It is evident to DHV that we also practice in our own operations what we preach. It is important to take effective measures against the consequences of climate change. Therefore, our operations are climate-neutral and our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint with at least 25% by 2015. Two important measures to achieve this goal are progressive mobility and accommodation policies. We challenge our suppliers to support us in these objectives.
Sustainability of our operations is a continuous process that is an explicit part of our ambition. Our operations are climate-neutral and substantially reduce the impact of our processes and emissions.
Climate
As far as our carbon emissions are concerned, we want to achieve at least 25% less emissions per FTE by 2015 in comparison with 2008. In the instances where we cannot yet prevent the emissions, we compensate our carbon emissions with certified investments in sustainable energy projects. This is achieved in collaboration with approved partners, so that we are ensured of the effective impact of this investment.
Ultimately, climate compensation is not a final solution, but as long as we remain dependent on fossil fuels, we will continue to assume our responsibility in this fashion.
Mobility
Traveling by car and plane constitutes the largest portion of our carbon footprint. Consequently, we have implemented a new mobility policy in 2009, which intends to:
- fully indemnify and encourage the use of public transportation;
- reward the selection of a fuel-efficient lease vehicle;
- increase the use of carpooling, videoconferencing, and bicycles;
- exclusively limit purchases of vehicles to A-rated (Dutch energy-efficiency label) rental vehicles;
- prevent travel where possible.
We have already seen quite a number of positive results since the introduction of this policy. For instance, our portfolio of lease vehicles has become considerably more fuel-efficient.
ISO14001
It is not just our operations that have an impact on the climate. Use of materials, water, and waste are also important environmental aspects. DHV has already been using its own environmental management system since 1995. In order to adequately manage our environmental performance in accordance with modern standards, we will implement an ISO14001-certified environmental management system in 2010.
Purchase terms
We challenge our suppliers to support us in achieving our sustainability objectives. We have already formulated clear sustainability requirements for most of our product and service groups. We will further expand these requirements, using the Sustainable Procurement criteria of the Dutch government as our basic principle. Are you a supplier of DHV or would you like to be? In that case, let us know what you can mean to us in the field of sustainability.
ProRail CO2-performance ladder
As one of the first large clients in our industry, ProRail has introduced its own system to reward climate-conscious suppliers: the CO2-performance ladder. DHV has structured its operations in accordance with the ProRail CO2-performance ladder and supports various companies in their pursuit of a certificate.