“The innovative pro- ducts and its experience with sustainability make CFP an excellent partner ”

Jos Maessen, directeur DFM
Gemeente Amsterdam

Sustainability

People, Planet and Profit

An increasing number of organisations strive to optimise three areas: People, Planet and Profit. For People and Profit, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are selected which serve as a guide for management. With regard to Planet, there are established performance variables, but due to the distinction between units and measurement, there is often no consistent measure for the sustainability of service providers.

CO2 measurement

CFP developed the CO2 annual report and, together with Stichting Stimular (a foundation which promotes sustainable business), set up the National CO2 Benchmark. With these products, CFP makes it possible to objectively measure and compare the sustainability of buildings. In the CO2 annual report, all environmental impacts are expressed in terms of CO2. This facilitates measurement of trends, comparison within the peer group, and conversion of aspirations into measurable goals which can be planned and managed. The sustainability quick scan for buildings identifies opportunities to reduce CO2 emissions, costs and environmental impact. Concrete savings opportunities are indicated which can be implemented in practice.

National CO2 Benchmark

The National CO2 Benchmark is a platform for members to input their own consumption data. A CO2 footprint (baseline) is generated automatically from this data, and a benchmark report is created. The benchmark report provides insight into discrepancies within various categories, and makes it clear in which buildings these deviations occur. This enables priorities to be set and realistic sustainability goals to be formulated. The CO2 annual report and the National CO2 Benchmark are based on the Greenhouse Gas protocol. CFP is EPA-U certified and holds a Gold Standard licence, enabling investments to be made in CO2 reduction projects so that an organisation can become CO2-neutral. CFP also has BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) experts at its disposal. For further information on the National CO2 Benchmark, please see www.co2benchmark.nl

CSR Policy

The CO2 Benchmark identifies an important aspect of the Planet side of Corporate Social Responsibility. Other aspects of CSR include an organisation's impact on its employees, students, customers and other stakeholders. Organisations increasingly face questions from employees and customers about their standpoint on social issues. Purchasing of materials and services for primary and supporting processes is important in this regard. Ultimately, the role of an organisation is viewed in the broader social context. Increasingly, customers want to know about an organisation's policy on various aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility.

CSR policy is a prerequisite to answer questions from all stakeholders and for the planned implementation of improvements. This means that policies need to be outlined and the vision of the board and management needs to be recorded. Policies can include a 3 or 5 year plan with action points. Establishment of CSR policy is one of 5 key factors for successful introduction of CSR in organisations:

  • Commitment of the board: support within the board to make the choice for 3P
  • Converting this support into strategic and tactical objectives
  • Identifying areas where goals can be achieved within the constraints of the 3Ps
  • Creative and innovative measures to achieve sustainability goals
  • Feedback on the achievement of targets

CFP provides services in the field of sustainable office design. Examples include cradle 2 cradle furniture, environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient equipment. From consulting and design to project management and implementation.

For further information on sustainable design, please refer to a previously published article. Click here for the article.

Click here for photos of a sample project.