Carbon Stories catalyzes the dialogue about the possibilities and impossibilities of a climate-positive built environment. The perspectives of the designer, financier, developer, builder, resident, consultant and material supplier are addressed. In a series of thematic debates, Carbon Stories explores what (system)changes, exchanges and collaborations are necessary to accelerate and scale this transition. Check out the agenda below, watch previous editions online or sign up for the Carbon Stories newsletter.
AGENDA
#23 Paris Proof station, station district and beyond
15.09.2026 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
How can stations contribute to a low-carbon future? During this edition of Carbon Stories, the transition from the Paris Proof station to the Paris Proof station district takes centre stage. Research by ProRail, NS, Bureau Spoorbouwmeester and GROUP A shows that stations can be designed within Paris Proof CO₂ budgets, but that the greatest climate gains may actually lie in the surrounding station district. Drawing on research from the TU Delft CARB HUB, we explore how station districts can evolve into catalysts for sustainable mobility, urban densification and the 15-minute city. Moderated by Geert Maarse, Daan Zandbelt (Bureau Spoorbouwmeester), Manuela Triggianese and Halina Veloso e Zarate (TU Delft CARB HUB), Willem van Genugten (GROUP A), Paul Chorus (Province of North Holland) and Frank van Schadewijk (ProRail) will discuss the opportunities and challenges of Paris Proof stations and station districts. Register now!
#24 Shift Landmark: Vanity Project or Catalyst for Systemic Change?
24.09.2026 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
Can iconic architecture contribute to fundamental behavioural change? With MVRDV’s Rotterdam ROCKS! selected as the winning design for the international Shift Embassy, the role of spectacular architecture in the climate transition is firmly back on the agenda. During this edition of Carbon Stories, we explore the relationship between ends and means. Can architecture, combined with art, science and technology, actually trigger fundamental change? Moderated by Geert Maarse, Sanne van der Burgh (MVRDV), Don Ritzen (Shift), Tracy Metz, Wouter Vanstiphout (Crimson), Geerte Paradies (TNO) and Derk Loorbach (DRIFT / Erasmus University Rotterdam) will discuss what the climate transition demands from architecture, design and the public imagination. Register now!
#25 Paris Proof Heritage
26.11.2026 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
How can we prepare historic buildings for a climate-neutral future? This edition of Carbon Stories focuses on making heritage more sustainable. Based on a recent study by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, De Groene Grachten, DGMR and GROUP A, we explore how historic buildings can be renovated to meet Paris Proof standards through a combination of passive design, low-installation solutions, biobased materials and minimal embodied CO₂ emissions. Drawing on six real-world examples, experts will engage in a conversation with each other and the audience about the opportunities, dilemmas and lessons for the future. Because if the built environment needs to become more sustainable, isn’t every existing building worth preserving?
#26 Is Non–Paris Proof Construction Still Permitted?
18.02.2027 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
#27 Businessmodel or Beautycase?
08.04.2027 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
#28 The Role of the Architect
27.05.2027 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
#29 Finnissage
24.06.2027 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
#30 Spheres of Influence
30.09.2027 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
#31 The Market Solves Everything #2
25.11.2027 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
ARCHIVE
#22 Carbon Stories: Is the Future Collective?
25.06.2026 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
Can greater collectivity lead to a circular, resilient and low-carbon city? This edition of Carbon Stories focused on the role of cooperative urban development. Drawing on examples such as the Keilekwartier Area Cooperative, Oude Dokken in Ghent and initiatives including Herenboeren Rotterdam, Buitenplaats Brienenoord and De Torteltuin, the speakers explored how collaboration around energy, mobility, food, care and CO₂ can contribute to the city of the future. Moderated by Geert Maarse, Agnieszka Zajac (Sogent), Guus van Meurs (Herenboeren Rotterdam), Ishtar Bakhtali (Zoönomisch Instituut), Jelle Don (De Torteltuin) and Folkert van Hagen (Keilekwartier Area Cooperative) discussed the opportunities, challenges and social value of collective development.
#21 Circular Housing in M4H
04.06.2026 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
This edition of Carbon Stories, held during Rotterdam Architecture Month, focused on the Accent Towers in Merwehaven. The three social housing towers make circularity tangible at scale and represent an important example within the development of M4H. The project was designed by Hoog Over (DOOR architecten and Hillen & Roosen), in collaboration with Superuse Studios, commissioned by Havensteder, Woonbron and Woonstad Rotterdam. In this edition, we spoke with those involved about how circularity took shape in the project. How was circularity defined and assessed in the brief? What concrete results did the design deliver in terms of material use and CO₂ reduction? And what can we learn from the process—from opportunities and bottlenecks to unexpected outcomes—for future projects and the wider construction industry in the Netherlands? Contributions by Liesbeth Faber (DOOR architecten), Jan Jongert (Superuse Studios), Simone Campman (Havensteder) and Wouter van Streefkerk (Municipality of Rotterdam).
#20 Paris Proof Urban Planning
23.04.2026 | 19:30–21:30 | KEILEPAND
Can we design cities in such a way that they structurally emit less CO₂? That was the central question during an earlier edition of Carbon Stories. Since then, three new studies published in early 2026 have shown how closely urban form, mobility and lifestyle are connected to CO₂ emissions. The message is clear: the way we build our cities makes a difference. What do these insights mean for our cities? And if we know where the greatest gains can be made, what is still holding us back from putting this knowledge into practice? During this evening, we discussed these questions with experts including Valerie Heesakkers (CITYFÖRSTER), Jurriaan Van Stigt (LEVS architecten) and Annette Matthiessen (Municipality of Rotterdam). Ganesh Babu R P (PosadMaxwan) and Jan Kadijk (Dutch Green Building Council) joined the roundtable discussion.
#19 The Great CO₂ Election Debate
25.02.2026 | 19:30–21:30 | KEILEPAND
Ahead of the Rotterdam municipal elections in March 2026, the major debate on the future of the built city took place. How do we build a sustainable, affordable and future-proof city? Which choices need to be made now to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions? How can Rotterdam truly become Paris Proof? Lead candidates and experts from various political parties engaged in a debate, in the presence of representatives from Rotterdam’s construction sector. Moderator Geert Maarse led discussions between, among others, Erik Verweij (VVD), Chantal Zeegers (D66), Pinar Coskun (Party for the Animals) and Sebastiaan Bonte (Leefbaar Rotterdam). Topics included Housing & Affordability, Mobility & Public Space, and Space for a Circular Economy, with introductions by Sanne van Manen (Platform Woonopgave / Studio Meent), Valerie Heesakkers (CITYFÖRSTER) and Jacob van Rijs (MVRDV). Watch the debate here.
#18 Climate Change doesn’t wait, neither does the market
27.11.2025 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
The world is under pressure: the U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, EU climate policies are losing momentum and political uncertainty is growing with the Dutch parliamentary elections and the debate on “Radical Growth.” It’s enough to make anyone feel discouraged. Yet, this is exactly the moment when the transition to a climate-neutral construction sector is gaining pace. Across the value chain, stakeholders are stepping up — from architects and cities to financiers and developers. This edition of Carbon Stories highlights how the market is shifting direction: thirteen leading real estate companies are setting a new benchmark for the embodied CO₂ emissions of new construction projects. With contributions of Norbert Schotte (Building Balance), Patrick de Baat (a.s.r. real estate), Carlijn Stoof (Woonstad Rotterdam) and Sladjana Mijatovic (BPD Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling).
#17 Architects Taking Sustainable Initiatives
25.09.2025 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
The transition to a sustainable Dutch construction sector is gaining momentum and architects are playing a central role. The most impactful projects embed sustainability from the very beginning, setting a new standard for futureproof design. In this edition, architects Joost Verbeek (architecten|en|en), Tim Kouthoofd (Bygg Architecture & Design), and Oresti Sarafopoulos and John Bosch (OZ Architects) join the conversation. Together, they will share insights from the groundbreaking projects, Salix and Our New Office, that are redefining sustainable architecture in the Netherlands.
#16 A Tale of Two Cities
12.06.2025 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
Dutch cities are taking steps toward sustainable and energy-efficient construction. In recent years, municipalities have initiated various policies and experiments to realize this. What works, what doesn’t, and where are the opportunities or bottlenecks? We talk to policy makers, housing corporations and chain partners in biobased building Tom van Haaren (Municipality of Rotterdam), Rob Bogaarts (Building Balance) and Robbert Groeneveld (Woonstad Rotterdam). Can combining municipal policies lead to a powerful, unambiguous approach to Paris Proof building in the Netherlands? Watch this edition online.
#15 Carbon Quiz 2025
17.04.2025 | 19:30-21:30 | KEILEPAND
Are you ready for the ultimate challenge? The Carbon Quiz is the chance to test your knowledge on Paris Proof building in an informal but informative atmosphere. This is your moment to compete with designers, policy makers, project developers and other parties from the construction sector for the prestigious Carbon Quiz 2025 trophy!
The quiz is open to everyone! Sign up with a team of up to 6 participants (or individually based on discipline in the construction sector) and prepare for an evening full of energy, knowledge and Rotterdam projects.
#14 EU Taxonomy, how does it affect you?
27.02.2025 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
European Green Deal, ESG, CSRD, ESRS, SFDR, SMEs, ETS I, ETS II, CBAM, GWP, GHG Protocol…. Are you still there? Dr. Ir. Michael Peeters (TU-Delft) unravels the complexity of the EU Taxonomy in an inspiring crash course during the 15th Carbon Stories edition. The panel discussion with Dennis Franken (Stebru), Elise van Herwaarden (INREV) and Karmijn van den Berg (Municipality of Rotterdam) shows what this means in practice. Watch the event online.
#13 The Value of Carbon
27.11.2024 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPANDSystemic interventions are essential to accelerate the transition towards a built environment that stores carbon. What is the potential impact of assigning monetary value to construction stored carbon? The 14th Carbon Stories edition explores this question in a debate with Sacha Brons (Climate Cleanup), Nina van der Giessen (Rabobank) and Onno Dwars (Ballast Nedam Development). Watch the event online.
#12 Special edition: Learning from Paris
01.10.2024 | 19:30 – 21:30 | NIEUWE INSTITUUT
What can we learn from Paris regarding their shift to biobased building over the recent decade? This question is the focus of this special edition of the Carbon Stories series in the occasion of Nature of Hope IABR 2024 held at the Nieuwe Instituut. This evening is generously supported by Built by Nature.
#11 Transition! From theory to practice
11.09.2024 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
This 12th edition wraps up the second year of the debate series Carbon Stories. This milestone takes place in the setting of the exhibition ‘HOW DO WE WANT TO BUILD M4H 2030’ spanning 200 years of building practice, from 1900 to 2100. Carbon Stories brings this intergenerational approach to the stage with an inspiring cast to discuss past, present and future. How do we achieve a truly sustainable construction practice? What are the challenges? How can we accelerate? Jan Rotmans (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Sam van Hooff (Dura Vermeer Bouw Heyma), Margot Holländer (MOR Studio) and Sacha Brons (Climate Cleanup) will share their views on transition. Watch the event online.
#10 We need to talk about installations!
20.06.2024 | 19:30 – 21:30 | KEILEPAND
Installations are a blind spot in the world of embodied carbon. Can we get a grip on this? Can these emissions be reduced? Do we really need all these installations? Thursday, June 20, GROUP A-CARBONLAB, International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) and KeileCollectief organized the 10th Carbon Stories debate titled ‘We need to talk about installations!’ at the Keilepand. On this evening Bas Hasselaar (DGMR), Jacco Paauw (ABT-Lüning), Carla Rongen (Aveco de Bondt) and Willem van Genugten (GROUP A – CARBONLAB) shared their views on this subject based on their collaboration on two design variations for a Paris Proof and Climate Positive building for Rotterdam. Watch the event online.
#9 Policymakers as Inspiring Drivers of Change
17.04.2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 | Nationale Klimaat Expo in Houten
At the National Climate Expo in Houten we organized a special edition of the debate series Carbon Stories on Wednesday 17 April. We zoomed in on the role of the government in the transition to a climate-positive built environment. Guido Slokkers (Municipality of Rotterdam, Malika van der Weerd (AM Gebiedsontwikkeling), Laetitia Nossek (DGBC) and Willem van Genugten (GROUP A-CARBONLAB) share inspiring examples and debate what changes are needed. Read more.
#8 Carbon Neutral High-Rise or The End of an Era?
25.04.2024 | 19:30 – 21:30 | Keilpand
High-rise in times of fighting climate change. Is it desirable? Can it be done in a responsible manner? Is carbon neutral high-rise within the realm of possibilities? Architect Jurriaan van Stigt, founding partner at LEVS, will share their study on carbon neutral high-rise for G4. Architect Michiel Raaphorst, founding partner at V8 architects, will take us through a selection of their (mid-)high-rise. Engineer Thomas Musson, advisor at WSP, will elaborate on hybrid high-rise projects worldwide and policymaker Mattijs van Ruijven, head urban planner at Municipality of Rotterdam, will infuse the conversation with the perspective of Rotterdam. Read more or watch the event online.
#7 Circular in 2050, Dream or Reality?
30.11.2023 | 19:30 – 21:30 | Keilpand
How to reduce CO2 emissions in the built environment by maximizing the potential of circularity? Nico Schouten (Metabolic) will provide the EU and Dutch context for the potential of circularity and CO2 reduction. Michel Baars (New Horizon Urban Mining), will take us through the journey of harvesting materials from existing buildings and transforming them into resources for new projects. Saman Mohammadi (RE:BORN Real Estate) will illustrate how circular transformation developments are a lucrative development model and Sabine Biesheuvel (BlueCity & chairman Rotterdam Climate Table Circularity) will infuse the conversation with the Rotterdam and M4H perspective. Read more or watch the debate online.
#6 Architects, let’s calculate and act on CO2 reduction!
21.09.2023 | 19:30 – 21:30 | Keilpand
Keynote Sanne van der Burgh, associate director and head of MVRDV NEXT will share MVRDV ‘s research on the possibilities of CO2-reduction and what carbon based design could mean for architects. Willem van Genugten, sustainable business developer at GROUP A and driver of CARBONLAB, Tim Vermeend, creative director at Urban Climate Architects and Diederik de Koning partner at la-di-da will share their journeys towards decarbonizing their projects and how they see their role in the construction industry. Read more or watch the debate online.
#5 Climate Positive Urban Planning
22.06.2023 | 19:30 – 21:30 | Keilpand
How do we get the transition to a climate-positive built environment done at the level of urban planning? Co-curator Martin Sobota of CITYFÖRSTER is initiator of a research group on this topic and opens the evening with a call. Jurriaan Van Stigt of LEVS architects will talk about a research project on the CO2 footprint for City of Amsterdam. Wouter Streefkerk will explain the role of CO2 budgets in urban development on behalf of the Municipality of Rotterdam – Stadsontwikkeling. David van Keulen will talk about the role of CO2 in mobility models for the City of The Hague and Tobias Tonch of Synchroon will explain the role of developers in providing climate-positive urbanity. Read more or watch the debate online.
#4 Geld speelt (g)een rol
13.06.2023 | 10:00 – 11:30 | Provada
Pioneers in the development of climate-positive projects Onno Dwars (Ballast Nedam) and Constantijn Berning (Edge Technologies) will talk with sustainable innovator Norbert Schotte (Gideon), sector banker Leontien de Waal (ABN AMRO) and policy maker Thomas Wellink (RVO). They provide the audience with new arguments and concrete models that demonstrate the opportunities of the task. How do we get the transition done at the financial level? What is needed to scale up climate-positive materials and adjust regulations? What is needed now to meet the 2030 Paris Agreement target? Read more or watch the debate online.
#3 Systemic Innovation
20.04.2023 | 19:30-21:30 | Keilepand
Architect Peter van Assche (bureau SLA) and senior advisor sustainable & innovative building Thomas Wellink (RVO) and other parties from the construction sector will join the debate. They present examples of systemic innovation and share their perspective on the subject. What is the role of the financial sector, the government and designers in the transition to a climate-positive built environment? How do the different sectors relate to each other? What changes, connections and collaborations are needed to accelerate this transition? Read more or watch the debate online.
#2 Climate positive materials
23-02-2023 | 19:30-21:30 | Keilepand
Vincent van der Meulen (Kraaijvanger Architects), Allison Dring (Made of Air), Lucas de Man (Biobased Creations), Thijs Wellink (RVO), Norbert Schotte (Gideon), Wouter Moorlag (TNO Building Innovation) and Daniel Egger (Neustark) will discuss the opportunities and challenges of climate positive materials. After all, we only have 7 years left to reach the 2030 Paris Agreement objective. Read more or watch the debate online.
#1 The great CO2 Debate
10.11.2022 | 19:30-21:30 | Keilepand
The figures speak, to achieve the Paris Agreement, we must move toward a CO2-negative society. The Dutch ambition to achieve a 55% reduction by 2030 and a 100% reduction by 2050 requires decisiveness. The built environment is responsible for 38% of CO2 emissions and thus bears a great responsibility. To achieve the goals, we have no choice but to accelerate, which is why IABR and CARBONLAB are organizing an evening of knowledge exchange. Several steps are already being taken within the entire chain. By sharing this knowledge and learning from each other, we can accelerate together. Martin Sobota (CITYFÖRSTER), Laetitia Nossek (Dutch Green Building Council), Koen Waijers (Hurks), Janneke Leenaars (Interface), Norbert Schotte (Alba Concepts) Sander Kooiman (Triodos Bank) and Phlip Boswinkel (Local) will explore inspiring examples and discuss the next steps.
Carbon Stories is an initiative of GROUP A’s thinktank CARBONLAB, the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR), the KeileCollectief and the Klimaat Academie Rotterdam.
