In a rapidly changing world, companies worldwide are encouraged to take responsibility and operate more sustainably. The good news is that many companies are taking this call seriously. Recently released figures from CBS (Central Bureau of Statistics) show that a growing number of companies are committing to sustainability. In this blog post, you will read more about explaining these figures and learn more about the trends shaping the future of sustainable business in the Netherlands.
82 percent of companies are taking steps towards sustainability
The Central Bureau for the Statistic (CBS) has recently released data showing that a remarkable 82 percent of Dutch companies in 2023 have taken steps to make their operations more sustainable. This figure represents a positive trend, as last year, 79 percent of companies were engaged in sustainability. These data were collected through the business cycle survey conducted in September 2023 among companies in various sectors, including industry, automotive and retail, and services.
Diverse approaches to sustainability
The data also reveal that companies are adopting different approaches to promote sustainability. Nearly 23 percent of companies have mainly focused on sustainability in the energy sector, while 15 percent concentrated on the circular economy, and 8 percent aimed to reduce emissions. Remarkably, nearly 36 percent of companies have implemented a combination of measures related to energy, emissions, or the circular economy. Unfortunately, almost 18 percent of companies have yet to take steps towards sustainability this year.
Large companies lead the way in sustainability
Another notable fact is that large enterprises (companies with 250 or more employees) more often evaluate their operations as largely sustainable. Nearly 35 percent of companies in this category consider their operations to be mostly or entirely sustainable. In comparison, nearly half of the medium-sized and small businesses indicate that their operations are partially sustainable, and 15 percent say their operations are only slightly sustainable.
It is important to note that these figures do not imply that all economic activities are equally sustainable. Companies tend to assess their performance based on industry standards, peer companies, or the sustainability potential within their specific industry rather than comparing themselves to other (more sustainable) industries.
Challenges and opportunities for sustainability
While it's encouraging to see businesses in the Netherlands increasing their efforts in sustainability, there are still challenges to overcome. A quarter of entrepreneurs mention third-party dependence as the main obstacle to making their businesses more sustainable. Over 14 percent identify a lack of financial resources as a significant hindrance, and a slightly smaller group of 11 percent sees too few benefits in sustainability. On the other hand, almost 32 percent of companies report no barriers to their sustainability efforts.
The path to a more sustainable future
These figures demonstrate that sustainability is becoming increasingly central to business operations in the Netherlands. Companies are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact and make a positive contribution to society. While there are still challenges to address, it's heartening to see the trend toward sustainability in the business world continues to grow. This is a positive sign for the future and offers hope for a more sustainable and responsible economy.
Is your company looking to further advance sustainability and do you have positions to fill? Post your jobs on Greenjobs.nl today and find dedicated professionals who share your sustainability goals. Let Greenjobs.nl help with recruiting talent. Together, we can make a difference in the world of tomorrow.
Source: CBS
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