Sustainability is not about reduction, it is about opportunities. And people; Happy people. AIDA - powered by Enviu - strives to inspire people to think positively and creatively about linking a sustainability vision to the core business of an organisation. In a way that the people within and outside that organisation are inspired as well. Students are the perfect people to help organisations develop new ideas, as they do not have vested interests yet and can bring in their very diverse perspectives. Therefore we organise a creative AIDA Masterclass each summer.

This year the lucky topic is De Rotterdam - former line service and cruise ship, which currently is a hotel, leisure location and conference center, permanently docked in the Rotterdam harbour. Together we will develop new concepts on how to make this ship more sustainable, both from an environmental and social perspective. We will look at technical and business solutions, but also at ideas on behavioral change and how these could reinforce each other or can be combined effectively.

CSR is already an important pillar of the corporate strategy of De Rotterdam, for now mostly from a social perspective (e.g. re-inforcing the economic situation of Katendrecht, the area where the ship is docked). It is formally owned by Woonbron, a social housing cooperative. One of their programmes, Energy+ has a strong link with sustainability; energy reduction. They focus on which methods are most effective to change behaviour of people, in support of sustainability, next to technological innovations. This theme will be included as well.


This is YOUR chance to be inspired, get applied knowledge about sustainability, learn to convince others about your ideas, learn how diverse disciplines can reinforce each other, and how to mobilise your creative mind to improve a true icon of Rotterdam. The best idea/group will be awarded with a prize and you will receive a personal Certificate of Participation.

If you want to participate please register on the Enviu website, and send in your short letter of interest and CV to wouter@enviu.org. Selection will be based on motivation, timing of your application and specific backgrounds. We will strive for a good mix of expertise that can complement each other well.

For more general information about AIDA, including opportunities for research assignments, have a look at: www.aidarotterdam.nl.