CFP Innovation Day 2025: Innovations in Room 1 – The Village

Innovation is the most powerful tool to achieve our ambitious climate goals. During the 23rd CFP Innovation Day, groundbreaking ideas and technologies took centre stage to accelerate the sustainability of the real estate and construction sector. In a vibrant setting, experts, startups and policymakers shared their insights with around 100 attendees, sparking new connections and collaborations. Read on to find out what happened in Room 1, ‘The Village’.

Curious about what went on in Room 2, ‘Weerwater’? Read it here.

The opening: urgency and innovation

On 13 March, experts, entrepreneurs and policymakers gathered at Proeflokaal Flevoland – a location that symbolises sustainability and innovation. Bram Adema (CFP Green Buildings) and Hillebrand Koning (Province of Flevoland) kicked off the day. Bram emphasised the role of innovation at CFP and the importance of collaboration:
“Today, we’ll be asking critical questions in a dragons’ den setting, but above all, we’re here to connect. Previous editions have shown that this is a place where innovations can find new customers and partnerships.”

Hillebrand Koning reflected on the province’s sustainability ambitions and the role of buildings in climate adaptation. He stressed the importance of nature-based solutions:
“Look up at the ceiling and imagine water standing here. Without innovation and smart design, we’d be dealing with scenarios like this every day.”

Innovations in Room 1: The Village

The following innovations were featured in Room 1. Marvin van Kempen from Duurzaam Gebouwd was in the audience and summarised the pitches for us.

Virtual Monkey: Construction planning with virtual reality

rank Schoonhoven of Virtual Monkey opened the session in Room 1. ‘Virtual’ refers to their VR concept that aims to revolutionise construction and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“It allows professionals to walk through virtual models of buildings. You can change the interior and already see in the design phase what changes are possible,” Frank explained.

This early-stage visualisation helps not only architects but also builders and end-users to better understand the realisation process.
“Five billion euros are lost annually due to construction errors. VR gives you immediate insight into potential design issues and their consequences.”
Beyond minimising mistakes, it offers additional value:
“Eight percent of buildings stand vacant. What could we do with those?” A question from the audience hinted at future potential:
“Can it connect with the National Environmental Database (NMD)?” While Frank couldn’t confirm this yet, the idea was definitely planted.

Biobased Insulation Materials in Gooi & Vechtstreek

lje Kuiper, coordinator of the circular economy for Gooise Meren, highlighted the potential of biobased crops and insulation materials.
He emphasised that supply chain collaboration is essential for a circular economy:
“You can’t go it alone. Circularity happens locally, with new value models and concepts. It requires stakeholders to jointly develop new business cases. We’ve developed policies that make this collaboration easier, and we aim to purchase 100% circularly.”

One material he spotlighted was bulrush (Lisdodde) – a crop used for insulation more than a century ago. “To make it work, we need deals. Contractors and housing associations must commit to purchasing, farmers need assurance their crops will be bought, and municipalities should make performance agreements.” His call to action: “Join the biobased insulation value chain!”

FairClimateFund: Carbon reduction through cleaner cooking

Robert Okhuysen from FairClimateFund addressed a pressing issue: 30% of the global population still cooks on open fires, often the most climate-vulnerable communities. “Two million people cooking this way contribute to 3% of CO₂ emissions,” Robert explained. “If we want to stay below 1.5°C warming, we must act now.” His solution? “Reduce carbon emissions and invest in it. Then amplify your impact with carbon credits.” The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) already emphasises reductions in scopes 1, 2 and 3. “We develop cleaner cooking projects that cut emissions. The reduction is converted into carbon credits, which companies can purchase to create both climate and social impact.”

Land van Ons: Restoring biodiversity through farmlandn

Matthijs Visser from Land van Ons spoke about biodiversity restoration through nature-inclusive farming. “We purchase agricultural land from farmers who work with nature, and implement targeted measures to regenerate biodiversity in rural areas.” With over 30,000 members and 350 hectares of land, their aim is to double those figures in the next three years.
But to do that, they need capital. “We’ve launched a campaign inviting companies to co-invest. No matter how sustainably you build, you’re placing a structure where there was none – biodiversity is lost. We want to restore that balance.”

Doepel Strijkers Architects: Bioclimatic Design

Architect Duzan Doepel introduced radically different design philosophies.
He believes nature holds the answers for sustainable buildings and explained the concept of bioclimatic design—drawing inspiration directly from nature. “To meet the Paris goals, we must rethink how we design. Buildings today are overloaded with technology. It’s time to go ‘no tech’, using minimal installations. Nature offers solutions.”

Historically, villages and cities functioned like climate systems: “Like a termite mound—naturally maintaining 21°C with ventilation. Even this venue, Proeflokaal Flevoland, was designed this way: circular, biobased materials, and vegetation surrounding a glass roof.” His message: “We’ll reach our goals if we design with wind, water, vegetation and earth.”

Tarnoc: The turbine boiler – a heat pump alternative

Maurits Vos from Tarnoc showcased a new high-temperature heat pump that doesn’t require modifications to existing buildings. “We developed a technology that produces heat and tap water from outdoor air, without an outdoor unit. It requires low maintenance and uses no refrigerants.”

Tarnoc calls this the turbine boiler—a one-for-one replacement of a traditional boiler. It’s ideal for existing buildings and heritage properties like schools and sports clubs, where energy costs are high. “It’s more efficient than a gas boiler, complies with upcoming regulations, and is already being used by housing associations. We can offer it from €9,000.”

Intersell: Circular bathrooms for social housing

Thomas Schietecat from Intersell wrapped up the day with his pitch for circular bathrooms designed for social housing. “These are fully demountable, quick to install, and score high on the Building Circularity Index (BCI). We integrate the most circular and biobased products.” The system was created with and for contractors, using a custom wall frame and reused materials. Key features include a sustainable shower system, click-in tiles, and light switches made from ocean plastic. “These bathrooms are built to last 25 to 30 years. And any waste from production goes back to the supplier for reuse.”

Winners & looking ahead

After an inspiring afternoon, the most impactful innovations were rewarded. The CFP Innovation Day Award was presented to Beegrateful, an initiative that monitors wild bee species and contributes to biodiversity in cities. Second place went to Aectual, which develops 3D-printed circular interiors. Third place went to Doepel Strijkers Architects, for their work in the field of bioclimatic design and natural ventilation solutions.

With the CFP Innovation Day 2025 behind us, we look ahead to the Green Buildings Event 2026. There, the winner of the CFP Innovation Day will once again take the stage. Keep an eye on our website for updates and new developments!

Want to know more about the pitches in Room 2, Weerwater? Read the full recap here or watch the aftermovie for a complete impression of the 23rd edition of CFP Innovation Day.