Projects

Amsterdam Innovation Motor

Amsterdam Innovation Motor (AIM) was established to maintain and consolidate the leading position of the Amsterdam Area in the knowledge-based economy. Directed by the Economic Development Board Amsterdam (EDBA), AIM promotes innovation, cooperation and new business in the Amsterdam Area.  AIM focuses on developing the sectors that offer the most potential for strengthening the region's position. The sustainability sector is represented by the Eco Cluster Amsterdam which is open to all companies and organisations offering green products or services. Eco Cluster Amsterdam is looking for new markets by matching large and small businesses, identifying new opportunities and supporting start-ups.

RAI

Amsterdam RAI is the largest exhibition and conference centre in the Amsterdam Area. The RAI Elicium was constructed in 2008, boasting sustainable technology including thermal storage 187 metres underground.

The Elicium is the most sustainable conference building in Europe.

Science Center NEMO

Science Center NEMO opened its innovation room in February 2011. It is currently home to an exhibition that examines the past and present of electric mobility and shows how Amsterdam is leading the way in this field.

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to ensuring that sustainability remains high on the agenda. In 2010, a successful curriculum was introduced which featured a minor entitled 'Sustainable Advisory Board'. Students worked on actual business challenges in sustainability, such as logistics.

De Groene Bocht

De Groene Bocht (DGB, The Green Curve) is an initiative by a group of entrepreneurs in the centre of Amsterdam. The characteristic canal-side property is home to various businesses and initiatives who are working towards a sustainable economy. DGB is currently home to eight companies and there are plans for a second DGB building a few hundred metres down the road.

Zuidas

Zuidas, the city's financial district and heart of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, is committed to sustainable buildings and electric mobility. Many companies are united in the Green Business Club.

Zuidas works together with the Vrije Universiteit and major companies in their drive to improve sustainability.  

AEB

The City of Amsterdam's 'Waste to Energy Company' (AEB, Afval Energie Bedrijf) now has one of the most efficient incinerators in the world. The entire Amsterdam tram and metro network is powered by electricity generated by the AEB. A district heating system created in collaboration with energy utility Nuon provides 55,000 households with heat.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the world's major passenger hubs, handling 48 million passengers in 2010. It is a waste management leader and currently the largest producer of algae in the world. In 2010, Schiphol launched theGROUNDS, a knowledge centre to facilitate institutions to develop innovative applications for sustainable aviation.

Park 20 | 20

Park 20|20 is a full-service cradle to cradle business park in the area of Haarlemmermeer. American architect William McDonough is responsible for development at the site, which will primarily be home to sustainable buildings. For example, the TNT head office building boasts an all green facade.

Holland Financial Centre

Holland Financial Centre's Climate and Sustainability desk is dedicated to increasing knowledge of sustainable financing. It also supports the Duisenberg School of Finance.

The Bank

Following renovations completed in 2011, this old bank building in Amsterdam now boasts the highest energy efficiency label possible. The Bank is home to several companies including Marqt - a supermarket selling a huge range of organic products.

Fifteen

The brainchild of British chef Jamie Oliver, Fifteen serves organic food. The restaurant is also socially responsible - every year, it hires 25 youngsters struggling to find employment.

The City of the Sun

The City of the Sun is formed by 2,900 houses in the city of Heerhugowaard. Covering 120 acres, the district has achieved CO2 neutral status through the introduction of solar panels and a few windmills. This is one of the first fully self-sufficient districts in the Amsterdam Area.

First in Food

First in Food is the organisation uniting more than 70 companies and municipalities in the Zaanstreek. The food industry in this area is dedicated to improving food sustainability.

Climate Street

140 entrepreneurs in Amsterdam set about creating their Climate Street using the latest technology, sustainable transport and a new public space. Climate Street is part of the Amsterdam Smart City project, in which new technologies are tested to reduce CO2 and learn more about smart grids.

Okura

This five-star hotel in Amsterdam received the Golden Green Key for sustainable hotels in 2009 (www.okura.nl). Green Key combines CSR and sustainability to make hotels sustainable, looking at areas ranging from water savings to management.

Currently, 45% of all beds in Amsterdam have the Green Key label, making Amsterdam an international leader in sustainable hotels.

Amsterdam ArenA

A high-class multipurpose stadium, Amsterdam ArenA is not only home to AFC Ajax football club, it's also an excellent conference and concert venue. The roof is retractable and, thanks to LED lights and solar panels, it is also energy efficient. In the next few years, the ArenA also has ambitious sustainability plans with regard to logistics, IT and business. 

ROC

The Regional Community College of Amsterdam has integrated sustainability into all of its courses, especially those of a technical nature. The technical talent of tomorrow will therefore be fully informed about sustainable working methods and eco-innovations. Watch this short film explaining their sustainable activities: www.iamtv.nl/video/rocva-duurzaamheid-deel-ii 

Stopera

Located on Waterlooplein at the heart of the city, the Stopera is home to the City Hall of Amsterdam as well as the Amsterdam Music Theatre. The building has a completely green roof and there's an energy efficient heating system that provides heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. 

OBA

Completed in 2007, the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) now welcomes more than 5,000 visitors every day. The ultimate in user-friendly design, it features free internet, a restaurant and windows from floor to ceiling.

In 2008, it was voted the most sustainable public building in Amsterdam. The building was constructed primarily using renewable materials, and solar panels have been fitted on the roof. 

Amstelveen

The City of Amstelveen signed a covenant with 14 partners laying out their plans with regard to sustainability. They also called for proposals to stimulate sustainable food in the city.

Shell

Two of the driving concepts that underpin the Shell Technology Centre Amsterdam are technology and innovation. In view of the finite supply of fossil resources and the problem of rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, Shell is researching clean, affordable alternatives such as second generation biofuels (made from non-food produce) and the capture and storage of CO2. The gasification technology was developed in Amsterdam.

Greenery in Amsterdam Zuidoost

Amsterdam Zuidoost is renowned for its luscious greenery with houses and flats in the area being surrounded by trees and bushes. The council maintain the greenery using sustainable gardening methods and avoid using chemicals wherever possible.

Evoswitch

Situated in Haarlem, the greenest data centre in the Netherlands is fully CO2 neutral. Evoswitch also designed 'Free Cooling' - a new energy efficient cooling concept that intelligently utilises the cooler outside air.

Food Center Amsterdam

The Food Center Amsterdam (FCA) is a wholesale market selling food produced in, and for use in the Amsterdam Area. They provide food for the retail and catering industries and supply care institutions.

The FCA has the largest and most diverse assortment of fresh products in the Netherlands and is used by some of the most sustainable distributors, such as De Kweker. Electric mobility is also a key concern at FCA.

Amsterdam Fashion Week

The 'Green Fashion Competition' returns to Amsterdam International Fashion Week this year. The contest hunts down new talent to stimulate sustainable design and execution by designers.