Sustainability
According to the Rabobank monitor 2010, Utrecht is the most sustainable region of the Netherlands. Download factsheet
Who's already here?
Many engineering and consultancy companies that specialize in sustainability found their home in the province of Utrecht, for instance Grontmij, DHV, Arcadis and Movares. Moreover, financial institutions and NGO’s that specialize in sustainable actions are located here. Examples include the Triodos Bank (at the International Sustainable Banking Conference proclaimed as the world’s most sustainable bank) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Also Ecofys, a key player in the field of sustainable energy, is located in Utrecht.Research Institutes
- Climate-Knowledge and Innovation Community (Climate-KIC) - Climate-KIC is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to drive innovation in the area of climate change, adaptation and mitigation through integrated and creative partnerships between business, academic and public institutions.
- Utrecht Center for Earth and Sustainability (UCAD) – UCAD is a partnership between:
- Utrecht University
- TNO (an independent research organization whose expertise and research make an important contribution to the competitiveness of companies and organizations, to the economy and to the quality of society as a whole. TNO’s unique position is attributable to its versatility and capacity to integrate this knowledge.)
- KNMI (Royal Dutch Meteorologic Institute)
- Deltares (Knowledge institute for water and surface)
- KWR (Knowledge institute for water cycle)
- Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation - The Copernicus Institute investigates and develops processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The institute thus seeks to contribute to the development of knowledge and techniques as well as methods and instruments in the field of sustainable development, taking note of related social debates and policy processes.
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is a recognized leading center of expertise in the fields of health, nutrition and environmental protection. They work mainly for the Dutch government, but also share their knowledge with governments and supranational bodies around the world. The results of their research, monitoring, modeling and risk assessment are used to underpin policy on public health, food, safety and the environment. They employ over 1500 employees, many of whom work in multidisciplinary fields.
Population: 1.2 million
