At this event Norbert Schotte of Alba Concepts. spoke about the challenges the world faces when it comes to climate change. Although Norberts’ presentation started a bit gloomy he ended with the positive note that he experiences an increasing ‘sense of urgency’ amongst politicians to really act upon the challenges we face here in The Netherlands. Another reason to be optimistic, Norbert said, is the fact that innovation, as well as reconsidering the use of vacant buildings, such as churches, will significantly facilitate the reduction of our CO2 footprint going forward.

Second speaker was Malika van de Weerd. Malika recently joined AM Gebiedsontwikkeling as program manager ‘climate positive’ and showed us how to implement fundamental change by discussing ‘Theory U’ and the ‘X-curve’. Both are useful models for the transition towards ‘climate positive’.

The topics addressed by both Norbert and Malika led to a lively discussion about creating awareness and getting everybody on board because, despite the paradigm shift Norbert foresees, all attendees believed that we are able to successfully deal with climate change as long as we are willing to really collaborate at various levels and in the supply chain.

After this host of the day and last speaker, Yvette Van Piggelen of AM, spoke about the redevelopment of the prison into a multifunctional complex with housing, offices, hotel, restaurant and a space for the neighborhood, followed by a tour through the complex.

Many thanks again to AM Gebiedsontwikkeling as well as the three speakers and Marijke Nas, member of the product council who took the initiative.

Would you to like to contribute to Climate & Circularity in Urban Developement, have a look if being a member of this Product Council might be something for you, you can find more information here.