our mission
WE ARE
the Sustainable@ Foundation. We stand at the forefront of innovative projects, bridging technical advancements with practical economic applications. As a registered non-profit organisation with ANBI-status, Sustainable@ is committed to driving positive change through its multifaceted initiatives. With a strong focus on fostering collaboration between industry, academia and society, Sustainable@ is renowned for its expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship, facilitating seamless connections with technology and knowledge transfer.
At Sustainable@, sustainability is more than just a goal—it’s essential for thriving in today’s world. With growing regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly practices, we guide private businesses and public sector organisations on their sustainability journey.
Central to our purpose is integrating applied research, feasibility studies, and demonstration projects to accelerate economic deployment. We leverage our networks to foster regional connections, particularly in sectors aligned with Regional Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation. This approach helps us identify and support early-stage business proposals, driving innovation and economic growth.
From compliance with EU environmental policies and standards to reducing environmental footprints, Sustainable@ empowers entities to achieve sustainable excellence.
WHAT WE DO
OUR ROLE
Sustainable@ is crucial in managing projects, collaborating with national and EU agencies, educational institutions, private and public sector partners, and stakeholders. In projects we can make difference by leading the impactful dissemination. Our expertise spans education, ICT, energy, resource efficiency, transportation and health, allowing us to tackle diverse challenges and drive sustainable development.
With a focus on excellence and impact, Sustainable@ advances innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability regionally and beyond.
One of Sustainable@’s distinguishing features is its ability to foster collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, academic institutions, government agencies, and community organisations. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing, Sustainable@ facilitates the co-creation of innovative solutions to pressing societal and environmental challenges.
THE FUTURE
At Sustainable@, our endeavours are cantered on a diverse range of thematic areas of expertise, each linked to our core values.
Digital dynamic communication and dissemination
Sustainability
Circularity & Resource Efficiency
At SS@, we recognise that achieving resource efficiency goes beyond technological advances; it requires understanding the impact that individuals, as well as the public and private sectors, can make by changing their behaviour, consumption habits, and lifestyles. By empowering consumers to make informed choices and opt for products with lower environmental footprints, such as energy-efficient appliances or sustainably produced goods, SS@ aims to reduce overall resource consumption, through its activities.
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A significant potential for decreasing the use of finite resources lies in adopting resource-efficient techniques. For example, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce electricity consumption, while implementing water-saving practices such as fixing leaks and using water-efficient fixtures can conserve water resources. Moreover, addressing inefficiencies in the food system can also yield substantial resource savings. Transitioning towards plant-based diets reduces the environmental footprint associated with resource-intensive livestock farming. Additionally, implementing strategies to reduce food waste, such as meal planning, proper storage, and composting organic waste, helps to maximise the utilisation of resources and minimise unnecessary consumption. Furthermore, SS@ embraces the principles of the circular economy, which promote the reuse, repair, and recycling of materials to minimise waste generation and maximise resource utilisation. By promoting circular economy practices, SS@ contributes to sustainable resource management and environmental conservation, ensuring a more resilient and resource-efficient future.
Education
At SS@, we excel in facilitating the validation of non-formal and informal learning, seamlessly integrating these with formal education pathways, thereby shaping the 21st-century student.
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Our organisation is dedicated to promoting the professional development of its staff and students through advanced ICT methodologies. We passionately champion entrepreneurship education to foster active citizenship, employability, and new business creation, recognising education as a critical economic driver that can dramatically enhance Europe’s productivity and competitiveness.
Our team at SS@ boasts extensive experience and expertise in skills development and the implementation of innovative pedagogies. We actively participate in peer learning and mutual learning activities through thematic working groups. Our projects are designed to create new learning opportunities by developing and practically applying entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, we lead awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of learning at local, regional, national, EU, and international levels, ensuring a widespread positive impact.
Energy
SS@ is dynamic across the spectrum of energy sectors, focusing on applied research, feasibility studies, testing, demonstration, and support for deployment.
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SS@ has extensive experience in energy projects across various sectors, including passive house technology in the construction industry, innovations across the energy industry, policy recommendations for offshore wind, hydrogen techniques, feasibilities in the transportation sector, and more.
Much of SS@’s work in energy addresses specific challenges faced by communities, municipalities, and regions, providing the necessary support to implement measures that increase the use of renewable energies and enhance energy efficiency. These efforts align with the goals of the EU Green Deal and other relevant EU policies, such as the Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive, and the Clean Energy for All Europeans package. SS@ embraces future challenges with enthusiasm and looks forward to collaborating with partners during the transition from fossil fuel dependency to a Europe that leads the globe in energy conversion.
Spatial Planning
SS@ offers comprehensive expertise in spatial planning, providing tailored solutions.
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Our team collaborates closely with local authorities, urban planners, developers, and community groups to develop sustainable spatial strategies that enhance livability, promote economic growth, and protect the environment. SS@ assist in the formulation of long-term spatial development plans that align with regional objectives and policies. Our strategic planning services encompass land use planning, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation strategies.
SS@ specialises urban regeneration, revitalising urban areas to create vibrant, inclusive communities that optimise existing resources, improve connectivity, and promote social cohesion. SS@ promotes the integration of green spaces, blue corridors, and ecological networks into urban landscapes to enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and improve overall urban resilience. We facilitate inclusive stakeholder engagement processes to ensure that local communities have a voice in shaping their built environment. Through project activity, workshops, consultations, and interactive tools, we empower citizens to contribute to decision-making processes. Our experts conduct policy analysis, research best practices, and provide recommendations to support informed decision-making. By harnessing our multidisciplinary expertise and innovative approaches, SS@ is committed to promoting sustainable spatial planning practices that foster thriving, resilient communities and landscapes.
Cultural Preservation
ICT & Digitisation
Through its work, SS@ has developed expertise in creating dynamic, rich media resources, particularly e-learning and e-assessment materials, for a range of projects in thematic areas such as resource efficiency, climate change, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, enterprise, business, and skills development.
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SS@ has extensive experience in the development of “gamification” of educational practices, which has become increasingly popular among practitioners across Europe, with many resources being developed as ‘serious games’.
Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, SS@ also leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance educational resources. These advanced technologies allow for personalized learning experiences and real-time data analytics, further enriching the learning process. These resources, which include augmented and virtual reality, are not a panacea but are intended to improve learner engagement and facilitate experiential learning. The experience of SS@ demonstrates that there is no doubt that they support the learning process and can be used effectively at professional levels for development and competence measurement.
All of the above ensures that our initiatives make a meaningful and lasting impact. Join us in shaping a sustainable future for Europe and beyond.
Our Partners
No change without strong partners. Please meet them.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change”
About us
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At Sustainable@, we are passionately committed to nurturing the adaptability of regions in response to rapid technological advancements and policy changes, with a steadfast focus on sustainability. Operating at local, national, regional, and transnational levels, Sustainable@ serves as a dynamic catalyst for economic activity, striving to create fresh employment opportunities and foster business growth that resonate with the diverse needs of communities and their residents.
Our esteemed leadership team spearheads the implementation of project work programs in close collaboration with national/EU agencies, educational institutions, private enterprises, and individuals, championing the classical “Quadruple Helix” partnership model.
With a proven track record of successful engagement in numerous European-funded projects and national initiatives, the dedicated members of the Sustainable@ staff bring a wealth of experience to the table. Our team comprises seasoned researchers, educators, industrialists, and digital specialists, including experts in meta-technologies.
Meet Our Team
The Sustainable@ Foundation started in the Netherlands but has strengthened itself with an European focus.
The Leadership Executive at Sustainable@ serves as the driving force behind the strategic direction and operational activities of the organisation. Comprised of esteemed individuals from various sectors, including leading industrialists, educationalists, governmental representatives, and political figures across Europe, the Leadership Executive ensures independent and autonomous decision-making.
With a wealth of expertise and experience, the members of the Sustainable@ Leadership Executive provide valuable insights and guidance to steer the organisation towards its objectives of fostering innovation, sustainability, and regional development in Europe and also internationally. Their collective vision and strategic direction shape Sustainable@’s initiatives and projects, driving impactful change and positive outcomes for communities and stakeholders.
Ingrid Kloosterman
Boardmember
Treasurer & Secretary
Ingrid Kloosterman – Active for over 30 years as an administrator, director, alderman, and entrepreneur, has led various organisations in different sectors, both profit and non-profit.
Ingrid seizes opportunities and dares to think outside the box. What characterises her is her openness and transparency towards all stakeholders. This is how she builds a solid foundation for sustainable growth and organisational success. She actively uses her entrepreneurial spirit and versatility in all projects in which Sustainable@ is involved.
John Vester
Boardmember
Chairman
John Vester – Innovative creative impact maker with more than 25 years of experience in the field of innovation, co-creation, concept development, sustainability, digitalisation and business modeling who knows how to inspire and create support. His greatest strength lies in putting people first. In the field of energy transition, he makes an impact with programs that appeal to the intrinsic human being. Proven track record in various international programs. As a senior, he is appreciated by partners for his analytical skills, helicopter view and insight into the various relationships between people, organizations, processes and systems. As a bridge builder, he knows how to achieve results in a pragmatic manner.
Lilly Christoforidou
Board member
Chris Ashe
Board member
Chis Ashe – Dynamic and visionary executive with over two decades of leadership in sustainable development, innovation, and education. Proven track record in leading international projects, fostering partnerships, and driving strategic initiatives in energy, education, environmental and technology sectors across Europe.
With a passion for driving transformative projects that integrate innovation with sustainability, Chris brings extensive experience in managing complex initiatives and fostering strategic partnerships.
Would you like to start a project with us?
Sustainable@ is your experienced partner, in EU projects, for project management, impactful dissemination and consortium building.
CONTACT DETAILS
Stichting Sustainable@
Overhage 13, 5431LD Cuijk
KVK-nummer: 80851479
ANBI / RSIN: 861825160
Sustainable@ foundation
Your Partner of Choice for Transformative Educational Development!
At Sustainable@, we are at the forefront of catalysing change in the educational landscape, spanning across school, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education (HE) materials. Our commitment extends beyond traditional learning methods, as we create educational and training materials at various levels. We firmly believe that collaboration with our organisation is a gateway to excellence, enabling us to contribute significantly to the evolution of enterprise and entrepreneurial education.
Our strategic focus is on reshaping the educational system. This approach ensures that the skills developed align seamlessly with the dynamic demands of 21st-century industries. Sustainable@ is dedicated to creating a paradigm shift, empowering the educational skills system to supply the essential skills required by industries today and tomorrow.
Recognising the intrinsic link between education, training, and economic prowess, Sustainable@ advocates for the elevation of European economic power through a concerted effort in education. In numerous promising industrial sectors, there is an urgent need to enhance education and tailor curricula to meet the imminent requirements of the labour market. This applies not only to field-specific recruitment but also to the cultivation of skills and competences crucial for future employers.
Across various European regions, the call for innovative, skilled, and entrepreneurial young talent is pressing. Sustainable@ addresses these challenges by embracing long-term principles that serve as the foundation for shared growth ambitions through people – an expertise deeply ingrained in our staff.
As a dynamic organisation, Sustainable@ boasts a team with extensive experience in digital media and trans-disciplinary curriculum development. Our dedication lies in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in education. By aligning our educational strategies with the evolving needs of the 21st-century workforce, Sustainable@ empowers schools to equip students with industry-demanded skills and competencies.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Sustainable@ actively engages with partners across Europe and beyond to effectively bridge skills gaps in emerging industrial sectors. Our goal is to prepare young individuals for successful careers by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed for the future job market. With our proficiency in cultivating long-term partnerships and securing European and private funds, Sustainable@ is poised to scale its impact, bringing meaningful transformation to European education systems.
Choose Sustainable@ as your partner on the journey of educational innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, let’s shape a future where education is not just a means of learning but a catalyst for economic empowerment and success.