Sustainability
At VDL Steelweld, we are committed to building a sustainable future. We are determined to seamlessly integrate sustainability and circularity into all our activities. It is our vision to improve, strengthen and make our company healthier for future generations and have a positive impact on the world around us. By working with organisations such as UNICEF, we strive to fulfil our social and environmental responsibilities. Together, we work towards a world in which the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) become reality, in which prosperity is fairly distributed and the planet flourishes.
We actively contribute to the sustainability performance of our customers, such as 'green' production, waste reduction and sustainable use of raw materials. Our technologies empower our customers to produce their products locally.
The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs are integrated, they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.
At VDL Steelweld, we are determined to seamlessly integrate sustainability into all our activities. In this way, we contribute to a responsible future, not only for our company but also for generations to come.
Energy consumption and Greenhouse emission reduction
We have a responsibility to protect the environment, preserve resources and factor out waste across our value chain. This includes design and sourcing, production and use. We strive to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve our energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. It is our goal to minimise the use of resources, such as water and other resources and source them responsibly.
To generate green power for our offices and factory, we installed 3800 solar panels. They cover an area of 4200m² and produce annually over 1.000.000 kWh!
On top of those energy reduction programs and improvements to building isolation, VDL Steelweld achieved a CO2 reduction of 40% between 2013 and 2022.
To cut our own greenhouse gas emissions further, we follow a roadmap leading to Net Zero by 2040 with an intermediate objective towards 2030. To go further, we work with our suppliers and partners to achieve the same.
Circularity
We support our customers in meeting their circularity commitments by providing them with solutions and the optimal use of proven concepts and technologies. Some examples include retrofitting solutions and services that extend the life-time of our products. Next to that, VDL Steelweld strives to reduce the use of new materials by applying materials with a recycle content as well as end-of-life disposal support for our solutions and services.
To achieve a circular economy, we follow a roadmap leading to a full circular economy by 2050 with an intermediate objective towards 2030.
Governance
VDL Steelweld conducts business with integrity and in compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations, as well as the quality requirements set by our stakeholders. A commitment to integrity is critical to how we conduct business and maintain our reputation in the communities in which we do business. We conduct business fairly and on a basis of trust, ethical responsibility and transparency.
Throughout the lifecycle, VDL Steelweld protects and safeguards personal data, business data and intellectual property from unauthorised access, unethical Artificial Intelligence interpretation and data corruption.
Multiple governance structures are established to assure sustainable business performance
Social sustainability
At VDL Steelweld, we promote social progress and are committed to recognising human rights and labour principles throughout our global organisation and supply chain. These include adherence to labour standards, pay equality and diversity in the workforce.
We are socially involved in the regions and communities in which we work. We support many local cultural, sporting and social events and associations. We work with government agencies to promote social initiatives in these regions. We believe it is important that young people also choose to work in technology. Promoting technology at educational institutions, during open days or recruitment days is one of the possibilities, but school pupils and students can also come to us for internships or graduation places.
