Dear friends and sustainability trailblazers, Welcome to 2025, a year in which the world is seeing massive upheaval. This is cause for concern, as well as opportunity for systemic restructuring. Meanwhile, some great projects developing on our end, aiming to give direction to regenerative movements.
This quarter, we have two articles for you: Sustainability strategy vs. ESG, and unpacking the magic of industrial symbiosis. We're celebrating the formation of the ViCo board in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, The Interreg Cool Neighbourhoods heat-stress mitigation project is shaping cooler, greener cities across Europe. The Wadden Experience Center is set to open in April, bringing the magic of the Wadden Sea to life. And in Quang Ngai, An Homes Hotel emerges as a blueprint for sustainable hospitality, community, and knowledge exchange.
Take a closer look at what we’re up to below,
Tom and Team
Article: Except’s Perspective – Sustainability Strategy vs. ESG Strategy
In this long-read, we take a deep-dive into the difference between sustainability strategy and ESG strategy; and essential difference that is key to successfully implementing sustainability in organizations.
While ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has become a dominant framework in corporate sustainability, it is primarily a compliance-driven, investor-focused tool. True sustainability strategy goes beyond reporting metrics - it is about resilience, regeneration, and creating lasting value for both people and the planet.
In our latest article, we unpack the critical differences, and explore why businesses need to look beyond ESG for real impact. Read the full article here.
Article: Eco-Industrial Parks and Industrial Symbiosis
Imagine industries not just reducing waste, but turning waste into resources for one another - this is industrial symbiosis in action. By closing material loops, eco-industrial parks drive efficiency, reduce emissions, and foster a circular economy at scale.
This concept isn’t new, but its potential is underutilized. How can companies and policymakers harness it to build regenerative industrial systems?
In the article, we explore strategies, case studies, and real-world applications. Read more in the article online.
ViCo Board Establishment – A Bold New Chapter for Vietnam
We’re thrilled to announce a major leap for the ViCo sustainability center development in Ho Chi Minh City, now under the stewardship of a new board of sustainability and business heavyweights:
- Phuc Pham, real estate finance expert, formerly of Indochina Capital.
- Bao-Minh Dinh, business developer and ex-Keppel Real Estate.
- Joshua Breidenbach, co-founder of Rice and marketing visionary.
- Tom Bosschaert, founder and lead developer at Except.
- Alice Tran as executive assistant to the board.
- Several silent partners and external advisors (you know who you are!).
With their collective expertise, ViCo - Vietnam's first sustainability innovation center - aims to become a reality within the next 6-9 months. The center will unite 35+ local partners to foster cutting-edge sustainability projects across business, policy, and industry.
If you’re an investor or potential partner, we’d love to hear from you!
An Homes Hotel – A Sustainability Benchmark in Hospitality
The An Homes hotel in Quang Ngai, Vietnam redefines sustainable hospitality. We were thrilled to develop the strategy and concept for such an ambitious project with the developers and architects.
One of the most exciting aspects of this 7 story, 133 room hotel will be its affordability, showing that a high performance sustainable hotel does not need to cost much, but it performs a lot better (also financially).
The project achieves over 60% energy reduction, up to 100% of water savings, 80%+ waste reduction, a biodiverse landscape in and outside, and a community and knowledge sharing program to impact the whole region.
Cool Neighbourhoods Project in Goes – Community Co-Creation in Action
The Cool Neighbourhoods Interreg project continues to take shape in the Netherlands gaining momentum in Goes. After a successfull first round of co-creation sessions in November 2024, a second round took place in February 2025.
Together, we are reimagining the Zusterstraat, Bastion, and City Hall surroundings in Goes, making them resilient against urban heat and fostering biodiversity.
Engagement has been strong, and the ideas generated are shaping tangible interventions for a climate-resilient city. Learn more about the Cool Neighbourhoods project here.
Except Hosts Cool Neighbourhoods Partner Meeting in Utrecht
From February 5-7, 2025, we welcomed over 30 partners from Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and the Netherlands to Utrecht for the Cool Neighbourhoods project. The focus: tackling real-world challenges faced by pilot partners and finding solutions to address urban heat stress.
Discussions spanned governance hurdles, funding barriers, and community engagement, with partners exchanging best practices and innovative strategies for climate adaptation.
The event concluded with a study tour through Utrecht organized by Except, exploring real-life cooling interventions in action. A big thank you to all partners for the inspiring discussions and commitment to building cooler, greener, and more livable cities.
Opening Soon: Wadden Experience Center (WEC), Lauwersoog
On April 26, 2025, the Wadden Experience Center (WEC) opens its doors in Lauwersoog. Except played a key role in shaping the strategy and concept of this ambitious project, working with De Marne Municipality, Groningen Province, Staatsbosbeheer, and the Pieterburen Seal Center to develop a fully supported and investable concept.
The center will bring the Wadden Sea and Lauwersmeer National Park to life, offering visitors a deep, immersive experience of this UNESCO-listed region. With over 250,000 visitors expected annually, WEC will boost local tourism, education, and ecological awareness. More about our work on WEC.
Thank you for being part of our journey toward systemic sustainability. Let us know what resonates with you, and as always, let’s create a brighter future together.
Stay in touch on LinkedIn and don't forget to browse and get inspired by our projects here
Warm regards,
Tom Bosschaert and the Except Team
April 9, 2025