Built on 25 years of applied systems work

Except Integrated Sustainability

Except was founded in Delft in 1999, at a moment when sustainable development was understood by most organizations as a regulatory compliance matter. The founders saw it differently: as a design problem that required systems thinking, interdisciplinary methods, and a framework rigorous enough to translate analytical insight into operational decisions. The Symbiosis in Development (SiD) framework is the result of that work, refined across more than 600 projects in six continents over 25 years.

Except was among the first consultancies to specialize in regeneration, circularity, and resilience as strategic domains. It developed university curricula, published books, and built analytical methods that are now standard practice in the field. The intellectual heritage embedded in Yvoke’s approach is not background context. It is a competitive asset, and it is why the thinking on this site looks different from standard sustainability consulting.

The Yvoke Principles

01. Systemic and multi-scale

We see the whole, then act locally: use SiD to connect causes, feedbacks, and time scales, and design choices that hold from site to supply chain to sector.

02. Resilience as strategic driver

We build adaptive capacity as a source of advantage: anticipate shocks, design options and buffers with care, set triggers for timely action, and choose pathways that stay valuable under many futures.

03. Value beyond profit

We create multi-capital value: financial, social, cultural, and ecological, with integrity and transparency that outweigh convenience when trade-offs arise.

04. Evidence before claims

We decide by mechanism, not slogan: life-cycle thinking, peer-reviewed data, clear baselines and units, and explicit uncertainty where it exists.

05. Sustainable by design

We advance a sustainable society: solutions that let human and natural systems flourish within real boundaries, with equity and long-term health at the core.

06. Circular value creation

We rewire flows of materials, energy, and information to eliminate waste and unlock new value, then test and scale in portfolios.

07. From insight to execution

We deliver roadmaps that move: priorities, owners, budgets, milestones, and feedback loops that convert analysis into measurable outcomes.

08. Open and networked

We share to accelerate progress: publish methods and tools when possible, favor open standards and Creative Commons, and strengthen a learning ecosystem.

09. Collaborative and multidisciplinary

We cross boundaries by default: work with clients, partners, and stakeholders through clear roles and honest dialogue to find the smallest move with the largest effect.

10. Freedom with accountability

We trust people to act: autonomy paired with responsibility, social justice as a core value, and the courage to address harms and fix what is in our span of control.