Dutch municipalities are committed to sustainability
Which Dutch municipality is leading the way in sustainability? This is the idea behind the inaugural award for the Most Sustainable Municipality of the Netherlands. Sixty municipalities have already registered to be eligible for the award, an initiative of GDF SUEZ, FD Networks and the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG).
Through the award for the Most Sustainable Municipality of the Netherlands 2011, GDF SUEZ, FD Networks and the Association of Dutch Municipalities wish to join forces and encourage municipalities to make a tangible and effective contribution to the environment. They are therefore providing a platform for innovative and sustainability-related projects. As initiator Frans van den Boorn, Sales & Marketing Director of Cofely Nederland explains, ‘We share the conviction that local authorities must act if the Dutch government wishes to achieve its sustainability objectives. More than anyone else, they are in a position to translate government policy into concrete actions and encourage citizens and companies to take measures aimed at increasing sustainability. By joining forces, we have succeeded in making dozens of municipalities enthusiastic about the award. We give municipalities the opportunity to showcase their sustainability projects and thereby act as examples for municipalities in which sustainability-related initiatives are still in their infancy.’
That sustainability is a very important issue in the Netherlands is evidenced by the fact that Dutch municipalities are leading the way, also in international terms. No less than one in ten municipalities are developing and implementing a sustainability strategy. The initiators hope that this award will inspire even more municipalities to do so.
Towards a more sustainable and better Netherlands
Kees Jan de Vet, executive board member of the Association of Dutch Municipalities emphasises that ‘This award is not only about the winners. The main thing is that we are providing a platform for municipalities that are actively seeking to increase sustainability; a platform through which they can share their sustainability-related initiatives with others. They can therefore make a tangible contribution to a more sustainable and therefore better Netherlands. In this sense, participating means winning.’
Municipalities that have not yet registered can still do so. Registration is possible until and including October 1st, 2011. After this date, all 418 municipalities will receive an overview of the best sustainability related municipal initiatives to serve as a source of inspiration.
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About GDF SUEZ
GDF SUEZ develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today’s major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, combating climate change and optimizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services. GDF SUEZ employs 215,000 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €84.5 billion in 2010. . In the Netherlands, GDF SUEZ is represented by Cofely, Electrabel, GDF SUEZ E&P, Ondeo Industrial Solutions and Waste Processor SITA.
About FD Networks
FD Networks, part of the FD Mediagroep which includes Het Financieele Dagblad, BNR Nieuwsradio and the associated websites, develops a range of programmes in partnership with big companies and brands. Its goal is to bring together as many as possible ideas, opinions and people with different insights and backgrounds.
About the VNG
The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) represents all the municipalities and is thus an important discussion partner for other local authorities and social organisations. The VNG also provides a platform for opinion forming and innovation. Together with all the municipalities, the VNG stands for strength and quality of the local administration. The VNG supports municipalities in their further development to prime authority, the authority which is closest to private individuals and companies.
Note for the editors, not for publication
For more information:
www.duurzaamstegemeenteprijs.nl
GFD SUEZ: Ingrid Clauwaert - tel. +31 (0)30-6569459 / (0)6-48871614 or e-mail:
ingrid.clauwaert@cofely-gdfsuez.nl.
FD Networks: Willemijn Herfkens - tel. 020-592 8629 / 06-19000604 or e-mail: herfkens@fdmediagroep.nl.
VNG: Liane ter Maat - tel. 31 (0)70-3738216 / (0)6-11374018 or e-mail liane.termaat@vng.nl.
