This collaboration happens both within the KIN Hub Amsterdam Metropolitan Region (MRA) and the Academic Workshop on Climate Adaptation. Together, we are building a network of researchers, policymakers, professionals and social organizations working on concrete climate issues, we share our knowledge on transition thinking, transdisciplinary work, climate adaptation and climate justice with that network and we bundle existing and new knowledge to determine the research agenda. 

One of the collaborating partners is the Center of Expertise City Net Zero (CNZ) of the Amsterdam University of Applied Science (HvA). In this article, Jonne Klaver, business developer of City Net Zero, shares his view on the importance of the collaboration. 

What is the core task of the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute? 

'City Net Zero (CNZ) is working on accelerating the climate transition in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region. This requires a fundamental and structural shift toward a society without emissions, waste, and climate stress. To get there, we connect different areas of expertise and work very closely with external partners on solutions that are concrete and can be applied right away.   

A good example of this is how we connect knowledge about heat and its effects on health. Every year, we bring stakeholders together on this topic during the Heat Symposium. Around 150 professionals from research-, governmental-, business-, and community partners come together to share new insights and solutions. The research results gained can be used immediately to design neighborhoods that are climate-resilient and healthy.' 

Which of your research projects excites you?  

Working with external partners on solutions that can be applied immediately is in the DNA of the HvA. The Green Shade Makers project is a really great example of co-creation. What started as a prototype at the HvA became an education and research project with the municipality of Amsterdam and a group of entrepreneurs, creating a test setup for the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA). By now, there are also green shade makers in other cities, and the follow-up research project, together with the entrepreneurs, is happening as we speak. This is how we speed up the transition to a healthy, climate-resilient city with public partners and entrepreneurs. 

Why have you actively sought collaboration with the other knowledge institutions in Amsterdam?  

To build a climate-resilient city together, using a single strategic agenda. We bring together different areas of expertise to actually make a difference and, together with residents and entrepreneurs, create a healthy and climate-resilient city. 

What do you hope to achieve through this collaboration?  

I hope we can accelerate the transition to a climate-resilient city by bundling our knowledge with other knowledge institutions and public partners. This way we can work together in neighborhoods and with entrepreneurs, making the city climate-resilient and nature-inclusive. 

How do you envision a future-proof city?  

For me, a future-proof city is a city that's set up in a way that everyone can live and work there comfortably. It's a green, healthy city that's in balance with the environment, without emissions, waste, or climate stress.