Prestigious CircularCityChallenge Award Ceremony in the Netherlands!
The third-year students from the Yuverta’s Sustainable Living Environment Advisor course in Heerlen/Valkenburg celebrated a remarkable achievement. Their innovative project clinched first prize in the Netherlands at the prestigious CircularCityChallenge, earning them European recognition for their contribution to the circular, livable cities of tomorrow.
The award ceremony took place at the scenic Open Air Theatre in Valkenburg, during the annual EcoBiose event, gathering representatives from education, government, and business. Darian Meacham, professor of practical philosophy at Maastricht University, presented the award, commending the project’s practical applicability and significant social relevance in his speech.
Winning Project: A Vision for Circular Area Design
The triumphant team, comprised of Amber, Bente, Jill, Marc, Aron, Jelle, Lauren, Sid, and Tara, impressed the international jury with their comprehensive ideas for the redevelopment of a Heerlen city district. Their winning concept integrated nature-inclusive building, social cohesion, biodiversity, local entrepreneurship, and recycling principles into a single, cohesive approach.
The students’ methodology, rooted in inquiry-based learning, involved extensive site research, interviews with local residents and entrepreneurs, and consultations with local policymakers. This strong connection to the region and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge practically and realistically were key factors that captivated the jury. As part of their first prize, the students received a €600 cash prize, generously provided by the Austrian Climate & Energy Fund.
EcoBiose: A Platform for Innovation
The award presentation during EcoBiose at City Safari 2025 highlighted the event’s focus on inquiry-based learning and critical themes such as biodiversity, climate, and sustainability in green education. The Yuverta’s Sustainable Living Environment Advisor program is dedicated to cultivating professionals who can effectively bridge the gap between policymakers and residents. Students in the program learn to design sustainable area developments, meticulously considering ecological, economic, and social factors. Projects like the CircularCityChallenge are instrumental in bringing together analysis, creativity, cooperation, and social commitment. This prestigious award is a testament to the hard work of both the students and their teachers, who are firm believers in the power of co-creation and inquiry-based learning.
Read the full article in Dutch on the EcoBiose website: https://www.ecobiose.nl/nieuws/yuverta-studenten-winnen-circular-city-challenge-2025
