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Avans University of Applied Sciences
Avans University of Applied Sciences wants to be fully circular by 2030. In terms of design, this university of applied sciences is already achieving considerable results. For example, by determining which types of furniture belong to the Avans standard. This makes redeployment and revitalisation easier. This became apparent during the design of the new Campus300 in Den Bosch. There are about 11,000 pieces of furniture in the new educational location: more than half have been reused and the rest as much as possible new circular. With a full service of interior advice, asset management, circular services, inventory management and project management, Ahrend contributes to Avans' strict sustainability goals. Client Vera Groenen: 'We have been working together fantastically for more than twenty years.'
Avans about Ahrend
'We have been working fantastically with Ahrend for more than twenty years. Edith Kusters, the Ahrend interior designer, has already realised several projects for us with her colleagues. Even when we asked to contribute to our circular ambition, her commitment and that of Circular Hub was optimal. For example, we made a project book together. With standard furniture, we can reuse more easily. In the beginning, study programmes felt that this was a limitation, but they now know that Edith and I have good ideas that we implement in a high-quality way in a fresh colour package and with beautiful materials.
For the new Campus300, we have also furnished more than 500 rooms in a functional and stylish way together with Ahrend. Often with the reuse of our own furniture, sometimes we could transfer it like this, sometimes it got new upholstery or a different tabletop.
The result is warm and flavorful. That's what we think, and so do our students, teachers and visitors. The reactions to the building, the spaces and the interior are positive. Thanks to the stylish and circular furniture that we have selected, refurbished, installed and installed with fantastic people.'
Vera Groenen, Project Manager Real Estate & Housing at Avans
Circular in 2030
Reducing the ecological footprint requires critical and bold choices. For example, by determining which types of furniture belong to the standard. Furniture from the Avans product book has been largely from the Ahrend collection since 2006. To achieve its sustainability ambition, Avans works together with one permanent furnisher: Ahrend. As a circular partner, we supply, revitalise, repair and refurbish all furniture, including that of third parties.
Insightful Asset Management System
By providing step-by-step insight into how CO2 reduction can take place, sustainability gains can quickly be made. For example, with the Ahrend Asset Management System. Geert-Jan Knoops, account manager at Ahrend explains: 'The new Campus3000 contains furniture from various closed locations. Because we described all items in detail - from colour and type of upholstery to type number and condition - we were able to quickly see which chairs and desks could be moved immediately and which needed to be reupholstered, deep cleaned or repaired via the Circular Hub.'
‘'Ahrend's contribution to our circular ambition is optimal.'’
Project Manager Real Estate & Housing at Avans
Circular Hub revitalises
For the exact placement of the furniture, Ahrend interior architect Edith Kusters determined the type of furniture, colour and degree of wear resistance for each room. Geert-Jan: 'Of course, she has made an inventory of the needs of the training courses and users. We then looked at what could be used from the existing Avans stock, what could be purchased from the Circular Hub and what was needed new. We did the same with furniture from third parties. For example, with a partner, we revitalised an entire existing lecture hall before moving.'
Textbook example of 100% circular
Change is a constant in education. 'DP6 architecture studio designed the educational building in such a way that it can be freely arranged. The user can move walls and rearrange spaces, dispose of or expand building parts.'
Avans also makes choices for new furniture based on sustainability and flexibility, for example with Rofa's modular sofa system. 'All parts - from connectors to backrests - can be ordered separately and reupholstered. And if the banks ever become redundant, they can be returned via a deposit system. This project is a textbook example of working step by step with permanent partners towards 100% circular.'
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