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Zuidas Sustainability Report 2019 published

The Zuidas Sustainability Report 2019 is not only a report on what’s been happening. ‘In addition to that, it serves as a tool for monitoring and scrutinising ambitions in the field of sustainability’, says Tom van Es, sustainability programme manager for Zuidas. ‘In the report, we also aim to share knowledge and inspire other organisations and companies.’

High on the agenda

This is the eighth edition of the Sustainability Report. Is the 2019 edition really that different from the 2012 one? Van Es: ‘Fortunately, sustainability is becoming an issue that’s increasingly high on people’s agenda. More than ever before, organisations are eager to be known for their sustainable policy and to be associated with sustainability. This is resulting in increasing numbers of initiatives, a sign that we’re on the right track.’

This is the first Zuidas Sustainability Report to be published in digital format only, saving 430 kg of paper

Zero waste

One example of a particularly eye-catching initiative is the Zero Waste Zuidas project, in which 27 companies have signed up to a commitment to make Zuidas free of residual waste by 2030. ‘The first steps were taken in 2019. For me, the great thing about this project is that it happened without any statutory obligation. Companies and organisations took the initiative to join forces themselves.’

Smaller-scale initiatives

The Sustainability Report also features some smaller-scale initiatives. ‘These include a business that’s replaced all disposable cups with recyclable ones, a company that’s introduced a ban on all plastic bottles and an organisation that’s replaced all its lights with LED lighting. It doesn’t always have to be about major changes in behaviour – smaller-scale initiatives can be just as inspiring.’

Artist impression of De Puls

Sustainable urban biotope

The report also showcases one eye-catching sustainability concept. This year it’s the De Puls building, a VORM Ontwikkeling development. Van Es: ‘This is set to be a sustainable urban biotope, with housing, offices and amenities. De Puls will be completely self-sufficient and energy-neutral, with one tower providing power for the other tower. On the ground floor, the City is creating a park and there will be a roof garden between the towers.’ Completion is scheduled for 2023.

Themes

Van Es is also seeing another new theme increasingly emerging. ‘There’s now a lot happening in the field of energy. The use of solar panels was already popular, but there are now increasing numbers of energy-neutral buildings being developed, like De Puls. Another important development is the aim to make Zuidas free of natural gas. This is real progress.’

Reflection

Coronavirus (and its consequences) are dominating 2020. Will this have an impact on the sustainability initiatives currently in progress? Van Es is hoping to see a positive impact. ‘This situation could actually lead to reflection and even more initiatives. No one can or should be allowed to drag their heels when it comes to a sensible approach to energy, raw materials and CO2 emissions. We will continue to work in partnership with the companies and organisations based in Zuidas. We’ll also continue to facilitate and support them.’

Read the whole Sustainability Report 2019 (in Dutch) here.

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