Soft re-use of brownfields describes intended temporary or final re-uses of brownfield sites which are not based on built constructions or infrastructure (‘hard' re-use). Examples of soft re-uses include the creation of public green space. These are essentially uses where the soil is not sealed. Often the case for soft re-use of brownfields has not been easy to demonstrate in strictly financial terms. The purpose of this paper is to describe a value based approach to identify and optimise services provided by the restoration of brownfields to soft re-uses, on a permanent or interim basis. A ‘Brownfield Opportunity Matrix' is suggested as means of identifying and discussing soft restoration opportunities. The use of ‘sustainability linkages' is suggested as a means of understanding the sustainability of the services under consideration and providing a structure for the overall valuation of restoration work, for example as part of design or option appraisal processes, or to support the solicitation of interest in a project

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This paper presents a holistic approach to sustainable urban brownfield redevelopment where specific focus is put on the integration of a multitude of subsurface qualities in the early phases of the urban redevelopment process, i.e. in the initiative and plan phases. Achieving sustainability in brownfield redevelopment projects may be constrained by a failure of engagement between two key expert constituencies: urban planners/designers and subsurface engineers, leading to missed opportunities and unintended outcomes in the plan realisation phase. A more integrated approach delivers greater benefits. Three case studies in the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden were used to test different sustainability assessment instruments in terms of the possibility for knowledge exchange between the subsurface and the surface sectors and in terms of cooperative learning among experts and stakeholders. Based on the lessons learned from the case studies, a generic decision process framework is suggested that supports holistic decision making. The suggested framework focuses on stakeholder involvement, communication, knowledge exchange and learning and provides an inventory of instruments that can support these processes.

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The subsurface is a technical space, the "engine room of the city, " that incorporates the vital functions of water and energy supply, communication systems, sewers and drainage. Natural systems too -crucial for stable, dry, cool and nature inclusive cities -are also largely dependent on the quality of the subsoil. The subsurface is critical in an era of climate and demographic changes, the energy transition and economic uncertainty and constraints. However, due to the domain's current segregation and a weak urban design and planning connection, crucial design potential, benefits and innovations, remain unexploited. This paper first introduces an innovative systems approach, the System Exploration Environment and Subsurface (SEES), to recognise the subsurface as an "underarching" domain for urban planning and design. The physical impact of the subsurface on the surface quality is described for the categories: civil constructions, water, energy and soil/ecology. After setting understanding of the surface and subsurface as one united space, the paper will go into using the SEES as knowledge brokerage tool, integrating the subsurface artefacts into the design process and how the concept of Reversed Engineering with Nature is useful to uncover synergies between subsurface technologies, new urban maintenance regimes and scripts for design.

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We introduce the INSPIRATION bottom-up approach for the development of a strategic research agenda for spatial planning, land use and soil-sediment-water-system management in Europe. Research and innovation needs were identified by more than 500 European funders, endusers, scientists, policy makers, public administrators and consultants. We report both on the concept and on the implementation of the bottom-up approach, provide a critique of the process and draw key lessons for the development of research agendas in the future. Based on identified strengths and weaknesses we identified as key opportunities and threats 1) a high ranking and attentiveness for the research topics on the political agenda, in press and media or in public awareness, 2) availability of funding for research, 3) the resources available for creating the agenda itself, 4) the role of the sponsor of the agenda development, and 5) the continuity of stakeholder engagement as bases for identification of windows of opportunity, creating ownership for the agenda and facilitating its implementation. Our derived key recommendations are 1) a clear definition of the area for which the agenda is to be developed and for the targeted user, 2) a conceptual model to structure the agenda, 3) making clear the expected roles, tasks, input formats regarding the involvement and communication with the stakeholders and project partners, 4) a sufficient number of iterations and checks of the agenda with stakeholders to insure completeness, relevance and creation of co-ownership for the agenda, and 5) from the beginning prepare the infrastructure for the network to implement the agenda.

Increasing land take, soil sealing and loss of ecosystem functions due to soil and land degradation have been recognised as major environmental and socioeconomic challenges, both in the EU and worldwide. In 2015, the UN put forward the 2030 Agenda, with 17 interdependent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many of the SDGs reflect challenges related to land and soil. This report comprises of a review of the state of affairs in the EU related to the implementation of the land and soil related SDGs. Literature reviews, policy mapping, EU wide soil data analysis, combined with national surveys and targeted interviews were carried out. A set of recommendations for related to the way forward to more effective implementation and widespread uptake of sustainable land and soil management addressed to the following four stakeholder groups are given: (i) practitioners and endusers; (ii) scientist; (iii) policymakers and (iv) citizens. Toenemend ruimtebeslag, bodemafdekking en verlies van ecosysteemfuncties als gevolg van bodemen landdegradatie worden zowel in de EU als wereldwijd gezien als grote ecologische en sociaaleconomische uitdagingen. In 2015 hebben de VN de Agenda 2030 voorgesteld, met 17 samenhangende duurzame ontwikkelingsdoelstellingen (SDG's). Veel van de SDG's hebben een relatie met opgaves die verband houden met land en bodem. Dit rapport bevat een overzicht van de stand van zaken in de EU met betrekking tot de implementatie van de land-en bodemgerelateerde SDG's. Dit overzicht werd tot stand gebracht door literatuuronderzoek, een beleidsanalyse, analyse van bodemgegevens in de hele EU, gecombineerd met nationale enquêtes en gerichte interviews. Er wordt een reeks aanbevelingen gedaan gericht op vier doelgroepen om de implementatie en acceptatie van duurzaam land-en bodembeheer in de EU te bevorderen: (i) eindgebruikers; (ii) wetenschappers; (iii) beleidsmakers en (iv) burgers.