Sustainable Areas and Soil Transitions
Our Sustainable Areas and Soil Transitions (SAST) research group develops and shares knowledge that contributes to a sustainable environment from the ground up, starting with soil and subsurface. We work on four urgent societal challenges: circularity, climate, energy transition and heritage.
Due to the changing climate and scarcity of resources, we need to spend the coming years making our environment future-proof. At the intersection of university and society, the SAST research group is developing and sharing knowledge to help shape a more sustainable environment. Our main focus is on the role of soil and subsurface, which offers opportunities for energy storage and extraction, as well as the development of underground infrastructure. We dedicate our expertise to both future professionals through education, and today’s societal stakeholders.
What makes the SAST research group unique is its integrated approach to topsoil and subsurface. We combine three mutually reinforcing perspectives: technology, governance and spatial development. True sustainability lies in the smart interaction of these perspectives.
Our areas of expertise
Soil and subsurface
We develop methods and approaches to establish the importance of soil and subsurface as a core factor in spatial decision-making.
Sustainable Environment
Sustainability and spatial development are cornerstones of our research and we actively seek opportunities and synergy in these areas.
Interested in collaborating or do you have questions?
Please contact us.
dr. ir. Geert Roovers & dr. ir. Bram Entrop
Our focus
What makes the SAST research group unique is its integrated approach to both topsoil and subsurface. We combine three mutually reinforcing perspectives: technology, governance and spatial development. True sustainability lies in the smart interaction of these perspectives.
Climate and drought
We focus on practical, implementable solutions that bring tangible benefits to neighbourhoods and rural areas affected by heat and drought. We do this through spatial development, innovative technologies and participation.
Circular environment
Within this focus area, we concentrate on circular supply chain management for urban infrastructure. Central to this are the transformation of the building chain and the monitoring and evaluation of circularity.
Sustainable energy transition
Our research focuses on spatial development, governance and the strategic use of the subsurface for energy infrastructure. We work in close collaboration with research groups focussed on buildings, technology and business case development.
Creating value through heritage
This focus area centres on enriching the environment through heritage and archaeology. And the national position at the intersection of cultural identity, archaeology and urban planning.
In recent years, the SAST research group has successfully established a clear position within a highly relevant research domain, both from a societal and scientific perspective.
How can we work together?
Through our research, we strive to address pressing societal issues: circularity, climate, energy transition and heritage practice. Could research help you address a current challenge? Then please contact us.
Would you like to start a research project with us? Then let us jointly explore our objectives, research ideas and funding opportunities.
Does your organisation’s interests align with one of our research themes? And would you like to participate in research that contributes to our research areas? Please contact us so that we know where to find you when we are looking for participants.
Let’s find a solution together
CollaboratePartners
Our researchers
dr. ir. Geert Roovers
Professor Soil and Subsurface
dr. ir. Bram Entrop
Professor of Sustainable Transitions in the Built Environment
dr. Wilko van Zijverden, MSc, MA
Associate lector
dr. ir. Annemarije Kooijman
Associate lector
Egbert Stolk
Associate lector Space, Place and Environment
Kristoff Derveaux, MSc
Lecturer/researcher
ing. Lianne te Winkel
Project Manager
ing. Robert Wienk, MA
Lecturer/researcher
Femke Tomas
Lecturer/researcher
Ronald Visser
Head lecturer/researcher
dr. ir. Sander Siebelink
Lecturer/researcher
Rick Dijkstra
Lecturer/researcher
Jesse Wijnen
Lecturer/researcher
Marleen Bosch
Practice researcher
Myron Wolters
Team Lead
Marianne Kroeze-van Oene
Business Developer
Jaimy Oosterveld
Project support
ir. Lisanne Hagen
Researcher
Frank van As
Lecturer/researcher
Myron Plugge
Lecturer/researcher
Collaboration between the research group, professional field and education
Preparing today's students for tomorrow's world is a core task of the research group. Our projects bring students from different study programmes into contact with current societal issues
Related study programmes
The research group is involved in the following study programmes: