On 23 September, CTB partners from the Province of Drenthe, the Municipality of Groningen, and Hanze University of Applied Sciences gathered at BuildinG in Groningen. The meeting focused on one central question: how can we strengthen and connect regional initiatives to accelerate circularity in the building sector of the Northern Netherlands?
Dutch regional partners discuss project strategy
Learning from Circular leaders
To set the stage, Roy Bonnema was invited to present the Circular Groningen-Drenthe Programme—a fast-growing umbrella organisation already representing 150 committed organizations. Its mission is clear: to unite the entire value chain, from farmers to architects, around circular and biobased principles. By joining forces and creating demand and building robust markets for products such as recycled materials or biobased insulation, the programme makes it easier for companies to invest and innovate.
Circular Friesland is considered one of Europe’s most successful regional initiatives, with a strong track record in biobased construction. The Frisian example - encompassing six lines of action - shows the way forward, together with Het Nieuwe Normaal (The New Normal). The latter is a new national framework for circular construction that sets ambitious yet realistic standards. Groningen and Drenthe are now working to adapt and scale this model, aligning regional initiatives and giving companies a coherent system to navigate.
BuildinG, Hanze University Groningen
Connections & common language
Regional CTB project partners agree - the connections with the Circular Groningen-Drenthe Programme are both natural and strategic. “We share the ambition to develop a sustainable, coherent value chain, and by joining forces we can accelerate change, according to Adriaan Klootwijk, CTB WP4 Coordinator. “The New Normal, on its way to becoming the national standard, offers an excellent basis for alignment—and could also shape future subsidies.”
During the meeting, Adriaan emphasised the importance of creating one streamlined programme that integrates the various regional and national initiatives. The group discussed common objectives, from biobased materials to circular wood and cement, and recognised the need for shared terminology and clear agreements.
BuildinG, Hanze University of Applied Science, Groningen
Developing impact, shared strengths
The ambition does not stop at alignment. Both Drenthe and Groningen are exploring the development of five large-scale impact projects (perhaps more), with selection planned for 2026. At the same time, work continues to establish a circular building programme including Friesland, scaling up cooperation to reach national and international levels.
The conclusion was unanimous: Circular Groningen-Drenthe + The New Normal + CTB = WIN-WIN. By weaving together regional strengths, business associations, and national frameworks, we are building a robust foundation for a truly circular construction sector in the Netherlands
Read more about the Interreg NS project on Biobased Building led by the Province of Friesland.