Accelerating transitions in the built environment by aligning values
This project explores how different sustainability goals—like energy transition, circular economy, and healthy living environments—can clash or conflict in urban development. The team investigates how national and regional ambitions, organizational cultures, and individual motivations affect decision-making.
By aligning these underlying values, the project aims to speed up sustainable transitions in cities and regions. The research involves practical case studies in areas like Twente and Utrecht, with plans to expand nationally. Tools, workshops, and policy advice will be developed for governments and professionals.
- Nieuw Ondernemerschap
Values as Accelerators of Transitions
The built environment is a hub where major societal transitions intersect—such as energy, circular economy, and public health. While these transitions are interconnected, they often represent different or even conflicting public values. This creates complex challenges for local governments and other actors: how do you design sustainable living environments when values clash or are hard to realize?
The AMBITIONS consortium is researching how these values can be better aligned, aiming to increase the speed and effectiveness of transitions. According to project leader Prof. Dr. Ibo van de Poel (TU Delft), the goal is “to contribute to an integrated approach to transitions in the built environment, where public, organizational, and individual values reinforce rather than hinder each other.”
Three Core Tensions
The research focuses on three key areas where tensions slow down transitions:
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Between levels of governance: How do national, regional, and local policies and values relate?
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Between public values: What happens when goals from different transitions (e.g. sustainability vs. affordability) conflict?
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Between public, organizational, and individual values: How do you navigate tensions between societal goals and the interests of organizations or individuals?
By better understanding these tensions, the project develops strategies and tools to help stakeholders align values and accelerate transitions.
Broad Collaboration
The project is funded by NWO under the “Values in Transitions” programme. Partners include:
Universities
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TU Delft, Utrecht University, University of Twente, and Avans University of Applied Sciences
Government partners
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Ministries, provinces (e.g. Gelderland, Zuid-Holland, Utrecht, Noord-Brabant), and municipalities (e.g. Utrecht, Enschede, ’s-Hertogenbosch)
Private and network partners
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Cirkelstad, Bouwcampus, ERAcontour, Kuijpers, Copper8, MakeDay, and many more
Top sectors and knowledge hubs
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TKI Bouw & Techniek, TKI Urban Energy, Data and Knowledge Hub Healthy Urban Living, Rotterdam Climate Academy
Regional Focus & National Impact
Initial pilot regions are Twente and Utrecht, with additional focus on Rotterdam–The Hague and Breda–Tilburg. Outcomes will be broadly applicable across other domains and regions.
The project delivers:
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Scientific insights
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Practical tools
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Policy advice
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Masterclasses for professionals
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A growing network and community of practice focused on future-proof cities