Upcoming events
Serious gaming on the hydrogen value chain
07-05-2025
TPM-Hall C, 31.A0.080
As part of the project HyChain-ESI (https://research-software-directory.org/projects/hychain-esi) , a serious (board) game on the hydrogen value chain has been developed and PhD researchers are sought to play this game and give feedback. The HyChain-ESI project is all about creating methods, tools and policies to unlock (large-scale) hydrogen value chains. The goal is to help Europe develop a sustainable hydrogen economy in a short(est) amount of time. The game is a fun way to explore the exciting world of hydrogen value chains. What do you think is needed in terms of policy and cooperation to achieve a sustainable hydrogen economy in Europe? If you want to do more, you can become a game leader to play the game with policymakers.
Venue & date: TUD campus, TPM-Hall C, 31.A0.080, May 7
Program:
10:00 walk-in with coffee/thee
10:15 explanation & playing the game
12:15 evaluation; how did it go and what did you learn?
13:00 lunch
14:00 train the trainer/game leader (for those interested)
16:30 end
If you are interested or have questions, please contact p.a.h.vandervorm@tudelft.nl and/ or Renske van ‘t Veer.
Motivation
The climate crisis forces us in Curaçao to work on innovative solutions for a sustainable environment.
Doelstelling
De doelstelling van de Learning Community is bij te dragen aan de Green Deal: Duurzame Zorg
met als doel 50% reductie van grondstofverbruik in 2030 en maximaal circulair in 2050.
Omdat er op heel veel verschillende manieren naar deze doelstelling toe gewerkt kan worden is besloten gebruik te maken van R-Ladder met circulaire strategieën als kapstok om de verschillende vraagstukken aan op te hangen
Platform
Op de website www.evengroenevrienden.nl kunnen (potentiele) stakeholders algemene informatie vinden over alle beschikbare Learning Communities. Via de website kunnen ook vraagstukken aangeleverd worden.
Er wordt gewerkt aan een platform waar vanuit stakeholders, studenten en onderwijstellingen met elkaar in verbinding kunnen komen en deliverables kunnen uploaden. Het online educatie platform van EdX zal hierbij de basis vormen. Zodra dit platform af is, wordt er op deze pagina naar verwezen.
Projectorganisatie & Communicatie
De projectorganisatie van deze LC wordt gevormd door Linette Bossen en Bart van Straten. Linette Bossen is de projectleider van projecten “Streetwise: learning with society” en “ET-TLC: Energy Transition – Talent in Learning Communities”. Vanuit deze projecten zijn de Learning Communities binnen Even Groene Vrienden ontstaan. Bart van Straten is een expert op het gebied van duurzaamheid en de circulaire gezondheidszorg. Hij is verbonden aan het bedrijf Van Straten Medical en aan verschillende onderwijs- en overheidsgerelateerde instellingen.
Hun rol is het faciliteren van de verschillende co-creatie sessies en partnersessies en de daar bijhorende communicatie, het up to date houden van het platform en de leerroute.
Learning Community
Projects Curacao
In Curaçao, rising water levels, extreme rainfall, and insufficient water retention pose a threat to the island's ecosystem. Polluted runoff damages marine life and coral reefs. Illegal discharges exacerbate the problem, which is further intensified by the looming capacity limits of landfills.
Would you like to participate in this Learning Community as a TU Delft student? You can apply for a scholarship through TU Delft. More information and application deadlines can be found via the following link:
🔗 https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/programmes/practical-matters/scholarships
Stakeholders:
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University of Curaçao
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Stichting Monumentenfonds (Monuments Fund Foundation)
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Chamber of Commerce
Coaches:
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Ergun Erkocu, PhD Candidate (UoC)
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Prof. Dr. Ellen van Buren (TUD, Architecture)
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Dr. Boris van Breukelen (TUD, CiTG)
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Prof. E. Echteld (UoC)
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Rugén Leito, MSc (HHS)
Current Projectcases
Below is an overview of the project cases currently available within the Sustainable Environments Curaçao Learning Community:
Topic
Transforming UoC into a green university
The University of Curaçao is facing environmental challenges, such as high energy use, limited recycling, and not enough use of renewable energy. With growing awareness of climate change and sustainability, this problem has become ever so important. At the moment, there is no clear plan or system in place to reduce energy use, improve energy efficiency, manage waste, promote eco-friendly practices and eco-conscious education, and promote paperless workflows. Tackling these issues is important to lower the university’s environmental impact, save resources, and become more sustainable. If this plan is implemented successfully, it can also lead as an example for other schools and universities in the area.
Topic
Net-zero energy building on Curaçao
Building construction in tropical environments often faces challenges like high energy consumption for cooling, inefficient designs, and limited integration of renewable energy. As the need for sustainable solutions grows, there is an opportunity to design and construct a net-zero building that balances energy efficiency and environmental harmony. However, achieving this in a tropical climate requires addressing issues such as heat management, material sustainability, and energy generation. Developing a net-zero building in this context is essential to reduce carbon emissions, optimize resource use, and serve as a model for sustainable development in tropical regions.
Topic
Public transport in Curaçao
Public transport in Curaçao is often unreliable, with irregular schedules, limited coverage, and outdated infrastructure, making it an inconvenient option for many residents. As a result, people rely heavily on private vehicles, leading to traffic congestion, high transportation costs, and increased emissions. There is an urgent need to rethink and improve the public transport system to make it more efficient, accessible, and sustainable. Addressing these challenges by modernizing infrastructure, improving scheduling, and integrating new mobility solutions will create a more reliable and user-friendly public transport system for Curaçao.
Topic
Electric vehicles in Curaçao
Curaçao faces challenges with high greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and reliance on imported fossil fuels due to the widespread use of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. With advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, there is an opportunity to transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation. However, the island currently lacks the necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations, incentives, and public awareness, to support the widespread adoption of electric cars. Barriers like the capacity of the electric grid and charging times should also be taken into account. Addressing these challenges is crucial to reduce emissions, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and create a more sustainable transportation system for Curaçao.
Topic
Shared mobility in Curaçao
Curaçao struggles with traffic congestion, high transportation costs, and a heavy reliance on private vehicles, leading to increased emissions and inefficient use of resources. Shared mobility solutions, such as carpooling, ride-sharing, and bike-sharing, offer an opportunity to create a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. However, the island currently lacks the necessary infrastructure, policies, and public awareness to support widespread adoption. Implementing shared mobility solutions is essential to reduce traffic, lower transportation costs, and promote a more sustainable and accessible way of getting around Curaçao.
Learning Community
Learning communities zijn de motor van innovatieve ontwikkelingen. Professionals uit bedrijven, overheden en NGO’s werken in Learning Communities samen met onderzoekers, docenten en studenten uit verschillende kennisinstellingen. In Learning Communities wordt geleerd, gewerkt en geïnnoveerd in kleine groepjes vanuit een gezamenlijk belang. Het doel is om kennis te ontwikkelen en delen en oplossingen te zoeken voor complexe maatschappelijke problemen.
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Stakeholders & Meetings
We organize 2 partner sessions per year where students present their results through pitches. It is important for all participants to be present to enable meaningful discussions. These sessions are likely to take place in September and February.
In between, co-creation sessions are organized where students and stakeholders of a specific topic come together to discuss the assignment. Each 10-week cycle includes at least 2 co-creation sessions, each lasting approximately 2 hours. It is essential for organizations wishing to participate to commit to these sessions.
Expectations for Stakeholders:
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Attend 2 topic-specific co-creation sessions per year.
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Participate in the partner sessions.
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Facilitate students in their research, for example, by providing meeting spaces, assisting with interviews, offering guidance, providing contacts, or enabling shadowing opportunities in environments such as hospitals.
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If JIP (Joint Interdisciplinary Project) students are involved in the Learning Community, a coach from the organization will be available (see attachment for the Joint Interdisciplinary Project).
What is expected from students
A student must meet the requirements of the course in which they are completing an assignment for the Learning Community (self-monitoring and coordinating with the relevant teacher).
What is further expected from students:
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Complete two reflection questionnaires: one before participation and one afterward (for internal research purposes).
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Attend two co-creation sessions.
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Participate in sprint sessions with fellow students.
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Deliver a presentation at the partner session.
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Write a reflection report.
Key Principles
In addition to the points above, we also focus on the following principles.
With the agreements below, we ensure that the Learning Community is valuable for everyone involved:
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Everyone who gains knowledge also shares knowledge.
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Everyone is an expert.
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Everyone participates; if you cannot attend, you arrange a replacement.
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Knowledge, expertise, and products belong to all of us.
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Together, we advance knowledge, products, and expertise.
Oude projecten
Zie hieronder enkele delen van de projectpresentaties van november 2024:
Contact
What We Provide
01
Project Design
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
02
Construction Management
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
03
Site Evaluation
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
04
Construction
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
05
Cost Modeling
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
Topic
Water Management Policy
The new water policy plan advocates for a reform of the governance system for water management in Curaçao. Given the island's small scale and limited resources, it is essential to design a governance structure that is both efficient and flexible, tailored to local conditions. The challenge lies in establishing a system that ensures effective water management while considering resource constraints, the need for cross-sector coordination, and the importance of community engagement in sustainable water practices. How can Curaçao develop a governance framework that balances these factors while promoting long-term water security?
Topic
Green Infrastructure as a Water Management Measure
Green roofs and green facades are considered potential climate adaptation measures to reduce water runoff during heavy rainfall and mitigate urban heat. However, the effectiveness of these solutions in Curaçao, particularly in urban Willemstad, has yet to be assessed. How can green roofs and facades be successfully implemented in Willemstad, considering the city's unique climate and heritage status, so that these adaptations contribute to sustainability without compromising the area's historical and cultural integrity?
Topic
Water label
The new water policy plan proposes the introduction of a water label, similar to the energy label, to help consumers make informed choices when purchasing water-related appliances and homes. The challenge lies in developing and implementing this label in Curaçao, considering local conditions, consumer behavior, and the availability of water-saving technologies. How can a water label be effectively designed and integrated into the market to promote sustainable water use while remaining accessible, understandable, and relevant to consumers in Curaçao?
Topic
Urban Housing Policy
The "Kaya Kaya" festival in Curaçao has transformed the Ser’i Otrobanda neighborhood into a vibrant and dynamic community, contributing to rising property prices. Despite this positive development, preserving the neighborhood's character and preventing gentrification remain key objectives. To achieve this, the government can implement targeted policy measures. A comparative analysis of the strategies applied in the Pietermaai and Ser’i Otrobanda neighborhoods can provide valuable insights into effective approaches. How can these measures be designed to balance development with community preservation?
Topic
SEHOS – Intergenerational Living
The decommissioning of St. Elisabeth Hospital (SEHOS) following the establishment of a new medical facility presents a unique opportunity to repurpose this iconic building in the heart of Otrobanda. The vision is to transform SEHOS into a vibrant center for intergenerational living, fostering a sense of community and connection among different age groups. This redevelopment can combine residential spaces, communal facilities, and social services, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment that enhances the neighborhood's cultural and historical identity while addressing modern housing and social needs.
Topic
Viaduct in the Otrobanda Area
The viaduct currently acts as a physical barrier in Otrobanda, disrupting neighborhood cohesion and limiting connectivity. A proposal has been made to remove the viaduct and repurpose its materials to construct a bridge in Salina, aimed at addressing water management issues. This presents a unique opportunity to revitalize the area. The transformation could create a dual-purpose urban space in Otrobanda, improving pedestrian and vehicle accessibility while enhancing the neighborhood's aesthetic and social appeal. However, this change will impact traffic flows in the area. To mitigate potential traffic problems, a comprehensive plan is needed with alternative routes, improved public transportation options, and smart traffic management systems, ensuring smooth mobility while preserving the neighborhood's vibrancy and functionality.
Topic
Fire Prevention in Willemstad
The narrow alleyways of Willemstad present a significant challenge for firefighting in the city center. With rising temperatures and recent incidents, such as a kitchen fire in a restaurant, the risk of fire spreading is increasing. How can fire prevention and response strategies be improved in Willemstad’s city center, considering its unique urban structure, increasing heat, and the need for effective firefighting access?
Topic
Reducing the Impact of Heat in the City Center
Building on the efforts of the MDP team at Wilhelmina Plein, the challenge is to explore opportunities to transform other squares and vacant lots in the city center into livable and climate-resilient spaces. This requires redesigning these areas to promote urban sustainability, improve public spaces, and better address the impacts of climate change. How can these transformations create multifunctional spaces that benefit both the community and the environment within the urban context?
Topic
Coastal Development and Sea Level Rise
Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces an increasing threat from rising sea levels, with high tides already causing the Waaigat to flood nearby streets. The risks to the area’s cultural and historical heritage are significant, and immediate action is needed to protect Willemstad from further damage. What strategies can be implemented to safeguard Willemstad from the effects of rising sea levels, ensuring both the preservation of cultural heritage and the resilience of infrastructure in the face of climate change?
Topic
Youth Communication Toolkit
The increasing impact of climate change highlights the urgent need for effective communication strategies to engage young people in climate action and adaptation. However, there is a lack of targeted resources that resonate with youth, enabling them to understand and respond to climate challenges. How can a communication toolkit be developed that effectively informs, engages, and motivates young people on climate change and adaptation? The toolkit should be accessible and relatable, encouraging active participation in building a sustainable future.
Topic
Wastewater management policies through willingness to pay
Curaçao faces significant challenges in water management due to scarce freshwater resources and the high costs of wastewater treatment. Inadequate wastewater management can lead to environmental pollution, public health risks, and long-term damage to marine ecosystems. However, improving wastewater treatment requires substantial investment, and securing sustainable funding remains a challenge. A key issue is the uncertainty surrounding public willingness to contribute financially to wastewater management. Without sufficient funding mechanisms, the island risks continued inefficiencies in water treatment and distribution. Understanding the economic and social barriers to wastewater financing is crucial for developing sustainable solutions that balance affordability and environmental responsibility
Topic
Traffic analysis for the inner city of Willemstad
Willemstad’s inner city faces increasing traffic congestion, limited pedestrian infrastructure, and inefficient urban mobility. Heavy reliance on cars leads to safety concerns, environmental impacts, and reduced accessibility for residents and tourists. The current urban layout prioritizes vehicles over pedestrians, making it difficult to navigate the city efficiently on foot or by bicycle.
A redesign of Willemstad’s traffic system is essential to create a more walkable and accessible urban environment. Concepts like the 10-minute city, where key services are within a short walk or bike ride, can enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transportation. However, implementing such changes requires an analysis of traffic flow, pedestrian accessibility, and infrastructure needs.
Topic
Adaptation strategies for Curaçao
Curaçao faces increasing climate risks, including rising temperatures, water shortages, and coastal erosion. While a climate adaptation strategy provides a framework for addressing these challenges, its success depends on concrete projects that translate policy into action.
Currently, there is a gap between strategy and implementation, with limited initiatives to enhance climate resilience in key areas such as water management, infrastructure, coastal protection, and sustainable urban development. Identifying and developing feasible, well-structured projects is essential to ensure effective execution and long-term climate adaptation. This assignment focuses on designing practical and impactful projects that align with Curaçao’s climate adaptation strategy, considering feasibility, funding opportunities, and long-term sustainability.
Topic
Climate risk analysis for Curaçao
Curaçao is increasingly exposed to climate risks such as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. Understanding the magnitude and impact of these risks is essential for developing effective adaptation strategies. However, accurate climate risk assessment requires scientific data from global and regional climate models to predict future changes and vulnerabilities.
Currently, there is a lack of localized climate projections tailored to Curaçao’s specific conditions. Without detailed risk analysis, decision-makers face challenges in prioritizing adaptation measures for critical sectors such as water resources, infrastructure, coastal protection, and public health. This assignment focuses on analyzing global and regional climate models to assess Curaçao’s future climate risks, providing a data-driven foundation for informed policy and adaptation planning.
Topic
Project development for climate adaptation on Curaçao
Curaçao faces increasing climate risks, including rising temperatures, water shortages, and coastal erosion. While a climate adaptation strategy provides a framework for addressing these challenges, its success depends on concrete projects that translate policy into action. Currently, there is a gap between strategy and implementation, with limited initiatives to enhance climate resilience in key areas such as water management, infrastructure, coastal protection, and sustainable urban development. Identifying and developing feasible, well-structured projects is essential to ensure effective execution and long-term climate adaptation. This assignment focuses on designing practical and impactful projects that align with Curaçao’s climate adaptation strategy, considering feasibility, funding opportunities, and long-term sustainability.
