Chitin represents an abundant source of nitrogenous polysaccharides, making it a suitable feedstock for organonitrogen platform chemicals. In particular, furanic compounds, such as 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran (3A5AF), can be readily obtained. Furans can be further functionalized using a Diels–Alder (DA) …

Postwar reconstruction nowadays has become a deeply researched subject, not only to meet the need for rebuilding in former war zones, but also to meet the requirements of the homecoming after people’s return. This project, situated in the Saltivka micro district in Kharkiv, Ukraine, follows a number …

Environmental values are becoming increasingly important in restoration of historical buildings, while energy interventions can seriously damage historical qualities. Cultural-historical values and environmental values are often considered difficult to commensurate, with energy engineers and heritage …

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) or nature-based solutions (NBSs) are widely implemented to collect, store and infiltrate stormwater. The buildup of pollutants is expected in NBSs, and Dutch guidelines advise monitoring the topsoil of bio-swales every 5 years. In the Netherlands, almost every …

This text reflects on the recent Landscape Makers Congress co-organised by Studio Inscape as a design intervention seeking to re-politicise the South-Western Delta region (SWD) of the Netherlands. Like many coastal regions around the world, the Dutch coast (including the SWD) is facing serious challenges …

Lupin plants can grow on marginal lands and in the cold regions of Europe. They produce lupin beans, which contain around 30-40 % proteins and 20 % fats [1]. The high protein and fat content puts the lupin plant into direct competition with soy, which is mostly imported. Despite these promising nutritional …

Electric vehicles have penetrated the Dutch market, which increases the potential for decreased local emissions, the use and storage of sustainable energy, and the roll-out and use of electric car-sharing business models. This development also raises new potential issues such as increased electricity …

The built environment requires energy-flexible buildings to reduce energy peak loads and to maximize the use of (decentralized) renewable energy sources. The challenge is to arrive at smart control strategies that respond to the increasing variations in both the energy demand as well as the variable …

The transition towards sustainable and just food systems is ongoing, illustrated by an increasing number of initiatives that try to address unsustainable practices and social injustices. Insights are needed into what a just transition entails in order to critically engage with plural and potentially …

Research and practice show how regenerative business models contribute to restoration of the socio-ecological system, that human and natural aspects are at the core of their values and that co-evolution or co-creation are a key aspect. That being said, the regenerative business model is still a relatively …