Reinier Derks has been a Consultant at CFP Green Buildings for four months and has a clear mission: contributing to a world where climate change is under control, and sustainability becomes the norm. In this article, Reinier shares his vision on sustainability, the technology that inspires him, and his ultimate sustainable dream project.
“My goal is for my future children to live in a world where we have climate change under control. A world where emissions have significantly decreased, and sustainable behaviour is second nature. That’s a massive challenge, but every small step helps. Personally, I contribute by flying no more than once every two years, avoiding unnecessary purchases, and, of course, working for a company focused on sustainability.”
“Solid-state batteries. This technology replaces the liquid electrolyte in traditional batteries with a solid material, resulting in better performance and safety. Solid-state batteries have higher energy density, charge faster, last longer, and are less prone to catching fire. They can be used in electric vehicles as well as for energy storage in buildings and grids. Although further research and cost-efficient scaling are needed, I believe these batteries have the potential to revolutionise energy storage.”
“My father works in the solar panel industry, so I developed an interest in solar energy at an early age. I saw PVT panels as an upgrade to standard solar panels and wanted to learn more about them. During my research, I discovered both the advantages and the challenges of PVT panels. It taught me the importance of not just understanding technology theoretically but also applying it practically.”
“Companies play a crucial role in the transition to a sustainable world. Making buildings more energy efficient, as we do at CFP, is an essential step. But their impact goes beyond that: companies can lead by example and raise awareness about sustainability among their stakeholders, employees, and customers. This can involve implementing CSRD reporting and CO2 monitoring, but also smaller changes like offering vegetarian lunches or lowering office heating. Practical and inspiring advice like this can then be shared with their customers, amplifying the impact even further.”
“I’d stop people from buying unnecessary items. Humanity always wants more, but every product we purchase contributes to emissions. We need to move away from the mindset of owning everything ourselves and focus more on sharing and reusing.”
“I’d love to work on a sustainability plan for an iconic building in the centre of Utrecht. I’m always inspired by projects like Wonderwoods in Utrecht, a building that integrates lots of greenery and is built sustainably. It would be amazing to see such a project come to life, contribute to it actively, and then walk or cycle past it regularly in my own city. It shows how sustainability can be practical but also a source of pride and inspiration for everyone in the city.”
Reinier demonstrates how a fresh perspective and passion for sustainability can make a real difference. Want to create impact too? Check out our vacancies and discover how you can contribute to a more sustainable future!