Environment Europe Foundation

Environment Europe Foundation (EEF) is a sustainability think tank and research organisation working internationally to advance evidence-based approaches to sustainable development. The Foundation works with international organisations, governments, cities, regions, businesses, universities and civil society to develop research, policy approaches and practical solutions for the transition towards a more sustainable economy and society.

EEF’s work is rooted in ecological economics and interdisciplinary sustainability research, recognising the interconnected nature of environmental, economic and social systems. Its work covers seven broad thematic areas: nature and ecosystems, macroeconomic sustainability, sustainable business, smart and sustainable cities, climate change, vulnerable crops and renewable energy, and circular economy. Across these areas, the Foundation develops research and methodologies addressing biodiversity and ecosystems, climate resilience, sustainable economic development, energy transition, sustainable business models, urban sustainability and resource efficiency.

A distinctive feature of Environment Europe Foundation is its focus on connecting research, policy and implementation. The Foundation works to translate complex sustainability challenges into practical and evidence-based approaches for decision-makers. Its activities include sustainability assessments, ecosystem and biodiversity assessment, macroeconomic and environmental policy analysis, renewable energy and energy-system research, sustainable city and regional benchmarking, circular economy research, and the development of sustainable business and investment approaches.

EEF also contributes to international education and capacity building in areas including Green Economy, Ecological Economics, Smart and Sustainable Cities, Ecosystems and the Economy, and ESG investment and sustainable business models. Through these activities, it engages researchers, policymakers, businesses, NGOs, universities and other stakeholders in developing knowledge and practical capacity for sustainable transformation.

The Foundation’s international project portfolio demonstrates the application of its expertise to real-world sustainability challenges. TRANS-SAHARA, an EU-funded Horizon Europe project, focuses on novel Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approaches to agroforestry management in the Greater North African Region. Environment Europe Foundation contributes to the project through its expertise in ecosystem assessment and sustainability methodologies, supporting the evaluation of the ecosystem dimensions of the project’s Living Labs. TRANS-SAHARA brings together European and African partners to develop climate-resilient agroforestry systems that connect water security, food production, energy, ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods, while supporting ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

EEF is also a partner in ECO-A – Transforming Eco-Anxiety into Ecological Awareness, Art and Action, an Erasmus-funded European project addressing the relationship between environmental concerns, ecological awareness and action. The project uses creative and artistic approaches to help professionals working with young people address eco-anxiety and transform environmental concerns into greater ecological awareness and constructive action.

These projects illustrate the breadth of Environment Europe Foundation’s approach: from macroeconomic sustainability and climate change to nature and ecosystems, renewable energy, vulnerable crops, sustainable business, smart and sustainable cities and circular economy. EEF combines interdisciplinary research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, stakeholder engagement, education and practical experimentation to support sustainability solutions that are scientifically grounded, economically relevant and responsive to environmental and societal needs.

Through its research, consultancy, education and international projects, Environment Europe Foundation contributes to a transition in which economic development, environmental protection, ecosystem resilience and human wellbeing are understood as interconnected dimensions of sustainability. The Foundation brings together knowledge and experience across disciplines and sectors to support long-term sustainable transformation at local, national, European and international levels.