Berend Hilberts

Industrial Ecologist 🏗️♻️Materials for society @ Sweco

Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium

About

I love tackling big sustainability challenges with a mix of curiosity, strategy, and collaboration. Whether it's solving complex problems, bringing people together, or leading initiatives, I focus on creating sustainable and forward-thinking solutions that drive real impact. I'm passionate about working on projects that build a more resilient, regenerative, and connected world. Outside of work, my love for the outdoors fuels my perspective. I find my inspiration in nature: on the slopes as a ski instructor, where I share my enthusiasm for adventure and continuous learning.

Experience

  • Advisor at Sweco
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Focused on Recovering and reusing building materials from the built environment. Converting waste and written off materials into vaults building blocks for society.

  • Schilehrer at SBSSV Salzburger Berufsski- & Snowboardlehrer Verband
    Dec 2022 - Apr 2025 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Certified SBSSV Landes 1 Ski Instructor - Instructing advanced-level skiers, focusing on technical skill development. - Analysing client challenges and providing clear, constructive feedback to support skill growth. - Cultivating positive relationships and ensuring enjoyable, memorable experiences for clients. - Ensuring customer satisfaction. - Maintaining on-slope safety standards. - Instructing in three languages: German, English, Dutch

  • Data Scientist & Consultant at Metabolic
    Jun 2022 - Nov 2022 · 6 mos

    Metabolic – Driving Systems Change for a Sustainable Economy - Supported the development of geospatial models to estimate urban mining potential and material reuse from buildings. - Contributed to a material flow analysis (MFA) model, using waste collection data to assess circular economy opportunities. - Conducted geospatial and sustainability analysis with Python and QGIS, working with imperfect open-source datasets to extract meaningful insights. - Created data visualizations for consultants and participated in client meetings with municipalities and government stakeholders. Key Takeaways: Gained hands-on experience in sustainability consultancy, working with real-world data, visualize insights effectively, and guide data-driven sustainable decisions.

  • Junior Project Manager at Plastic Whale
    Mar 2020 - Aug 2020 · 6 mos

    Plastic Whale – Fighting Plastic Pollution with Purpose - Managed logistics and communication for the cleanup fleet, coordinating boat captains and ensuring smooth daily operations. - Helped organize daily canal cleanup activities, engaging volunteers and elementary school students in sustainability efforts. - Led the Instagram account for Plastic Whale’s school-focused foundation, promoting environmental awareness. - Developed a boat pathing tool to optimize cleanup routes and ensure comprehensive canal coverage. Key Takeaways: Gained hands-on experience in operations management, stakeholder communication, and sustainability engagement. Learned to coordinate teams, optimize logistics, and use digital tools to drive impact.

  • Committee Affairs Officer at AUCSA
    Jul 2018 - Jun 2019 · 1 yr

    Amsterdam University College Student Association - Elected as one of six representatives for a 900-member student association. - Served as the main liaison for 28 committees, ensuring smooth communication and representation. - Advised committees on event planning, strategy, and execution. - Developed a profitable merchandising strategy, enhancing financial sustainability. - Initiated and evolved large-scale projects to strengthen community engagement and impact. Focus: Leadership, event management, and strategic development within a dynamic student organization.