About us
Making biobased construction the global standard
We are convinced that every foundation pile is an opportunity to remove CO₂. That way we contribute to the transformation of the construction sector from a climate risk to a climate opportunity.
Making biobased construction the global standard.
Transforming the construction sector from a climate risk to a climate asset.
Our goals
Our story
The solution lies beneath our feet
Underground Forest was founded with the conviction that the construction sector holds the key to the climate transition. By building foundations with wooden piles instead of concrete, we remove massive amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere — for more than 100 years.
Our team combines decades of expertise in climate science, soil ecology, construction and carbon finance. We are not theory, we are already at work. We are realising and certifying projects throughout the Netherlands.
The team
The people behind Underground Forest
Kees de Gruiter
Founder & Chief Innovation Officer
Kees is the founder of the idea behind Underground Forest. Already in 1992 he saw that the UN Climate Framework objectives were unattainable without a fundamentally different approach. His decades-long vision of CO₂ removal through biomass storage forms the scientific core of our company.
Guido van Els
Co-founder & CEO
Under the leadership of Co-Founder and CEO Guido, Underground Forest is transforming its operations for maximum impact. He combines entrepreneurship with decisiveness and strategic vision to achieve exponential growth.
Ivo Wouters
Chief Commercial Officer
Ivo is responsible for the commercial strategy of Underground Forest. He builds relationships with intermediaries and organisations looking to offset their emissions and works with parnters to grow the presence of Underground Forest.
Carolina Pulido Tellez
Head of Administration & Certification
Carolina oversees the administrative and certification processes within Underground Forest. She ensures that every project meets the strict Rainbow standards and that all documentation is accurate and transparent.
Our values
What we stand for
Ecological integrity
No greenwashing, no shortcuts. Every claim is scientifically substantiated and independently verified.
Radical transparency
Complete openness about our data, methodology and results. Trust is earned.
Innovation
We combine proven ecology with modern technology for maximum and measurable impact.
Collaboration
Impact is made together. We work closely with landowners, builders, certifiers and investors.
Want to know more?
Discover our projects or get in touch directly.