Nieuwkoop Europe is constantly working towards a more sustainable organisation. We are aware of the impact our activities have on the environment; therefore, we continue to improve our operations and make them more sustainable wherever possible. That way, we can achieve an ever greener company and a greener supply chain. We would like to list our sustainability highlights of 2022 for you and look ahead to the coming year.
More solar energy
By the end of 2021, we doubled our number of solar panels. A total of 2,134 panels are now on our roofs, generating over 613,000 kWh (613 MWh) of solar energy last year. With this power, around 220 households could be supplied with green electricity for a year. As we naturally want to cover as much of our energy consumption with green power as possible, we are currently exploring options for expanding our solar network and storing generated solar energy.
Less polluting substances
In our spray cabin, we switched to water-based paints in the summer of 2022. Water-based paints contain significantly less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are therefore much better for the environment, but also for our employees. The desire to switch completely to water-based paint had therefore existed for some time. Today, the technology is such that water-based paint is no longer inferior to solvent-based paints. This means we can continue to offer you the same quality sprayed planters, but in a much more sustainable way.
An all-electric fleet by 2026
Another highlight of 2022 was the installation of 18 new charging stations for electric cars. Currently, more than fourty electric and hybrid cars can be powered on Nieuwkoop Europe's premises. With the installation of the charging stations, we are another step closer to our aim of having the entire Nieuwkoop fleet electric by 2026.
Sustainable employability
Sustainability is not only about the environmental impact of our business activities, but also about the employability of our personnel. In the past year, Nieuwkoop Europe grew by 44 people to 192 employees. We encourage our colleagues to constantly continue to learn, develop and grow, for example by doing a course or taking a training course. For instance, 20 colleagues have obtained or renewed their spraying licences, there are 15 health and safety officers in the company, and several employees have completed an internal plant course.
We also look ahead to the future and want to enthuse new talent for greenhouse horticulture. For instance, we are involved in the ‘Groen onderwijscentrum’, an organisation that links education and companies in the green sector. We are also happy to cooperate in initiatives that inspire students to work in the sector, such as the touring event CollegeTour.
Towards a more sustainable future
Working towards a greener chain never stops, of course. We will therefore continue to take steps to make our operations more sustainable in the coming year. For instance, we are looking at options for expanding the number of solar panels on our roofs and we are investigating whether we can store our generated solar energy to use at times when there is less daylight. In 2023, we will start a new method of pest control in our greenhouses, using biological pesticides as much as possible and chemical alternatives as little as possible. We will soon inform you further about this.
In addition, we are a proud partner of the Work with Nature - Adopt Rainforest Foundation. In our blogs, we regularly update you on the wonderful work this foundation does and share with you special updates from Costa Rica. We will continue to do so in 2023 and we are also starting the year with a special promotion. In fact, when you visit our stand at IPM Essen, you will receive a certificate for 1 m2 of adopted rainforest. This way, you help protect this beautiful nature. You can read more about it here.
