Strategic Sustainability Plan

Context

ERA Contour develops and renovates homes, and for almost 60 years, the company has been committed to ‘strong neighborhoods and happy communities’. Sustainability is not a new topic for them: ERA Contour has already taken plenty of concrete measures for more circularity, biodiversity and energy reduction. But how can they ensure structural and demonstrable sustainability in their business operations? To answer this question, Copper8 prepared a strategic sustainability plan, with targets that fit perfectly within ERA Contour’s DNA: with head and heart.

The question

Support us with the development of a sustainability strategy, which includes a number of KPIs, that will help ERA Contour make its business activities structurally more sustainable. In addition, help us set up an reduction plan.

Current situation and future

The aim is to develop a sustainable strategy and set out KPIs that clearly show the impact ERA Contour has on society, and what choices they have to make in relation to this.

These KPIs can be used as part of the B-Corp process, but above all, they should act as guidance for making ERA Contour structurally more sustainable. Ideally, the KPIs should connect with existing data, and they should provide a good foundation for the European Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD).

The process

To come up with a plan that truly fits with the organization, it’s important to know the organization. For that reason, we began by analyzing existing data on ERA Contour’s current environmental impact. We also had discussions with a number of employees about their work, motivations and connection with ERA Contour, giving us an insight into the relevant trends and developments happening on the workfloor. By raising awareness and linking the theme to current events, we brought sustainability to life.

Through Future Design sessions, which involve thinking about the future, we make concrete what important developments are possible for the future of ERA Contour. By exploring the wishes and needs of future generations together, we connect with the opportunities and challenges ERA Contour might face in the long term.

Following a baseline measurement of environmental impact, ERA Contour now knows where it currently stands. With support for sustainability themes in the organization, we have worked together to determine what trade prospects there are for ERA Contour to minimize its environmental impact. These have been calculated in different reduction paths for the organization.

The results

ERA Contour is now ready to start working towards a future-focused, sustainable and inclusive evonomy, with a strategic plan:

• Based on data in line with CSRD requirements
• With a toolkit full of measures that contribute to the KPIs
• A roadmap with measurable indicators they can use to continuously improve the company’s sustainability performance, and prepare to become the the first construction-related B-Corp in the Netherlands