Building a Sustainable Future through Sustainable Real Estate at Maastricht University
For the Program Manager of Sustainable Real Estate, every stone counts. His mission? To future-proof UM’s historic buildings, without compromising their character.
Maastricht University’s bold push toward sustainability doesn’t stop at ideas, it’s being built into the very walls of its buildings. Behind this effort is the university’s Program Manager for Sustainable Real Estate, Ivo Maessen, who is spearheading the transformation of UM’s property portfolio to meet ambitious environmental goals.
Engineering a greener legacy
With a background in project management for housing and civil engineering, sustainability has long been part of his professional DNA. “Large buildings consume a lot of energy,” he explains. “But applying the principles of the Trias Energetica can make a real difference.” The Trias Energetica, a three-step approach that reduces energy demand, prioritizes renewables, and ensures efficient use of fossil fuels, guides his work.
“Being able to help make some of the most beautiful buildings in Maastricht more sustainable, so they can be used efficiently and energy-consciously for decades to come, is a wonderful challenge that I am eager to contribute to.” he explains.
Local impact, global mindset
While global climate goals may seem far removed from the cobbled streets of Maastricht, this work proves otherwise. “UM is a major player in the city with lot of monumental buildings,” he says. “If we can make our buildings more sustainable, we can also make a broader contribution by setting an example for other owners of historic buildings in Maastricht and beyond.”
His role involves collaborating with the municipality to find ways to balance sustainability upgrades with heritage preservation, showing that the two are not mutually exclusive.
The Sustainability Roadmap 2030 and a real-world pilot
For him, the university’s new Sustainability Roadmap is a promising sign of real commitment. “Ambition is the start of progress.”
One of the first tangible steps is the full-scale sustainability makeover of Grote Gracht 90-92, a monumental building in the heart of the city. Currently in the research phase, this pilot project, developed in partnership with the municipality, will show what is possible when sustainability meets heritage. “This will allow us to demonstrate that it is indeed possible to make monumental buildings more sustainable.”
A mindset shift above all
His advice to students and staff is simple but powerful: focus on what you can change.
“Focus on what you can change yourself. Sustainability is largely about changing behaviour and adopting a different mindset.”