The Incubator: Pioneering, New
Initiatives, and the Future
Our neighborhood is a place where ideas are given room to grow and where we’re happy to do our part to build a sustainable future. Take a look below at the projects we’re involved in that contribute to a more sustainable world—from the local to the international level.
Collaborations & spin-offs
From sustainability and the food transition to renewable energy: we collaborate with local and international initiatives, colleges, and universities. These collaborations regularly give rise to new projects and spin-offs.
Entrepreneurial Residents of Aardehuizen
The Aardehuis neighborhood is also home to enterprising people who run a wide variety of businesses. Discover their activities, workshops, and unique initiatives.
GEN Netherlands
What began as a collaboration among a handful of pioneers grew into GEN Nederland: a network of more than 70 ecological housing initiatives. Aardehuis was there from the very beginning and continues to share its knowledge and experience with new communities. Because together, we can achieve more!
Good for Each Other
From plans for wind turbines to solar farms that provide local electricity to thousands of households. The Goed Veur Mekare Energy Cooperative shows what can be achieved when people work together. And through the Sustainability Fund, the proceeds are reinvested in new green initiatives in the area.
Without a Doubt
Packaging-free shopping.
What started as an idea for a food cooperative in the Aardehuis neighborhood grew into ZonderMeer: an initiative by two Aardehuis residents where anyone can buy organic dry goods at affordable prices. Bring your own jars and bags to Goede Buren, or place a group order in bulk. Less waste, more togetherness!
Repair Café Olst
Why throw things away when you can fix them together? At the Repair Café Olst, volunteers—including several residents of Aardehuizen—roll up their sleeves every month. You give broken items a second life and learn how you might be able to fix something yourself next time.
Good Neighbors
When the beloved thrift store Bij de Buuren was facing the prospect of having to close its doors, Olst in Transition brought together various initiatives. Thanks to that collaboration, Goede Buren was able to continue growing into a vibrant hub for sustainable and social initiatives. Together, we can achieve more!
Olst in Transition
What began as an initiative by three residents of Aardehuis has grown into a vibrant network of people and projects working toward a more resilient and sustainable Olst. Although Olst in Transition is no longer active, much of what was set in motion back then continues to grow and thrive.
Community Garden
On the outskirts of the earth house neighborhood, the community garden thrives. It’s a place where young and old garden, explore, harvest, and share together—with green-thumbed volunteers, lively Saturday mornings, and a constant stream of new initiatives.
SERENE
In 2025, the Aardehuiswijk neighborhood, in collaboration with Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Twente, established a neighborhood battery as part of the European SERENE project. As part of that project, five charging stations and an Energy Management System (EMS) were also installed in the neighborhood.