Experiences​ 5 June​​​

On this day we visit our business clients like sustainable workplace Hof van Cartesius, houseboat builder ABC Waterwoningen, Hortus Botanicus, Keilepand and Building and Space for Discussion Gebouw de Heuvel.

You are very welcome to see first-hand how savers' and investors' money is working towards positive change. The Experience Day is between 11am and 5pm. Everyone travels with the bus to and from the client visit.

Hortus Botanicus (Amsterdam)

During the tour you will learn more about the history of the Hortus and the plant collections. There are thematic tours available focusing on topics such as medicinal plants, trees, greenhouses (useful for when it's raining!), but also religion, love, or evolution. Tours are available in Dutch and English. A tour lasts approximately 1 hour. 

The experience entails:

• A reception with coffee and tea

• A 45-minute guided tour of the Hortus Garden split in two groups (in both English and Dutch)

• A 45-minute presentation on the climate greenhouse project (only available in Dutch). 

ABC Waterwoningen (Urk)

ABC Waterwoningen has been building houseboats for over 20 years. From A to Z, we think along with you; from design and permit application to delivery at the mooring. Excellent quality, innovative solutions, and the use of environmentally friendly materials make the houseboats comfortable, safe, and highly energy-efficient. 

More information about the experience: 

• Welcome with coffee and tea 

• 30-minute presentation 

• Tour of the shipyard with a guided tour of houseboats in 3 groups

Hof van Cartesius (Utrecht)

Het hof van Cartesius opened in 2017 with 25 entrepeneurs and is grown into a thriving community of over 100 changemakers and a living lab for circularity and sustainable solutions. It serves as a case study for the neighbourhood, as more and more workspaces are being built according to similar circular principles. But also on a provincial and national level, the location is profiled as the testing ground for Utrecht’s circular economy, DIY architecture and sustainable community building. The EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs & Fisheries stated in his visit to the Hof, during the EU Green Week, that “the Hof van Cartesius, which I officially opened as part of the EU Green Week in Utrecht really is a perfect example of economically viable circular economy in action – I strongly recommend visiting if you are in Utrecht” (KarmenuVella, 2018).

You can choose between two different experiences: 

1. A guided tour (2 or 3 groups max.) of 45 minutes 

2. A hands-on workshop at De Buurman, located on the Hof van Cartesius, in groups of max. 30 people

Keilepand (Rotterdam) 

The Keilepand is the transformation of a former warehouse into a vibrant hotspot in MerweVierhavens (M4H), Rotterdam. The building from 1922 was designed by the international Engineering firm Prof. W. Kreis & Jüngst. The Keilehaven was constructed between 1910 and 1915 to accommodate the growing general cargo trade in the Port of Rotterdam. Many people know this area from when it was still one of the largest fruit ports in the world.

Over the years new activity has emerged in the vacant old buildings. Pioneers from the manufacturing industry and the creative sector have settled here. They are attracted to the rugged, industrial character of the area and the presence of water everywhere. The Spatial Framework M4H has now been established, and the area is developing as a circular testbed with space for experimentation and learning. Keilepand believes in the power of the collective and is convinced that community building contributes to a more sustainable world. 

The experience consists of a presentation with a guided tour. In addition, Keilepand also has an interesting exhibition in its building about building for the future and the M4H area.