ICEDD – leader

ICEDD (Institut de conseil et d’études en développement durable) is a fully independent research and consultancy institute based in Namur (Belgium), with over 50 years’ experience. ICEDD supports and assists public authorities and enterprises with the aim of encouraging constructive developments leading towards a sustainable future.

At ICEDD the work consists in providing scientifically based analyses, newly developed methodologies, and solutions geared towards implementation based on elevated levels of expertise and interdisciplinary cooperation.

ICEDD is mainly involved in analysing the use of spatial resources (land use, urban planning and territorial development), energy and material resources, integrating the economic, environmental, social and institutional dimensions.

40 researchers whose skills cover a vast number of fields (engineering, agronomy, chemistry, physics, environment, economics, statistics, sociology, political sciences, computer science, architecture, geography, cartography, urban planning, graphics …) bring together multidisciplinary expertise collaborating continuously to develop a rigorous collection and processing of information. They cover strategic questions and examine the mechanics and processes behind the formulation and implementation of environmental (mainly waste and resource efficiency, but also soil and water pollution, protection of biodiversity and air pollution), energy and climate change related policies.

ICEDD’s activities are conducted at the regional, national, European and international levels. Our Clients mainly include the EU Commission, the EU Parliament, national governments and administrations and regional authorities. ICEDD has access to a large network of experts with whom it collaborates in numerous projects. In addition, ICEDD cooperates with other research institutions and plays an active part in national and international networks, bodies and commissions.

ICEDD is a non-profit association. Financial resources come from project-based funding with no contribution from public authorities, enterprises and other associations in order to guarantee the Institute’s independence.

ICEDD has an ISO 9001-certified quality management system since 2004. In this context, ICEDD is fully committed to imposing quality standards to its partners and its sub-contractors and guaranteeing quality services to its clients.

The University of Mons (UMONS) includes more than 1000 researchers across its 10 faculties and schools. There are currently 10 UMONS research institutes , notably the Institute for Societal and Territorial development and the “Energy” institute. Each Institute brings together the expertise of many researchers from all the faculties and schools of UMONS.

UMONS is also part of a European university thanks to the EUNICE alliance that gathers 10 European universities.  

UMONS FWEG – partner

The Warocqué School of Business and Economics (FWEG) is one of the oldest UMONS faculty as it was created in 1899. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in economics and management and, more specifically, a Master’s degree in Economic and Social Policy. The faculty organizes courses in Mons and Charleroi. The FWEG is also involved in doctoral programmes and awards PhDs in Economics and Management as well as in Economic and Social Policy.

UMONS GELE – partner

ULB IGEAT – partner

The Institute for Environmental Management and Land Planning (IGEAT) of Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a research unit within the Geosciences, Environment and Society Department of the Faculty of Sciences. It was established in 1993 to bring together research conducted in the fields of territorial development, environmental social sciences, and tourism studies. Today, it comprises five research units, bringing together 11 full-time academics and around fifty researchers and doctoral students. The work carried out by these interdisciplinary teams focuses on urban land use change, the political economy of cities, urban and long-distance transport policy, territorial diagnostics, environmental impact assessment and management, the socio-political aspects of sustainable development, climate and energy policies, and the interactions between tourism, territorial dynamics, and societal changes.

While actively engaged in fundamental research at the national, European, and international levels, IGEAT is also deeply committed to applied research, working with both public and private funding bodies. With a resolutely interdisciplinary approach, the institute provides a privileged space for reflection, debate, learning, and action. It is characterized by a global, systemic, and critical perspective on the issues it addresses, as well as by its intellectual independence and commitment to rigor and relevance in tackling societal challenges.

IGEAT-ULB leads Work Package 1 on the exploration and definition of sufficiency policy and measures, testing their acceptability and assessing their willingness to accept through a participatory process (workshops and focus groups).

VITO – partner

VITO is a leading European independent research and technology organisation in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, elaborating solutions for the large societal challenges of today. The energy transition team at VITO has extensive expertise in energy and climate policy support, assisting the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission (EC) in shaping, monitoring, and assessing EU policies on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction. 

VITO leads the quality control of policies and measures (PAMs) reported by EU member states, conducts ex-ante and ex-post policy assessments, and supports the development and evaluation of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to ensure alignment with EU targets. In electricity markets, VITO contributes to market design, renewable integration, and demand response, enhancing grid flexibility and efficiency. VITO’s energy modelling capabilities include system optimisation, scenario analysis, and integrated models for electricity, heating, and transport, supporting industry players, policy makers and enabling the EU’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

With our multidisciplinary knowledge in more than 40 areas of expertise and unique lab, data and test infrastructure, we accelerate innovations on the road to a future in which a circular economy, smart climate solutions and a healthy living environment become a reality. As one of Europe’s top research centres, VITO converts scientific insights into ground-breaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice with 1,300 employees. We do so with one objective: to give our world a future to look forward to.