Iv Environmental Policy and Environmental Objectives
Sustainable Design Principles: from ambition to impact
When it comes to environmental responsibility and sustainability, Iv aims to make a real difference through its projects. With 75 years of knowledge and experience, we have the expertise to deliver meaningful impact. That’s why we strive to actively identify and develop environmental opportunities in at least 50% of our projects. Our ambition goes beyond CO₂ reduction – we focus on broader environmental gains and longterm sustainable value in every phase of the project.
To achieve the best results, it is preferable for the client to be involved in the project-specific considerations regarding these sustainable design principles prior to the assignment. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (available only in Dutch) provides a structured overview of both risks and opportunities related to environmental and sustainability factors. This approach makes optimal use of the design freedom available at the start of a project, reduces implementation costs, and incorporates sustainable design principles such as:
• Circularity
• Emission reduction
• Waste minimisation
• Nature-inclusive design principles
• Balanced water management and reuse
• Removal of toxic substances
• Multifunctional space utilisation
• And the development of complex solutions for energy transition … the greatest chance of success!
Upon completing projects in Dynamics, it is recorded whether a (more) sustainable solution was successfully implemented in the project. Additionally, through the Survey, we evaluate how sustainable influence has been exercised. This makes our objective measurable. Each year, the results are reviewed and presented in Iv’s Environmental Annual Report.
Read the Environmental Management Action Plan (available only in Dutch) for the measures adopted to achieve the project objectives. Or ask the sustainability coordinator of your division for additional information on how to fulfil this objective.
Our reduction objectives - Scope 1 & Scope 2
Our Environmental Management Action Plan (EMAP 2021-2025) (available only in Dutch) sets out the goal of reducing the CO₂ footprint by 10% per FTE in 2025, compared to 2019. To give some emphasis: this corresponds to a CO₂ reduction of 0.44 tonnes/FTE per year.
This 10% reduction per FTE is divided between Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. What does this mean?
• Scope 1 emissions are the CO₂ emissions from the installations or vehicles owned or controlled by Iv. This includes CO₂ emissions produced from heating buildings and also emissions from the vehicle fleet.
• Scope 2 emissions are emissions resulting from energy generation by installations that are not owned or controlled by Iv. This includes, for example, CO₂ emissions resulting from electricity usage or district heating.
To achieve a 10% reduction per FTE, the following measures have been continued and new measures introduced for the period 2021-2025:
Mobility:
• Reduce the average CO₂ emissions of the vehicle fleet by (1) encouraging the choice for economical cars when replacing lease cars. And (2) replacing pool cars with electric vehicles where possible.
• Stimulate online meetings with external parties.
• Reduce air travel over short distances.
Buildings:
• The purchase of green electricity will be continued.
• Double glazing for the Papendrecht building will be replaced in phases.
Our reduction objectives - Scope 3
In addition to the intended CO₂ reduction within Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, Iv also wishes to contribute to the CO₂ reduction of Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions are indirect CO₂ emissions resulting from the activities of Iv and arise from sources that are neither owned nor controlled by the company. For example, commuting by private car.
Read about the measures adopted to achieve the above Scope 3 objectives in the Environmental Management Action Plan (available only in Dutch).
Trends
Trends - Environmental objective in our projects
The Annual Environmental Report 2024 (available only in Dutch) provides an overview of progress towards the environmental project objective for Iv. The evaluation was based on the ‘invoiced amount’, ensuring that the scale of each project proportionally influenced the final sustainability score. In 2024, 248 projects demonstrably adopted more sustainable solutions. These projects represented 43% of our total project revenue. This indicates that while the group-wide target of 50% has not yet been achieved, results vary significantly across divisions. Several divisions have already exceeded this target, achieving scores of 64% to even 81%.
In 2025, we will further focus on raising awareness of our impact within projects. We aim to achieve this by collaborating with new partners within the projects and by offering practical training in circular design.
Trends - Scope 1 & Scope 2
As is customary, the CO2 footprint of all activities within Iv is published every six months, and is used to assess whether we are on track to achieve the objectives outlined in the Environmental Management Action Plan (EMAP 2021-2025). As part of this action plan, Iv included the objective to reduce its CO2 emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 10% per FTE in 2025, compared to 2019. The latest CO2 footprint results can be found under ‘Documents’.
Iv's Annual Environmental Report 2024 (available only in Dutch) has been published, showing that together we are making significant progress towards a more sustainable Iv. The total CO2 emissions per FTE have fallen by 34% compared to 2019 - the lowest level since we began measuring in 2013. A remarkable milestone! Our reduction target for 2025 is 10% less CO2 emissions (scope 1 and 2) per FTE compared to the reference year 2019. We have already exceeded this target by a wide margin!
Detailed results and analysis are included in our Annual Environmental Report 2024, which shows that we are on the right track, but that constant attention to sustainability remains essential. Emissions in Scope 1, such as business car travel, have been significantly reduced: a 43% drop compared to 2019. This means we have exceeded our target for reduction. For Scope 2 (e.g. air travel), the target remains out of reach, mainly due to the increase in projects in Asia.
Trends - Scope 3
We are also making important steps towards a more sustainable organisation when it comes to Scope 3 emissions - the indirect emissions that arise in the value chain and from activities beyond our direct control. At the same time, the results show that there is still work to be done. For instance commuting: despite our ambition to reduce emissions by 10% by 2025 compared to 2019, we have seen an increase in kilometres travelled per employee since 2021. Action is being taken, such as actively monitoring travel data and encouraging employees to relocate closer to their workplace. Better data collection (as required by new government policy) will help us steer more effectively.
In short: we are making progress, especially in awareness and knowledge sharing. At the same time, measurable results, particularly in mobility and supply chain reductions, remain a key focus. Together, we can continue to make a difference. Every step counts!
Chain initiatives for CO2 reduction - Sustainable Groundworks
Within the sector that Iv and its divisions are represented, more and more initiatives are underway to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. To lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions within the industry and the environment, Iv has committed to the following initiatives: the Green Deal for Sustainable Groundworks (Green Deal Duurzaam GWW). Each year, Iv reviews new initiatives within the sector that might be conducive to meeting the reduction targets. Read more about this in the Sustainable Groundworks explanation (available only in Dutch).
Chain initiatives for CO2 reduction - Steel Construction Agreement
Iv has a long-standing specialisation in steel structures. Designing (complex) steel and movable structures is in our DNA. It’s where we began back in 1949, and we’ve been building deep expertise ever since. Our specialist knowledge of steel and mechanical engineering makes Iv unique. Our strength lies in designing complex steel and mechanical structures for all sectors and areas of application.
Sustainability is a key focus in the current coalition agreement. For the construction sector, this translates into circular, climate-resilient and nature-inclusive building. To help shape this transition, Iv is actively involved in the Steel Construction Agreement (Bouwakkoord Staal). This agreement connects organisations in the chain and ensures that the shared ambitions are achieved collectively. The common interest far outweighs the individual interests of separate organisations. Read more in the Steel Construction Agreement explanation (available only in Dutch).
Environmental Management System Manual (EMS) and Environmental Policy Statement
The Environmental Management System (EMS) Manual has been updated and is now available. This document serves as the core guide for Iv's environmental management system, aimed at improving environmental awareness and ensuring compliance with our procedures. Inside, you will find a comprehensive description of our organisational structure, working methods, and the annual evaluation cycle that helps us continuously improve our system. For more information about Iv's sustainability initiatives, please visit the Intranet or contact our Sustainability Manager.
Chapter 2 of the EMS Manual refers to the 'Environmental Policy Statement'. This outlines Iv’s commitment to sustainability, focusing on reducing our ecological impact, complying with environmental legislation, and promoting environmental awareness. Our policy emphasises continuous improvement and CO2 reduction.