Andres on sustainability: From the peaks of the Himalayas to real impact in the built environment
Originally from Colombia, Andres is part of the international sales team at CFP Green Buildings. During a solo journey, he was deeply moved by the urgency of sustainability. In this interview, Andres shares how that experience changed his path in life, what the Netherlands and Colombia can learn from each other, and why his career plays a key role in accelerating the energy transition.
What inspired you to work in the sustainability sector?
“I first realised I wanted to take action on sustainability while I was in Nepal, solo travelling for two and a half years. During a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and kilometers of snow, something just clicked. I was impressed about how vast and rich our natural world is, but also how incredibly fragile. That experience made me reflect on how the choices we make in our daily lives directly impact the world around us.
Once I understood that even small personal decisions can have real consequences, aligning my career with sustainability felt like the natural next step. Now, I try to apply that mindset both in my personal life and in my work. At CFP, I get to work with technology that drives sustainability in real estate, helping to improve energy efficiency in people’s homes.”
What differences do you see between sustainability in Colombia and the Netherlands?
“From an environmental perspective, Colombia is incredibly rich in natural resources, and in some ways, that has delayed the urgency to implement strict policies for protecting its ecosystems. Meanwhile, The Netherlands, with fewer natural resources, has focused on conservation and even the creation of nature for a long time. The Dutch approach shows how strong policies and infrastructure can actively drive sustainable behaviour.
As a Colombian living in the Netherlands, I see how sustainability plays out differently in the daily life. In the Netherlands, things like biking, energy-efficient housing, and well-organised recycling are just the norm. In Colombia, sustainability often happens more organically. There, many communities have long practised sustainability without even calling it that, reusing, repurposing, and making things environmentally friendly.
There is a lot both countries could learn from each other. Colombia could benefit from better policies and long-term planning, while the Netherlands could take inspiration from Colombia’s creative and organic approach to sustainability in everyday life.”
How do you see the role of sales in accelerating the energy transition?
“At CFP, we work with all kinds of organisations at different stages of their sustainability journey. Some already have ambitious goals, while others are just figuring out where to start. One of the most rewarding parts of the job is sharing best practices from our international clients and helping new ones take their first steps toward energy efficiency. My job is to have those conversations, guide them through the process, and make sustainability feel achievable. That is what makes this role so meaningful.”
Do you have a favourite sustainable habit that you would recommend to others?
“Absolutely! One of the biggest things we can do for the planet is to be mindful of the number of animal-based meals we eat. Studies show that reducing animal-based meals to just 1–2 per week can have a massive impact on global carbon emissions and help create a more sustainable food industry. Of course, sustainability goes well beyond that, but simply adjusting our consumption is a great place to start.
As a vegetarian, I love getting creative in the kitchen, making meals that are not just nutritious but also low-impact and delicious. My recommendation is not about giving up meat entirely but rather integrating more plant-based options into our diets in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. I have noticed that when I cook for friends, they are often surprised by how flavourful and filling a vegetarian meal can be. It is a small change, but if more people embraced it, the impact would be huge!”
If you had a full year without obligations to dedicate to a sustainability project, what would you do?
“Good question! There are so many options, but if I had to pick one, a sustainability project related to sustainable transportation would be fun. I love the idea of blending tradition with innovation. For instance, a project that retrofits vintage cars and gives them a second life by converting them into electric vehicles. I admire the companies that are doing so, because it tackles automotive waste while promoting EV adoption and preserving restored cars with a modern, zero-emission twist.”
Want to work at CFP Green Buildings too?
Andres shows how personal experiences, cultural perspectives and technology can come together in the pursuit of a more sustainable world. Want to make your own impact? Check out our vacancies and discover how you can help accelerate the energy transition!
