Reducing environmental impact
We take our responsibility and take all possible measures to reduce the impact on the environment. This is shown in the following efforts:
- emissions of acidifying substances
- waste materials from power stations
- European Directive and international environmental standards
- recycling industrial waste
- energy saving at Nuon
- sustainable lease car policy
- mobility budget
- environmentally-friendly driving
- energy distribution and the environment
- clean-up of gas works sites
Emissions of acidifying substances
Most of the electricity and heating in the Netherlands is generated from fossil fuels. During the process of generating electricity, these substances are converted into carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which escape into the air via chimneys.
Various technologies exist for curtailing the emissions of such substances. Flue gases can be cleaned with catalysts and washers, while good incineration technology can also counter the formation of nitrogen oxides. The same effect can be achieved by gasifying rather than burning fuels.
The technologies for capturing carbon dioxide from flue gases are still in development and are unlikely to be ready for large-scale industrial applications before 2015.
Read more about efficient use of energy.
Waste materials from power stations
Nuon's power stations produce waste materials. These are re-used, incinerated or deposited in landfill sites. Installations burning or gasifying coal produce residual materials. These can be used as raw materials for other products.
The sulphur released from coal during the incineration process at the Hemweg power station is captured and transformed via a chemical process into plaster for use as a building material. At the Willem-Alexander power station the sulphur compounds are converted into elementary sulphur, which is then used as a raw material in the chemical industry. Residual waste such as fly ash and bottom ash is used in the cement and road-building industries, for example.
European Directive and international environmental standards
Almost all our energy-generating plants fall within the scope of the IPPC Directive. This European Directive obliges member states to regulate large polluting enterprises by means of an integrated permit. The Directive harmonises the environmental requirements imposed on these enterprises. Nuon examines each installation to establish how it can comply with this Directive. We also ensure we use the best available techniques if any adaptations are required.
We strive to comply with all international environmental standards, based on the standards set in ISO 14001. This system requires us to consider all aspects of the environment.
Recycling industrial waste
Nuon strives to reduce the volume of industrial waste it produces by separating and collecting recyclable materials at source and then transferring them to external processors. This procedure not only reduces waste, but also saves costs as recycling residual materials generates additional cash income.
Energy saving at Nuon
Energy saving is obviously a key theme in our operations. We have implemented various technical measures to optimise the performance of our central heating boilers and air conditioning. We also continually monitor energy consumption in our buildings so that we can respond to changes.
Furthermore, we seek to encourage energy awareness among our employees through, for example, the annual 'Thick Jerseys Day'. Employees are encouraged to wear extra warm clothing on that day so that the heating in the office can be turned down a degree.
Sustainable lease car policy
Nuon's mobility policy is compatible with the environmental protection group Milieudefensie's efforts to achieve a sustainable policy on passenger car leasing. Nuon has signed a letter of intent with Milieudefensie. Our company scheme for passenger cars includes the following guidelines:
- Cars with energy label D or higher, off-road vehicles, Sports Utility Vehicles, 4x4s and convertibles are not available under the scheme
- New diesel-engine cars must be fitted with a soot filter
- The lease car allowance depends partly on the car's fuel costs
- Employees who are given new lease cars must take the 'New Driving' course at the road safety institute. This is designed to promote energy-efficient driving techniques and awareness among our drivers. In addition, all these drivers receive a score card showing their personal scores for fuel, damage and kilometres driven.
Mobility budget
Employees entitled to a lease car can opt for a mobility budget instead of a car. The amount that would normally be available for a lease car can then be used for an alternative form of transport, such as the train, a taxi or a hybrid pool car. The purpose of this policy is to allow people to make a conscious choice for the most suitable form of transport at any given time.
Environmentally-friendly driving
Tyre pressure on all our lease cars is checked quarterly as low pressure results in higher fuel usage. We also offset our car fleet's CO2 emissions by purchasing VER (Verified Emissions Reduction) certificates. And in 2007 we started fitting a large part of our fleet with soot filters with a view to reducing dust particle emissions.
Following on from the national 'Week of Progress' we have been encouraging staff to come to work by bicycle or public transport.
Energy distribution and the environment
Continuon Netbeheer is responsible for managing our electricity and gas grids. The company pursues sustainability by selecting and using materials certified as being renewable and by making the grid suitable for renewable energy. Integrating wind energy and the decentralised generation of electricity in particular demand investments in the grid.
Before burning, natural gas contains 80% methane, which is a strong greenhouse gas. It is important, therefore, to detect and remedy gas leakages quickly. This is done under the responsibility of Continuon Netbeheer.
Clean-up of gas works sites
Nuon owns or co-owns 28 former gas works sites. The soil and groundwater at these sites is often highly polluted. Nuon is committed to cooperating with all the authorities involved to clean these sites and make them suitable for re-use.