Conscious, creative, and collective: Sustainability according to CFP colleague Nanda

As Head of International Operations at CFP Green Buildings, Nanda Verschoor works to make companies worldwide more sustainable. From large banks in Belgium to projects in Australia, she helps businesses become more sustainable using the Green Buildings Tool. But sustainability also plays a key role in her personal life. With conscious choices, such as eating vegetarian and exploring creative travel alternatives, she contributes to a more sustainable world both at home and internationally. In this interview, Nanda Vershoor shares how sustainability takes centre stage in her life and work, and how small steps can have a collective impact.

Nanda Verschoor, Head of International Operations at CFP 

Nanda is the Head of International Operations at CFP Green Buildings. She is responsible for the operational side of projects with international clients. Outside of work, she enjoys sports, with padel as her latest hobby. She also loves experimenting with new recipes and discovering restaurants. Six years ago, she switched to a vegetarian diet, one of the many ways Nanda Verschoor integrates sustainability into her life.

Can you share a specific moment or experience that made you truly aware of the importance of sustainability? How did it change your perspective?

Nanda: “At home, we always had plenty, especially when it came to food. My stepfather, who once worked as a chef, made sure there was always a variety of food on the table, but I also saw a lot of waste. This made me aware of wastefulness from a young age, whether it was food, time, money, or energy.

During my studies, I learned more about sustainability, renewable energy, and the built environment. This changed my view on sustainability permanently. Now I make more conscious decisions, like switching to a vegetarian diet and often even a fully plant-based one.”

If you had to describe sustainability in three words, which would they be and why?

“For me, sustainability is about being conscious, creative, and collective.

  1. Many choices we make in daily life are unconscious or based on convenience. If we all start thinking more consciously about our decisions, they automatically become more sustainable.
  2. Sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. By being creative with resources and possibilities, you often create richer experiences. For example, last year I took the night train to Prague as a conscious decision not to fly, and by making the train ride part of the holiday – with a vegetarian snack board and a Harry Potter marathon – it became an unforgettable experience.
  3. We live in a shared ecosystem, where every choice has an impact on the bigger picture. By keeping the collective in mind, you automatically make more sustainable choices. Thinking of buying a new item of clothing? It’s tempting to opt for fast fashion. But when you consider the full impact – from the environmental burden to the working conditions of those in the supply chain – you’re more likely to choose sustainable alternatives.”

Can you give an example of how you integrate sustainability into your daily life or work at CFP? Are there small changes you’ve made that have had a big impact?

In my free time, I love reading, both fiction and non-fiction. There are many books that have stayed with me, where sustainability is often central. Some of those books are about food, and what stuck with me the most is the impact of our diet on our personal CO2 footprint. By eating more consciously, I’ve started making more sustainable choices for myself.

“I strongly believe in the ‘ripple effect’, where small changes can have a big impact. When I stopped eating meat, I initially faced resistance from those around me. Now those same people are asking for vegetarian cookbooks as gifts. That motivates me – I don’t have to campaign to still inspire others.”

– Nanda Verschoor, Head of International Operations at CFP Green Buildings

If you could send a time traveller to spread a message about sustainability, which era would you send them to, and what would the message be?

If I could send a time traveller, I would send them to the 20th century, when consumption grew enormously, fast fashion took hold, and awareness about (plastic) waste was limited. During a World Cleanup Day, my mother and I found an old package of Calvé Borrelnootjes in the dunes. Since Calvé sold the Borrelnootjes brand name to Duyvis in 1996, I realised this piece of waste had probably been around almost as long as I have. I found that really bizarre!

The message I would send with the time traveller? Our choices today always leave traces in the future. Start with the small things, but don’t hesitate to think big!


Interested in working at CFP?

Nanda shows how conscious choices and creativity contribute to sustainability, both at home and on an international level. Curious how you can make an impact at CFP? Check out our vacancies and discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future!

Contact Netherlands

CFP Green Buildings
J.C. Wilslaan 29
7313 HK Apeldoorn
The Netherlands
+31 (0)55 355 5199
info@cfp.nl

Contact International

CFP Green Buildings
Onderwal 16
1411 LV Naarden
The Netherlands
+31 (0)55 355 5199
info@cfpgreenbuildings.com

Contact APAC Region

CFP Green Buildings
J.C. Wilslaan 29
7313 HK Apeldoorn
The Netherlands
+31 (0)55 355 5199
info@cfpgreenbuildings.com

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