Sustainability

A future-proof economy is sustainable, climate-neutral and circular

A sustainable living environment. That is our goal. Our point of departure. In everything we do. This has always been our goal. Our motive is plain and simple. We cannot build successful company in a world in which the oceans are warming, ice caps are melting, animal species are dying out and nature reserves are disappearing. Where people suffer from starvation and have no access to clean drinking water. Humans are the cause of climate change. So, we must also be capable of turning the tide so that we can preserve this beautiful planet and make sure it is healthy for the next generation. The answer lies in a sustainable, climate-neutral circular economy. One with future-proof entrepreneurship. With respect for man and the environment.
 

With healthy soil and biodiversity as the foundation for a sustainable living environment

Climate change has an enormous impact on the basis of our existence. The soil. A living organism. That, due to the use of artificial fertilizers, extreme draught and flooding is under enormous pressure. Even though we are dependent on it. Because healthy soil means more biodiversity, strong crops, healthy food, clean water and clean air.

We optimise soil life with biobased soil conditioners and soil covers. This how we reduce the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides and chemicals. And how we lay the foundation for a sustainable living environment.

In the economy of tomorrow, circularity is the main premise.

Circularity is the staring point of a future-proof economy. In which waste does not exist. Certainly not when it concerns natural materials. Such as grass, wood and leaves. Also known as green waste. For us, these green waste flows are valuable raw materials. Heterogeneous materials that we convert into homogeneous, circular, biobased products. Because everything that nature gives us, we must give back to nature. That is a deep-rooted conviction we share. And that is why we are working on a biobased economy every single day.
 

Sustainability and innovation as a condition for future-oriented entrepreneurship

We are capable of future-proof entrepreneurship. And actually contributing to a better world. Our Research & Development Department is working on new, smart biobased innovations every day. Because we have the proven expertise, knowledge, experience and materials in-house. And because we, as market leaders, preside over the largest biomass volume in the Netherlands.
 

Drastic CO2 reduction is an absolute requirement for a climate-neutral economy

Our intention to reduce our CO2 emission is genuine. This is witnessed by our valuation on the CO2 Performance Ladder. Weare certified at the highest level. This means that our ambitions for CO2 reduction are not restricted to our own organisation. We are also working hard with the sector to reduce CO2 emissions. The CO2 Performance Ladderof the Foundation for Climate-friendly Tendering and Entrepreneurship, is a pioneering sustainability instrument. It helps companies and governments reduce CO2 emissions.
 

Corporate Social Responsibility starts with humans

Planet, people, profit. These are the three anchors of our entrepreneurial vision. If create value, we do so on an ecological, social and economic level. Increased revenues are not our only concern. For us, more nature, better public health are also vital. And because the soil is the foundation for the health of our planet, humans are the key to a healthy environment. We highly value our business relations. Our clients, employees and our suppliers. We invest in sustainable relations. As a family company, we have no other option. This is what we always done. For us, sustainability is the norm.
 

The value of inclusive and social entrepreneurship

We believe that everyone is good at something. That two know more than one and that diverse teams perform better. That is why we invest 3% every year in SROI (Social Return on Investment). And we offer people with an employment disability a place at our organisation. This has enabled us to reach the 2nd step on the MoreSocialEntrepreneurship Performance Ladder. This puts us among the 25% best-performing companies in the country in this regard.
 

Our employees are the capital of our family firm

What is the capital of any company? Its people. That is why, at the Den Ouden Group, we take care of each other. We invest in the 300 men and women we employ every day. All of these are contracted employees. Many of them have been on contract for years. Because durability and innovation is an ongoing process and our specialists never stop learning. The level of absenteeism at our company is much lower than the rest of the sector. This is because we always have suitable replacement work available.