'Efficiency and sustainability can coexist'
Ten examples of ways to make your company more sustainable
At Nationale-Nederlanden, we make sure to take good care of your pension money by investing it sustainably. Returns and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. We also try to contribute to a green future in order to keep our business operations sustainable.
Example 1: Installing solar panels
There are solar panels on the roofs of our offices. This is good for the environment and saves money. Did you know that you can apply for the SDE++ subsidy for large-volume users at Zonnestroom?
Example 2: Circular renovation
When renovating our buildings, our ambition is to do in a completely circular way. This means that we reuse all materials that are freed up and we incorporate sustainable and renewable materials such as sheet material made from rice husk, coffee grounds and recycled wood. You can see more in this video. Are you curious, too? Visit the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) website (Dutch only) for more information about the available subsidies.
Example 3: Reusing office supplies
Our consumables such as hand towels, coffee cups, office supplies and paper, are also circular. We collect used items for reuse or use as a new raw material.
Example 4: Collecting coffee grounds
In the toilets, we use recycled toilet paper and SOOP: soap made from collected coffee grounds and orange peel.
Example 5: Social outsourcing
Wherever possible, we work with people who find it difficult to access the labour market.
Example 6: Electric travel
Our employees travel to clients or to the office by public transport or bicycle. Also, our employees get a discount when buying an e-bike. Two per cent of our employees drive a leased car. The vehicle fleet in the Netherlands is already being converted to all-electric.
Example 7: Working from home
Working from home is well facilitated and encouraged – not just now, but certainly also in the future. This reduces the number of commutes.
Example 8: Replacing meat
The offering in our company canteens is becoming greener. For example, we have vegetarian days on which the beef croquette gives way to the Rotterzwam: a croquette based on oyster mushrooms from Rotterdam. This delicacy has already been well received at our Delftse Poort office in Rotterdam.
Example 9: Supporting sustainable projects
We actively partner with sustainable businesses such as Plastic Whale, for plastic-free waters, and Too Good To Go, against food waste.
Example 10: Reducing our ecological footprint
We aim to reduce our ecological footprint by reducing the use of natural resources. Furthermore, we strive to use green alternatives and offset the rest of our carbon emissions by investing in carbon offsetting projects. This makes Nationale-Nederlanden 100% carbon neutral. In addition, we aim to reduce our emissions by at least 35% by 2025 compared to 2019. By 2030, this reduction should even reach 70%.