Vijf Eiken–Heihoef Business Park: a collective effort toward a sustainable future
The challenge: how do you mobilize an entire business park for a sustainable future?
Vijf Eiken-Heihoef is Oosterhout’s oldest business park and has a considerable sustainability challenge. To remain future-proof, the site needs to take big steps in the areas of energy transition, circular economy, climate adaptation and smart mobility. Although initial intentions were already set in 2018 by major companies and the municipality, broad commitment remained difficult.
In early 2023, Vijf Eiken–Heihoef joined the provincial initiative Grote Oogst, aimed specifically at accelerating the sustainability transition of business parks in Brabant.
With concrete goals such as the realisation of a local energy hub and bio-digester, the urgency and ambition became even clearer. But how do you get entrepreneurs – from big players to smaller companies – to commit to joint initiatives and take action?
Flatland was asked to create an overview of promising initiatives and to inspire and activate companies at the same time.
Our approach
Our collaboration began by bringing entrepreneurs together to identify the key themes and opportunities. We approached this in the signature Flatland way: visual, interactive, and strongly focused on co-creation.
During a large working session set up in a World Café format, entrepreneurs could join the themes that resonated with them personally and sparked energy. Using visual templates and smaller breakout sessions, we worked ideas out concretely on the spot. This resulted in clear subprojects with enthusiastic project owners assigned right away. All insights and plans were then brought together into one coherent visual overview.
This visual became the guiding reference point for the project. It served as a shared touchstone during regular meetings and helped the process manager keep the momentum active and engaging. Entrepreneurs could instantly see the progress being made — and where their contributions truly made a difference.
The result: from vision to tangible impact
After two years, significant progress has been made at the Vijf Eiken–Heihoef business park. One of the standout achievements is the creation of a green walking route around the area, helping to better connect companies with their surroundings. This initiative became possible through collaboration between entrepreneurs, the municipality of Oosterhout, and a local golf club that made land available.
In addition, several in-depth workshops were held to further develop initiatives for a local energy hub and water-based transportation. These sessions led to strong implementation plans. Three companies also made notable strides in circular entrepreneurship, supported in part by student teams.
“Working with Flatland has been a professional, creative, and truly enjoyable experience!”
The visual overview has functioned not only as an internal compass, but also as a powerful communication tool for key stakeholders such as the municipality, the province, and energy suppliers. Thanks to this clear visual communication, broader support and additional momentum were created for further sustainable initiatives.
Now that the project has reached its halfway point, we’ve taken stock. During a recent co-creation session with entrepreneurs, successes were celebrated, unfeasible plans were evaluated, and new initiatives were added to the updated visual overview. This helps maintain energy in the project and encourages new companies to get involved.
With a strong start, a visual guide, and a steady rhythm of gatherings, the Oosterhout business park is well on its way to a sustainable future.
Want to build engagement
We’re here to think things through with you. Get in touch with Kay.
Visual Consultant
