter electrode. The grounded, charged counter electrode attracts the dustcaked positive particulates and uses a chemical bond to fix them. This fixed particulate matter builds up over a period of several months, at which point it can simply be scraped off and processed as chemical waste. The laser beams that point up through the pavilion visualise the newly cleaned air! Artist’s impression Urban Oasis

Urban Oasis

Ecodome

Dutch green inspiration center

The Urban Oasis also contains an example of an environment for growing crops on at least eight levels in glasshouse nurseries, while taking up no more floor space. Based on crop figures to date, for example for tomatoes and peppers, crop harvest levels are boosted by between 10 and 15%.

Dutch green inspiration center

The Netherlands is proud to present a new vision in which innovation, science and businesses from the top sectors join together, to elaborate new solutions and present them to the world.

The Dutch Green Inspiration Center (DGIC) will be the permanent showcase for recent innovations in the field of green and sustainability in the Netherlands. The DGIC will be a permanent base for crosspollination between the top sectors. It is a place where innovations can be developed, displayed and assessed, in a dynamic centre, itself set to continue in co-creation with the stakeholders. The DGIC enables visitors to experience how green can be an integral part of lifestyle and a healthy living environment. Scientists and industrial representatives from a number of top sectors come here to present a wide variety of green innovations and applications. The Urban Oasis and the Travelling Ecodome are both part of the Dutch Green Inspiration Center where green, nature and innovation go hand in hand. The realisation of the permanent location of the DGIC is planned for 2022.

Urban Oasis

Ecodome

Dutch green inspiration center

The properties of this moss are reproduced in the DGIC (biomimicry)

NEW URBAN NATURE

BIOBASED building ‘The construction industry is directly and indirectly responsible for fifty percent of raw material consumption and thirty percent of CO2 emissions in Western Europe’. This needs to change.

Urban nature is a term that describes natural green in our cities, thereby demonstrably expanding biodiversity and improving the quality of the living environment for people,

The following pages feature trends and innovations which make a contribution to the development of the Dutch Sustainable Urban Delta.

insects and birds; not nature enclosed far away behind high fences but in the heart of society in our residential districts,

By combining low-tech materials with high-tech

parks and on industrial estates.

construction methods, we can help build a healthy and energy-efficient working and living environment with natural, regrowable and bio-based materials. The image of ecological bio-based building is changing. In a raft of cross-pollination projects, environmentally conscious

Green City The aim of the Green City philosophy is to increase the knowledge and value of green, based on the underlying principle of a healthy and attractive living environment. The central focus is on innovation in town and city planning on a local, national and international level, in a process of promoting green in the urban environment.

architects, manufacturers, suppliers and subcontractors are working to bring about a sea change in construction in the Netherlands, in a process of co-creation.

It is time to shift ‘from a traditional, environmentally burdensome and raw material-devouring industry into a futureproof sector that develops circular applications for its raw materials, in harmony with nature’. www.orga-bouw.nl

BIODIVERSITY Promoting biodiversity through

NL Greenlabel Area label

The NL Greenlabel area label serves

integrated design, improved

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

as a guideline for putting sustainable

material use and varied planting.

ambitions into practice and converting them in to a more sustainable living environment. In an individual area

Increased attraction of towns/cities/villages with a green character.

development, the area,

SOIL AND WATER

the process and the end result are assessed

Green to improve the environment;

PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS Green and sustainable outdoor space

less heat stress, improved water permeability and less noise nuisance.

according to 7 indicators. The findings are translated into a sustainability passport.

With the sustainability passport from NL Greenlabel, it is

guarantees that a city will

The sustainability passport lists the

possible to make all-round sustainability measurable. The

perform better in terms

degree of sustainability achieved

label assessment considers such issues as biodiversity,

of residential

via scores ranging from A to G.

soil, water and energy in relation to materialisation,

occupational and

design, layout and maintenance of the area. Attention is

recreational use.

also focused on the role of humans, and guarantees for the future. In this way it is possible to sustainably redesign outdoor space in a structure in which man and nature live in harmony together.

The combination of the passport for outdoor space with a quality label for products and plants is unique in the world, and truly makes it possible to think in integrated patterns.

www.nlgreenlabel.nl

ENERGY AND CLIMATE

GUARANTEES

Renewable energy generation

of a green neighbourhood.

in a hybrid landscape.

Improved health for residents

INTERACTION BETWEEN MAN & ENVIRONMENT Greater social cohesion thanks to green meeting places.

“We create a balance through which nature sustains itself.”

All houseplants from ‘Air So Pure’ combine decorative value with triple air-purifying effects, resulting in less CO2, fewer health complaints, better mood, improved concentration and higher productivity.

In 1989, NASA began research into the effects of plants; the scientifically proven purifying effects

Air So Pure ‘AIR SO PURE’ PLANTS PURIFY THE AIR AND REVIVE THE TRADE

of our Air So Pure plants are described on the Fytagoras certificate that comes with each plant.

The 15 independent Dutch breeders, propagators and growers of ‘Air So Pure’ offer critical buyers

Ebben Nurseries

and consumers from all around the world 9 species of plants in 100 varieties, in heights up to

The 450-hectare Ebben nursery operates sustainably,

Rain and irrigation water are collected and reused, following

2 metres, in a variety of shapes, supplied in pots

inaccordance with the Dutch ‘Milieukeur’ ecolabel and

natural purifiation through the soil. Fortunately, more and

of between 8.5 - 35 cm, all year round.

NL Greenlabel. The tree nursery uses biological resources

more clients are recognising the importance of the ecolabel.

for fertilisation and disease control, and has signifiantly

Sustainable growing is not only better for the environment;

reduced the use of pesticides by planting strips of grass and

it also produces better and stronger trees.

mixed flwers between the trees.

www.ebben.nl

www.airsopure.nl

Good food

Experience clean air WITH ENS POSITIVE IONIZATION TECHNOLOGY

ESSENTIAL FOR A HEALTHY LIFE

Environmental innovation company ENS Technology focuses on the application of its proprietary ionization technology in air purification, fine dust emission prevention, and protection

Koppert Cress is constantly looking for natural

against fine dust exposure. ENS has developed and patented

and innovative ingredients, which chefs can use to

innovative technologies for the ionization of fine and ultrafine

intensify the flvour, aroma and presentation of their

dust (PM10, PM2,5 and PM0,1). In the same process, various

dishes, while still meeting the increasingly stringent

airborne chemicals, allergens, and biological agents are

demands of restaurants worldwide. Cresses are freshly

eliminated from ambient air without the use of filters.

germinated seedlings of 100% natural aromatic plants. These plants provide a freshness and intensity of taste and

One of the great advantages of this positive ionization

aroma that is almost exclusively found in young plants.

technology is that it transforms fine and ultrafine particulate

Owner Rob likes to look beyond the horizon. The vision of his

matter into a coarse dust, thus eliminating the risk of inhalation.

company: “ Good food is crucial to a healthy life,” is based on

Additional benefits include low energy consumption and

the guiding principle of sustainability in the broadest sense.

easy maintenance, resulting in low operational costs.

www.koppercress.com

www.enstechnology.nl

Priva leads the way in the development and production

In the Dutch town of Venlo, the people at Leolux are working to

of technology for the optimisation of environmental conditions

create a unique furniture collection that delivers high-quality

and process management. Priva provides solutions from

design for a global market, manufactured in an intelligent

Just imagine!

horticulture to building automation, and anything in

interplay between craftsmanship and high-tech production

between, with a unique combination of software,

methods. For Leolux, the essence is quality in design, materials,

hardware and services.

comfort and construction. Since all the sofas and chairs from Leolux are made to order, the Netherlands’ largest manufacturer

The products and services from Priva are deployed in a

of contemporary furniture can meet the wishes of even the most

variety of applications including greenhouses, offices and

individual of consumers, without wasting valuable resources on

public buildings, urban farming, retail outlets, hotels and

unsold products.

open field horticulture. The on-demand manufacture of long lasting products is the key to sustainable seating; a point that Leolux proves every day. www.leolux.com

Priva

The solutions supplied by Priva reduce the consumption of

LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE URBAN DELTAS

The family-owned company has offices in ten countries and

scarce natural resources including energy and water. They contribute to more profitable business and higher sustainable growth for their customers.

is represented worldwide in more than 100 countries via an international network of certified Priva partners. www.privagroup.com / www.sustainableurbandelta.com

Let it Grow plants the seeds for urban green living.

Let it grow

Plants and flowers can drastically improve the quality of our urban lives by making cities happier and healthier. We inspire city dwellers to rethink healthy living in the context of plants and flowers, and bring together ideas that shape the future of our cities. In our Let it Grow Lab we enable innovators to grow their businesses and projects by running a five-month incubation programme. Together with start-ups, plant and flower enthusiasts, industry leaders, innovators, artists, and you, we can Let it Grow. www.letitgrow.org

Royal FloraHolland The world is changing fundamentally, but some things

colours, smells and emotions, contrasted with lightning-

remain the same. Royal FloraHolland stands for continuity

fast logistics and rational processes. We create links, share,

and responsibly produced ornamental plants. Since 1911, the

facilitate, innovate and inspire, to help our members and their

cooperative has expanded to become a global marketplace.

customers be more successful, and to ensure that ornamental

We are an international business with typical Dutch

plant production can flourish. Flowering the World Together,

characteristics: cooperative, transparent and reliable.

Planting Seeds of Opportunity for our Members.

Royal FloraHolland is a world full of fascinating combinations:

www.royalfloraholland.com

Floriade 2022

In 2022, Almere will be the location for the Floriade world horticulture exhibition. The central focus of this, the seventh edition, will be the innovative capacity of the Dutch horticultural sector. However, the Floriade at Almere will go even further: knowledge, products and technology from horticulture will be used to identify solutions to urgent and global urbanisation issues in respect of food, energy, water and health. At the world horticulture exhibition, solutions will be examined and discoveries made that will contribute to the development of a sustainable and living city.

This Floriade will be realised in co-creation with stakeholders. A series of collaborative ventures will form a ‘growing green network’ to provide a more fertile breeding ground for initiatives and activities.

http://floriade.almere.nl

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Our special thanks go to: The staff of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Bresser Bloemen, Caja Trappen&Design, Eurostretchtents Company, GreenM2, NL Greenlabel and MediaCows.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the following organisations: Air so Pure, Boomkwekerij Ebben, Bureau Marineterrein, Damasque Rozen, De Vlinderstichting, ENS Technologie, Fachjan Project Plants, Gemeente Amsterdam, Goedebuure & De Mooij B.V., greenSand, Griffioen Wassenaar B.V., GroentenFruit Huis B.V., Herms B.V., Imetaal Staalbouw B.V., Jansens Overseas, Koppert Cress, Leolux, Let it Grow, MBI Beton, Moooz B.V., Omgevingsdienst Amsterdam, OZ Export, Priva, Rabelink Transport, Roessink Interieurbeplanting, Rolflex Nederland BV, Royal FloraHolland, Sempergreen, Sterk!, Studio Nico Wissing, Summerflowers,

COLOPHON Published by

Sustainable Outlook B.V. Julianaweg 22 7078AR Megchelen Netherlands +31 (0) 88 - 1001810

Year of publication May 2016

Translator

Tim Mitchell Vertalingen

Concept and creation

Sterk! buro in creatieve communicatie

Paper type

Tasty Tom, Tendris BV, Thijs Bongers Design, Tim Mitchell Vertalingen, TU Delft – Bob Ursem,

Dito wood-free Offset

Warm With Senses and Vivara Pro.

Impression 2000 copies

This book was produced by NL Greenlabel, on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, 2016, Copyright NL Greenlabel