Tax Shift for Circularity: a policy-oriented life cycle costing analysis of two construction case studies at the Floriade

The Circular Economy (CE) has emerged as an economic paradigm that could provide a pathway to sustainable development. The transition to a CE is a complex process requiring wide multi-level and multi-stakeholder engagement, which can be facilitated by appropriate policy interventions. As value retention processes in the CE require additional...

Water sensitive sustainable urban adaptation: Climate adaptation in existing Dutch neighborhoods | a case study in Delft

This project answers the research question “How can we design with climate adaptation measures in existing neighborhoods in the Netherlands while respecting other aspects of sustainable development?” The methods used to carry out the research are mixed methods. Both deductive and inductive research is done. Theory describes the problem, and...

Ecotourism in the Equatorial Andes: Research & Design for the development of an ecotouristic project proposal for a site on the north-western slopes of El Corazón

This graduation project takes a look at how Ecotourism could be developed at a site in El Corazón; an inactive volcano 50km south of Quito, Ecuador. The research was mainly concerned with a strategic problem orientation and was used to define the program for the project. It also was aimed at answering the following question: How can the...

Intelligently-Sustainable Cities? Assessing the contribution of Intelligent and Knowledge City Programmes to the achievement of urban sustainability

The current challenges that the world is facing are urging us to re-think the structure and functioning of our social and economic systems. A critical paradigm shift is required if issues such as climate change, growing poverty, depletion of natural resources and uncertain energy futures are to be effectively solved. Global leaders and...

The Emergence of the Sustainable Development Maturity Model

The Master’s programme Industrial Ecology is jointly organised by Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. Over the last few years the general awareness concerning sustainability increased significantly. Also companies are making big efforts to make their processes and products more sustainable. One of the key concepts in this...

Fulfilling Brand Aspirations with Sustainability - Bruynzeel Home Products

Introduction The central question in this report is: How can Bruynzeel successfully integrate sustainability in its business? Sustainability is generally getting more attention and Bruynzeel’s customers (DIY-chains and expert-dealers) sometimes take inventory of sustainable products or start other sustainable initiatives. Bruynzeel now wants to...

Stakeholders' Perspectives on Sustainability in Project Management: Case studies of 4 different projects in the Netherlands

The link between project management and sustainability is relatively new. More projects today are driven by sustainability goals than ever before. The need for sustainability as a critical factor for project success is clear. However, the question is what the stakeholders involved in the project think of it. The main objective of this research...

A Policy Analysis Approach to Making Strategic Decisions for the Sustainable Development of Harbin Eco-corridor System

“The battle for sustainable development, for delivering a more environmentally stable and healthier world, is going to be largely won and lost in our cities.” Klaus Toepfer, Former Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme said. "Over the past 50 years, humans have changed natural ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in...