1. The document discusses the new building of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and its goals of being ecologically effective and stimulating eco-technology. 2. Key aspects of the building include using sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption through various technologies, and creating a space to develop and test eco-technological innovations to further biodiversity and sustainability. 3. Pilot projects discussed include using algae to treat wastewater, creating a green roof for experiments, recovering nutrients through algae, and testing new solar cell and LED technologies.

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Towards a
Louise E.M. Vet
Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
circulair
economy
Stimulating eco-technology in practice
www.nieuwbouwnioo.nl
www.nioo.knaw.nl
Destruction of our ecosystems
for resources
for energy
for food
exit…

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Phosphorus
CRISIS
80 years left
Phosphorus
CRISIS
Circular economy

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join
NIMBY
LETHARGY
ENTHOUSIASM
Problem or Challenge?
Think
global
A different mindset...
Act local
Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
The new building in Wageningen
Ecological research..... as a basis
Eco-effective construction..... as an example
Stimulating eco-technology... as an ambition

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• Largest research institute of
the Royal Netherlands
Academy of Arts and Sciences
(KNAW)
• app. 250 employees
• app. € 16 million budget
• Locations:
- Heteren
- Nieuwersluis
- Yerseke
Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
Quality of life & work:
• Materials good for humans and the environment
• Longevity / flexible design
• Abundance of daylight, view and natural air flow
Sustainable and economical use of energy and materials:
• Sustainable energy from thermal storage and sunlight
• Own waste as a source of energy, retrieve minerals
• Close water and nutrient cycle
Eco-effective building I
Stimulate biodiversity and a natural environment:
• Building in balance with the (green) environment
• Vegetation on the roof
• Stimulate maximal biodiversity on the site
Eco-effective building II The main building
CLAUS EN KAAN ARCHITECTEN

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Main considerations in choice of materials:
• Production:
 Re-usable materials
 Low energy consumption
 No harmful emissions
• Longevity and maintenance
• Hallmarks, e.g. Forest Stewardship Counsel
(FSC)
• Wood, glass, steel, ‘eco-concrete’...
Materials good for man and environment
• Energy saving construction
• Solar collectors
• Thermal storage
• Concrete core activation
Reduced energy consumption
Ambition:
To make NIOO-knowledge, facilities and space available
for scientists and entrepreneurs to develop and test the
newest generation of eco-technological products
help to develop new knowledge
help to allow pilots
stimulate biodiversity and sustainability
Stimulating eco-technology
Examples:
• Deep HT source (finished)
• Newest generation solar cells (proof-of-concept i.d.)
• On site nutrient cycle (proof-of-concept i.d.)
• Green experiment roof (feasibility study, pilot i.d.)
• Newest generation lighting,
green lighting, new LEDS ? (in development)
Room for new gems ! …
Eco-technological gems

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Energy-concept NIOO:
deep high-temperature storage
Demonstration- and proof-of-concept
project in development with innovative
start-up technology company:
SunCycle
Testing Concentrated Solar Power
(energy) combined with watercooling
(heat) to HT-source.
SunCycle
technology
New generations of solar cells
Newest generation LED
recover nutrients by algae
biogas
phosphorus!
close nutrient and water cycles

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Water treatment by algae?
Two algae cultivation systems:
Algae pond
Photobioreactor
Algae: research and practical use
Waste water flows:
– toilets (after fermentation
and water treatment by algae)
– water from domestic use
– water from research labs
Helophyte filter

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On-site nutrient cycle
Biodiversity, birds, water and air filtration, cooling….
Experiments with WUR, companies, etc.
Pilotprojects: vegetational diversity, hydrology,
electricity from plants…
Green experiment roof with different vegetations
Plant microbial fuel cell
principle:
solar radiation + CO2
organic compounds
roots excrete organic
compounds
oxidized by electrochemically
active bacteria
bacteria donate electrons to
anode
which flow via energy user to
cathode
Natural fence
Variety of plants and
animals
Restore/plant hedges
Create microclimates
Stimulate biodiversity
With NGO’s
WUR,
students
NIOO employees

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Share knowledge,
skills
to innovate TOGETHER
means &
Cooperation is crucial !