FAQ

Here you will find the answer to different types of questions. If you have a question that’s not in the list, please send us a mail atinfo@oneplanet.org.

• What is the One Planet Foundation?
• What does the One Planet Foundation do?
• When was One Planet founded?
• Who founded One Planet?
• Who form the management of One Planet Foundation?
• Where is the One Planet Foundation located?
• What has One Planet achieved so far?
• Could I become involved with One Planet Foundation?
• Are there vacancies at One Planet Foundation?
• May I use the One Planet logo?
• Is One Planet looking for volunteers?
• Could I do an internship or graduation assignment at OnePlanet?
• How sustainable is the One Planet Foundation in reality?
• Could I visit One Planet projects?
• What is the difference between the One Planet Foundation and the One Planet Catalogue BV?
• Could I invest in a project of the One Planet Foundation?
• I would like to live in an EcoVilla. How can I bring this about?
• I would like to live on an EcoErf. How do I apply?
• Why are many of your initiatives in Amersfoort or Utrecht Province?
• I have a good idea for the One Planet Foundation. How can I share this with you?
• How can I stay informed of the activities of the One Planet Foundation?
• What is the link between One Planet Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund?
• What is your relationship with De Kleine Aarde?
• Why are you working with Essent on the realisation of certain projects?
• Could I become a member of the One Planet Network? How would I benefit from this? What would it cost?

The organisation

Q: What is the One Planet Foundation?

A: One Planet Foundation is a non-profit eco-charity for climatic protection and Footprint reduction. In brief, we strive for the preservation of a liveable world. Our European lifestyle uses so many natural resources (land, water, fish, timber, oil, etc.) that we would would require three earths (and America five earths) to sustain our pattern of consumption. But we only have one shared planet! Because we are using resources faster than the earth can regenerate them, we are decreasing the fish, forests, plants and animals, clean soil and fresh water at such a dramatic rate that there might not be any left for our children and grandchildren. And that while the world population is still growing! Few civilians realise how serious the ecological and climatic situation is at present. Within 20-40 years our children will be in difficulties if we do not now adapt quickly to a Footprint which fits onto one planet. Man is only prepared to change if it could happen in an attractive and affordable way. At the One Planet Foundation we do everything to sell the ‘attractive route’ to sustainablity.

Q: What does the One Planet Foundation do?

A: One Planet creates and realises innovative and inspiring projects for sustainable living and working. We develop attractive and affordable choices and a perspective of ways in which people could reduce their CO2 emission and Footprint considerably while retaining comfort and ease of use.

Q: When was One Planet founded?

A: In 2006; it was then called Foundation EcoVilla and had only one project. That was EcoVilla, an energy-neutral collective house with 60-80% less CO2 emissions. In 2008 we changed our name to One Planet Foundation because we had more projects which were all aimed at promoting a lifestyle and Footprint within the boundaries of One Planet.

Q: Who founded One Planet?

A: The EcoVilla concept was conceived by an employee of Essent, Paul Heistein. Early in 2006, while still working at Essent, he conducted a feasibility study of EcoVilla. There appeared to be great interest in this concept, which ‘touched a sensitive nerve’ in many people. The integration of all aspects of sustainable living (energy, building and housing, food, social environment, mobility, water, waste, etc.) was seen as innovative, unique and attractive. In mid 2006 he and three friends from diverse companies established the Foundation EcoVilla in Amersfoort. Initially they worked in their own time from the kitchen table. Later Heistein was allowed to spend part of his time at Essent on EcoVilla. The team received a few grants and set up their own office. Later more creative ideas about sustainability followed and in 2008 they went ahead and changed their name to One Planet Foundation.

Q: Who form the management of One Planet Foundation?

A: The current board members are: the founder Paul Heistein (chairman), Eduardo Goncalves of WWF International in Geneva, One Planet Living Program (member), and Bertus Bove, founder and director of Alterim Financial Consultants (treasurer). At the founding in 2006, the board was formed by four friends from the business world (Essent, DHV, Eiffel and ORG-ID). Later a member from Ballast Nedam joined the team. Tension, however, grew between the non-profit objectives of the foundation and the commercial ambitions of some parties. These different interests did not combine well in one management and it was decided to allow the One Planet Foundation to go forward as a purely independent social organisation without any partiality. The commercial parties left the management and since then the Foundation and its projects have been open to participation from all parties without any commercial influence, partiality or preference. The management’s only loyalty is to its mission of sustainability.

Q: Where is the One Planet Foundation located?

A: On Stationsplein 16 Amersfoort, opposite the station and in the geographical heart of the Netherlands.

Q: What has One Planet achieved so far?

A: The translation of our EcoVilla dreams into the ‘first stake in the ground’ took time. The founders had demanding jobs as well as mortgages to pay and the Foundation began with volunteers and little money. Some of the first promising projects fell through because the project partners could not raise sufficient funding, or there were aspiring residents but no ground to build on. We discovered that barriers had to be broken through concerning the ‘Vinex mentality’ of fixed opinion of property developers and the Dutch establishment. Alternatives such as energy-neutral housing, wood-frame construction, Collective Private Ownership, etc. are hardly taken seriously even though they may do well in other countries. A civilian who wishes to live attractively, affordably and sustainably must be very patient (the experience of SEV is that the average collective private home ownership project in the Netherlands takes 9 years to reach realization!). Al Gore has rendered an enormous service to sustainability and has indeed changed the tide. But it is only now, four years after establishing Foundation EcoVilla, that One Planet eventually has the funds and prospects to actively realise a few ambitions. From two concrete projects (Catalogue, EcoErf) we expect in the short term ‘new building blocks and Ltd’s. In the meantime the One Planet Foundation has built up a considerable network of contacts, knowlegeable project leaders with a passion for discovering more about sustainability and simultaneously intending to use these opportunities for sustainability. Opportunities that we are going to harness along with you!

Q: Could I become involved with One Planet Foundation?

A: Yes definitely! On the section ‘Participation’ of our website you could read more about this possibility. Do not hesitate to call or visit us!

Q: Are there vacancies at One Planet Foundation?

A: Information about vacancies can be found on our website. Look at Working at OnePlanet. In addition, vacancies are also announced via LinkedIn and other vacancy sites. An open application could, of course, also be sent, preferably with the addition of your CV, to info@oneplanet.org

Q: May I use the One Planet logo?

A: The name and the logo of the OnePlanet Foundation are protected. Therefore our logo cannot be made available to everyone. We intend using our logo in a focused and constructive manner, also when it concerns co-operation with other organizations. If you want to use the OnePlanet logo you can submit your request at info@oneplanet.org.

Q: Is One Planet looking for volunteers?

A: Yes, there are diverse possibilities for involving you actively as a volunteer in our organization and for you to contribute to our work for a sustainable society. For more information we gladly refer you to our section of vacancies on the website. Look at Working at OnePlanet or contact us at info@oneplanet.org.

Q: I do an internship or graduation assignment at OnePlanet?

A: We are always delighted to facilitate students with internships and graduation assignments. Send your CV and a brief description of your research or training needs to info@oneplanet.org.

Q: How sustainable is the One Planet Foundation in reality?

A: As sustainable as we currently can be, but there is always room for improvement! We are situated at the Stationsplein in Amersfoort and nearly 100% of our home to work traffic is by train or bicycle. Visitors can have easy access to us by public transport. As a young company, we use second hand office furniture and purchase, as far as it is possible, our office supplies from sustainable producers. We are furthermore busy with the development of our office premises in a green EcoCentre that will be completely climate-neutral. And we want to join a local environmental club of ETC and the community of Amersfoort where we ourselves are the motivating force.

Projects

Q: Could I visit One Planet projects?

A: At the moment we are still very busy with the development of our real estate projects. Once construction is underway or completed, these could definitely be visited. Until such time, we should like to refer you to the Small Earth in Boxtel where already there are many sustainable techniques to view and experience.

Q: What is the difference between the One Planet Foundation and the One Planet Catalogue BV?

A: The One Planet Foundation acts as a catalyst and incubator for sustainable initiatives. As soon as these initiatives are commercially viable, they continue as independent subsidiaries. The One Planet Catalogue BV is an initiative of the One Planet Foundation and was launched as an independent subsidiary in 2009.

Q: Could I invest in a project of the One Planet Foundation?

A: Thank you for your interest in investing in one of our innovative projects. There are diverse possibilities for an investor to make a contribution to our work for a sustainable society. For more information we gladly refer you to the Participation section of our website. You could also e-mail us at info@oneplanet.org.

Q: I would like to live in an EcoVilla. How can I bring this about

A: EcoVilla’s are inspiring housing concepts where a community of people share some general facilities and strive to bring about a significant reduction of CO2. One of the ways in which to move into an EcoEcoVilla is through the Collective Private Association through which a group of people acquire a building plot with residential zoning. For this purpose they usually organise themselves initially into a non-profit foundation or association which acts as architect and contractor of the project. The homes are therefore ultimately realised in a communal context. Collective private ownership can be regarded as a variant of the traditional building on a plot. An example of Collective Private Ownership is the Amersfoort Association for Sustainable Living, Amersfoort.

Q:I would like to live on an EcoErf. How do I apply?

A: The EcoErf is currently looking for future residents who wish to organize themselves into an association that would ensure the establishment of the project by means of collective private ownership. To participate in the EcoErf project residents must personally supply the capital for their houses. In addition they buy a minimum of one share of the communal ground. For more information, you can contact Paul Heistein.

Q: Why are many of your initiatives in Amersfoort or Utrecht Province?

A: In English they say “charity begins at home.” In short, as a small organization one needs to begin somewhere. You must feel at home where you are, and prove your abilities in the local community. We are in a perfect location in the middle of the Netherlands and from Amersfoort we could therefore spread ourselves widely across the Netherlands. We certainly have the ambition to become active with these initiatives in other provinces and communities.

Q:I have a good idea for the One Planet Foundation. How can I share this with you?

A: We are always interested in good ideas because only together can we counteract climatic change. You can e-mail your idea to info@oneplanet.org.

Q: How can I stay informed of the activities of the One Planet Foundation?

A: A: Our website has an RSS feed to which you could apply. In this way you will always be well informed of news and changes.

Partners

Q: What is the link between One Planet Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund?

A: The WWF International in Geneva works with the One Planet Foundation on the Catalogue project. Our ambition is to establish an independent rating process and instrument which in a transparent, reliable and scientific manner could filter out the 20% most sustainable products and services. This has enormous potential! In the Annual Special Issue of Time magazine of 23rd March 2009, this is one of the featured “Top 10 Ideas for Changing the World Right Now.” There are more than 200 eco-choice labels in casual trade and the consumers can no longer see the wood for the trees. There is thus a great need for the One Planet Catalogue, and along with external parties and financiers we have created a separate Ltd.

Q: What is your relationship with De Kleine Aarde (The Small Earth)?

A: De Kleine Aarde was founded in 1972 and is one of the oldest environmental organisations in the Netherlands. It is known country wide and has its own Eco-park of almost 3 hectares where you not only find inspiration and information but also concrete products and services that make a sustainable lifestyle possible and even attractive. Because many of our goals are shared by De Kleine Aarde we like to work along with them on the development of new initiatives such as a new Zero Carbon Demo Housing and Sustainable Energy Training Centre at De Kleine Aarde. The previous year One Planet and DKA together also made an enjoyable study trip to CAT in Wales and the Eden Project in Cornwall. Jan Juffermans of De Kleine Aarde is an acknowledged expert on the ecological Footprint and they are driving the way forward with their “Footprint in Action” program. In short, we are good friends with De Kleine Aarde and gladly support each other.

Q: Why are you working with Essent on the realisation of certain projects?

A: Essent is the biggest contributer to the OnePlanet foundation. Energy and Carbon form ca. 50-60% of the average Footprint. Energy is therefore a core element of virtually all sustainability projects, and one wants partners that will have various practical and affordable sustainable energy solutions to the energy ‘piece of the puzzle’. Essent is the largest provider of Sustainable Energy in the Netherlands and we also receive a constructive response when we ask Essent to supply sustainable energy solutions for One Planet projects. It is therefore obvious that we enjoy working with a professional and experienced energy industry that wishes to contribute to innovative energy solutions. We are, however, not connected to Essent. The Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation and we are open to all suppliers of all products.

Q: I become a member of the One Planet Network? How would I benefit from this? What would it cost?

A: OnePlanet is setting up a Network which provides facilities for companies and startups. We are always looking for businesses and institutions that work as we do on innovative projects and products that have a positive effect on the CO2 reduction and Footprint diminishing. We also like to participate in constructive discussions. You can contact us via our LinkedIn group or drop us a mail at info@oneplanet.org.