Sustainable working - internal

Climate and Energy Program (KEP)

At the 2015 climate summit in Paris, 174 countries agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The countries want to prevent the earth from warming by two degrees before the end of this century. The Netherlands has developed measures in the 2019 Climate Agreement.

Climate change affects all our tasks. Think of flood protection, water drainage, and water quality. We are therefore working hard to reduce the impact of climate change. For example, by reinforcing dikes and taking measures against flooding in collaboration with municipalities. We are also working on new freshwater sources. This is how we are responding to the consequences of increasing drought.

At the same time, we are reducing our own footprint. As one of the largest energy consumers in North Holland, the water board aims to be climate neutral by 2025. This means meeting its own energy needs and being_{CO2 neutral}.

We consume a lot of energy for wastewater treatment, drying sewage sludge, and regulating water levels. With our own climate and energy program, we are gradually reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

We do this by saving energy, using new technologies, and investing in green energy. Currently (2020), we already generate 40% of the energy we use sustainably.

Geestmerambacht Wastewater Treatment Plant

CO2_performance ladder

HHNK is one of the first water authorities to obtain a_{CO2 performance ladder} certificate. This allows us to gain insight into our_{CO2 emissions} and take targeted measures to reduce them.

In the coming period, we will focus on our own_{CO2 emissions}. We will provide insight into our own energy flows, such as the consumption of gas, electricity, and fuel, as well as the number of kilometers driven by employees for business purposes.

HHNK's_{CO2 performance} is public and can be found on the CO2 performance ladder page.

Vehicle fleet

HHNK wants to make its vehicle fleet completely sustainable.

Currently, all vehicles with diesel engines run on blue diesel. This most sustainable diesel (HVO100) is made from vegetable oils and fats sourced from industry. It produces up to 90% less_{CO2 emissions} compared to regular diesel. It also releases fewer other harmful substances.

In addition, we have 13 electric vehicles, and this number is growing. The cars run on electricity generated by solar panels on our buildings and treatment plants.