Real estate developer Blauwhoed aims to develop future housing projects with a lower environmental impact; contributing to a healthier and happier Netherlands. Copper8 supported Blauwhoed’s core team in gaining insight into current CO₂ emissions and jointly translating these insights into concrete actions and guiding principles for future developments.
Context
The well‑being of residents is a key pillar of Blauwhoed’s strategy. At the same time, climate change is one of the greatest threats to human well‑being in the future. Blauwhoed recognizes that the importance of a resilient living environment will only continue to grow and therefore aims to establish a clear direction for developing housing projects with a reduced climate impact.
The question
Blauwhoed approached us with the following question: “What is the current CO₂ footprint of our housing developments, and how do we build a future‑proof strategy with lower environmental impact for Blauwhoed?”
The requirements
Developing a future‑proof strategy first requires clarity on what “more sustainable” means for Blauwhoed. This called for a baseline assessment: insight into the CO₂ impact of current developments and the activities responsible for the largest share of emissions.
In parallel with this baseline assessment, it was crucial to actively involve colleagues in the ambition, share newly acquired knowledge, and underline the importance of sustainable development. With these tools, teams can build the capacity to independently take steps toward a more sustainable future.
The process
We started by analysing existing data on the environmental impact of Blauwhoed’s ongoing projects, using this as a basis to jointly define what sustainability means in Blauwhoed’s context. From there, we explored – based on four future scenarios – different strategies and measures that shape how Blauwhoed can approach CO₂ reduction in the years ahead. Together with the core team, we then formulated concrete levers for CO₂ reduction in developments; both short‑ and long‑term. These were shared with colleagues who are actively involved in implementing them in practice.
The result
By the summer of 2024, Blauwhoed’s reduction plan was completed. It clearly outlines a future‑proof course, defined through seven guiding principles for sustainable and resilient development, including a roadmap for implementation. With the energy generated throughout this process, we have full confidence that Blauwhoed is well positioned to play its role in the transition toward a sustainable and resilient living environment, guided by this future‑proof strategy.
Copper8 is a knowledgeable and pleasant partner, with professionals who supported us extremely well throughout this intensive project. Even during the CO₂ roundtable and the CO₂ knowledge event we organized, they made a valuable and inspiring contribution; encouraging new ways of thinking and acting across the entire value chain.
Are you ready to do good? For now and for the future.
Together we build a future that matters. We make choices that work today and remain valuable tomorrow. We create structures that can withstand change. Because real progress begins with vision and courage
