We want to lower energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions for our own organisation in the Netherlands and for all locations in foreign countries. An energy saving plan has been drawn up to help reduce energy consumption. This will be implemented step by step by 2020. In order to reduce our CO2 emissions effectively we will map out our CO2 footprint in 2016 and determine our scope with the assistance of Climate Neutral Group.
| 2013/2014 | 2014/2015 | % | |
| Electricity consumption | 3.75 mln. kWh | 3.53 mln. kWh | -5.9 |
| Gas consumption | 225,000 m3 | 152,191 m3 | -32.4 |
These consumption data refer to the following HZPC locations: Joure, Metslawier, Emmeloord, Stiens and Wehe den Hoorn
We have an understanding of our consumption per location based on a baseline measurement carried out in 2013. This resulted in the establishment of an Energy Savings Plan with a number of important areas for improvement. They will be taken into consideration and implemented in the period between 2013 and 2020.
| Replace lights with LED or T5 lighting | Energy savings of 40 – 60% |
| Double glazed ZOS buildings | 80% |
| Heat recovery (by chillers) | € 4,500 per location per year |
| Combat standby consumption | at all locations |
| Sustainable energy production | 25% saving on energy purchased |
In August 2015, 1,424 solar panels were installed at ZOS in Emmeloord. These provide 350,000 kWh of power. This is equivalent to the average annual energy consumption of 76 households*. The solar panels reduce CO2 emissions by approx. 198 tonnes per year.
*calculation on the basis of average consumption for 4 person households according to Nibud.
Solar panels are also present at our head office in Joure. These were replaced by 120 new panels at the end of 2015. These provide an output of 30,000 kWh/year and a CO2 reduction of 17 tonnes per year.
Our Research & Development Centre is located in Metslawier. The greenhouse complex is an important part of this. New varieties are developed in these greenhouses, intended for millions of consumers around the world. An entirely renovated and sustainable greenhouse complex was built in 2010. Sustainable technology is used to heat the greenhouses (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage), to regulate irrigation (collection and use of grey water) and to keep out vermin (closed greenhouses) for example.
Each year a great deal of travelling takes place around the world between the different locations, trial fields and clients. To save on costs and kilometres travelled by car and to reduce flight movements, we urge everyone to use video conferencing to a greater extent, where possible. The CO2 footprint of our own mobility (HZPC employees) will be measured in the forthcoming period. On the basis of this we will be able to see what kind of effect the initiative has if any.
A plan was developed to improve the sustainability of the leased vehicle fleet for HZPC Holland. HZPC wants to promote the use of economical vehicles.
Two testing limits for vehicles are applied:
Reduction of CO2 emissions for the HZPC Holland leased vehicle fleet.
| Vermindering gemiddelde CO2-uitstoot leasewagenpark HZPC Holland | ||||
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
| 150 gr | 136 gr | 112 gr | 106 gr | 99 gr |
Employees can also make use of:
Our goal is to reduce paper consumption within HZPC by 20% in the Netherlands over the next two years to 2016. We have been purchasing FSC or recycled paper for letters, printing and copying since 2014. 100% recycled paper or FSC paper will be purchased from 2016.
| Paper consumption* per year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | % |
| HZPC Holland, R&D Metslawier, ZOS | 960,000 sheets | 840,000* sheets | 600,000 sheets | 480,000 sheets |
-50% compared with ‘12 |
* These figures apply for printing and copy paper
**Modified with reference to Sustainability Report 13/14 following recalculation.
