Sustainability is a key value for me, both personally and as a business. Being an avid scuba diver, I see the impact that global warming has on our environment. As a sole proprietor, it’s my personal responsibility to limit the environmental impact of my work and ensure sustainability in what I do and how I do it.
Power Generation and Consumption
The energy for my home office (in fact for my entire home) is generated by two solar power systems (installed in 2016 and 2024). Together they produce sufficient renewable and clean energy; surplus energy is delivered back to the grid.
All business equipment is carefully chosen to minimize power consumption and is unplugged from the power supply when not in use. The life of business equipment is prolonged where possible through repair, refurbishment, and reusing.
Low-power LED lighting is used in my office and throughout my house to minimize energy consumption. The lighting is turned off when I’m not in the room.
My house has been re-isolated in 2022 and 2023 to minimize heat loss and increase the comfort of living. An environmentally friendly (R-32 refrigerant) heat pump was installed in 2023 which runs on energy produced by my solar panels. My home and office are completely gas-free.
My website is hosted environment-friendly at MijnDomein.
Energy usage is monitored frequently, to reduce standby consumption and energy leakage, and optimize usage of the energy produced by my solar panels.
Traveling
Most of my work can be done anywhere, hence there’s a reduced need for traveling. Having a home office means no daily commuting is needed.
Workshops, training, coaching, advice, and other business activities are done partly online.
When I need to travel, I prefer using public transportation. I use my bicycle and trains where possible (note that all Dutch trains run on renewable wind energy).
To offset my carbon footprint, flights are compensated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and reforestation. I travel with as little luggage as possible, mostly hand luggage only. I travel with companies that foster sustainability, preferably KLM or Skyteam partners.
Waste
I’m committed to producing minimal waste by using renewable products like cups and cutlery both in my home office and while traveling.
Eco-friendly products are used where possible and supplies and stocks are kept to a minimum to reduce waste.
Waste is separated and recycled as much as possible.
My coaching tools are available as digital products which can be downloaded worldwide. Shipping is limited to paperback books where I work with sustainable logistic companies like PostNL and DPD.
Tickets are not printed, I use electronic ticketing on my phone.