Dutch Universities Collaborate to Harmonize Climate Strategies
Eindhoven, Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
A coalition of Dutch universities is working to align climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, addressing conflicts in the built environment to benefit policy makers navigating climate challenges.
Addressing Conflicts in Climate Strategies
The coalition of Dutch universities, featuring Wageningen University, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, and the University of Twente, has launched a comprehensive project to explore synergies between climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. This initiative is crucial as the built environment accounts for a substantial portion of CO2 emissions in the Netherlands—35% from construction materials and 12% from building operations [1]. The collaboration aims to reconcile the often conflicting goals of short-term adaptation and long-term mitigation, especially in urban planning and infrastructure development [1].
The Built Environment’s Dual Role
The built environment serves both as a contributor to and a victim of climate change, facing increasing exposure to climate-related damages such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The adaptation costs for the Netherlands are projected to run into tens of billions by 2050 [1]. As Samaneh Nickayin from Wageningen University explains, urban densification can reduce mobility emissions, yet it also exacerbates the urban heat island effect. Similarly, while flood protection is vital, its reliance on cement-heavy infrastructure adds to CO2 emissions [1].
A Vision for Integrated Solutions
The Domain Acceleration Team (DAT) on Climate Adaptation & Mitigation, coordinated by Samaneh Nickayin, emphasizes the need for a harmonious approach where adaptation and mitigation strategies reinforce one another. This approach could lead to cost savings, improved health outcomes, and enhanced urban livability. Robert van Dongen from TU Eindhoven highlights the urgency of aligning these strategies, noting that the majority of new homes are planned for the western Netherlands, an area below sea level, driven by demand rather than future-proofing [1].
Overcoming Structural Misalignments
The DAT identifies several structural misalignments that hinder effective climate strategy integration, including differing time horizons, metrics, and governance structures. These misalignments create significant challenges for developers and municipalities, who often prioritize short-term efficiency over long-term adaptability [1]. AnneMarie Eijkelenboom from TU Delft underscores the potential for cross-sector collaboration and integrative tools to foster resilient and sustainable cities, while also addressing governance fragmentation and economic drivers that resist innovation [1].