C-Bèta, Hoofddorp

“C-Bèta” a place which continuously incubates the circular economy. The transformed old farm is programmed with 24 co-work places (engineeringlab), 1.000 m2 event and showrooms (knowledge sharing) and an outdoor laboratorium (lab). C-bèta plays an important role in bringing experts, suppliers, construction parties, NGO’s, governments, creatives and residents together to work on the transition to circular initiatives. The design is based on all principles of circular economy. Facades are leased and made of reused materials, lighting, flooring of fishing nets. Even the kitchen is cooking food based on the circular philosophy. Currently makerspaces are added to the additional farm hall to enable young entrepreneurs to work on the circular economy.

The interior of C-Beta is fully equipped with greenery and other features to ensure proper air quality improving the wellbeing of the user (SDG 3). Re-circulation showers and grey water systems, ensure efficient water use and sustainable water withdrawals (SDG 6). The farm is heated by infra-red panels and offers electrical loading docks for cars, increasing energy efficiency (SDG 7). Every piece of the farm was constructed with the thought of circular building, making it resource efficient and innovative (SDG 9).

The kitchen catering is fully organic based and all electric, stimulating responsible consumption and production. C-bèta is currently planting a forest for nuts and other food related organic products such as mushrooms grown on coffee grounds. C-beta food e.g. organizes the pressure cooker, an event to create awareness and solutions for circular and sustainable challenges in the catering industry (SDG 12).

C-bèta is continuously hosting events and engaging their partners to raise topics on climate change and impact on food themes, construction, etc. thus creating awareness on the topic of SDG 13.

Bees are kept at the farm producing homemade honey used by the caterer at C-Beta. It helps conserving the biodiversity and ecosystems in this way (SDG15).

C-Bèta takes initiative to bring people together for collaborative innovation (SDG17). Entrepreneurs, governments, investors, researchers and consultants and whomever is next. Showing new initiatives of pioneers in the field, a destination to share knowledge and educate face to face and also stimulating resource mobilization and domestic capacity for e.g. tax etc.