The beginning
A number of employees of the Anaerobic Treatment chair group of the Environmental Technology department of Wageningen UR, founded the Environmental Protection & Resource Conservation Foundation (EP&RC) on 18 April 1997. As a spin-off organisation of Environmental Technology, the main objective of the foundation was to contribute to the sustainable protection of the living environment, by applying sustainable environmental technologies. In addition, they wanted to ensure that the research of professor Gatze Lettinga, on anaerobic processes and their application, would be continued after his retirement.
Gatze Lettinga
Professor Gatze Lettinga was chair of the Environmental Technology department from 1988 to 2001. During his career he developed anaerobic wastewater treatment systems, most famously the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) technology. With these systems, a large part of the organic matter can be converted into a useful product: biogas.
The first findings of the research on UASB technology and related processes were published in a short time, and on purpose no patents were applied for this technology. This resulted in a worldwide application of these innovations.
The bridge between science and practice
The EP&RC Foundation aimed to bridge the gap between science (universities) and practice (consultancy firms, contractors, industries and governments). This was to allow the acquired anaerobic knowledge and technologies to be implemented widely in society. EP&RC relied on income from donations, subsidies, consultancy work and educational activities, and remained independent of technologies, investors and patents.
From a foundation to an Ltd
In 2001, the EP&RC Foundation continued as the Stichting Lettinga Associates, operating under the international name Lettinga Associates Foundation, or LeAF for short. This made the link with Lettinga’s research and the anaerobic field clearer. The name changed, but the idealistic raison d’être, the activities and the independence remained the same. Over the years, both the objectives and the field of work of the foundation became broader. Companies and government agencies increasingly formed part of our clients. Consultancy work, contract research and education became more important sources of income. This made the transition from foundation to Ltd (BV in Dutch) logical. In the course of 2013, all assets and liabilities and of course all employees were transferred to LeAF BV. The shares of this BV became the property of the Lettinga Foundation.
Independent advice
Even as an Ltd., LeAF attaches great importance to our independent position. Despite the name change, nothing has changed in the initial objective to contribute to sustainable protection of the environment, and thus work for a better world. Because LeAF is in no way bound to a specific technology or organization, we have the freedom to think along about the best possible solutions and to provide advice on this. In addition to independence, creativity, a sound and complete story, flexibility and of course quality are of paramount importance.
Relationship with Wageningen University and Research (WUR)
LeAF has been closely linked to the Environmental Technology department of Wageningen UR since its inception. This strategic collaboration allows LeAF to bridge the gap between environmental technology research and practice. Access to each other’s networks and expertise are of great value to both LeAF and Environmental Technology. There is collaboration in various research and education projects. LeAF is also still physically linked to Environmental Technology. We rent our office and laboratory spaces from Wageningen UR. This gives us access to state-of-the-art laboratory and analysis facilities, and the most recent scientific insights and publications.
Contact LeAF
We gladly speak to you about our services and experience. Feel free to contact us about finding solutions for sustainable management of wastewater and organic waste.
