Design and Consultancy Organisation Arcadis to Join KLM’s Corporate BioFuel Programme (CBP)

(KLM) Arcadis is KLM's latest biofuel partner -- Design and consultancy organisation Arcadis to join KLM’s Corporate BioFuel Programme (CBP). The group’s entry will allow KLM to further invest in sustainable biofuel. Arcadis will purchase sustainable biofuel for all its business flights. Earlier this year, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) joined the CBP.

Arcadis’ entry into KLM’s Corporate Biofuel Programme fits in with the organisation’s aim to make its business operations more sustainable. The organisation has already invested in the relocation of its offices so they are closer to major train stations. Its offices are becoming increasingly sustainable. For example, discarded fishing nets have been incorporated into the carpeting, and the coffee chain is circular. Arcadis is also stimulating its staff through its sustainable mobility policy.

“Sustainable biofuel contributes significantly to making air travel more sustainable. Unfortunately, sustainable biofuels are still two to three times more expensive than fossil jet fuel. KLM is trying to stimulate the market, but we cannot do it alone. We need the support of businesses and other airlines. For this reason, we are extremely pleased with Arcadis’ investment. Together with them and the other partners in the Corporate Biofuel Programme, we are taking a step forward in making civil aviation more sustainable.” CFO KLM, Erik Swelheim

“Sustainability is one of Arcadis’ core values. We all see the effects of climate change – rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms. We want to see the payoff in everything we do – improving quality of life – not only now, but for future generations as well. That includes well-balanced air travel.” CEO Arcadis NV, Peter Oosterveer

“Sustainability is high on our agenda. Very often, we advise our clients about sustainable solutions. In that case, we have to provide a good example as well. We now have climate-neutral operations in the Netherlands. As an international company, we cannot avoid flying, but we do want to do it as sustainably as possible. That is why we are so enthusiastic about KLM's Corporate BioFuel Programme and why we will continue to invest in sustainable biofuels.” General Director Arcadis the Netherlands, Gert Kroon

“We’re very excited that Arcadis has joined the KLM Corportae BioFuel Programme. The support of corporate partners is key to bridge the price gap between sustainable aviation fuel and fossil kerosene. In doing so they reduce their own business travel footprint and at the same time help KLM and SkyNRG to further develop the market for sustainable aviation fuels.” Theye Veen, CFO SkyNRG

Reducing CO2 emissions
KLM is aiming to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 20% in 2020 (compared to 2010). To do this, KLM is not only investing in sustainable biofuel but also in fleet renewal and more efficient flight operations. Using sustainable biofuel can result in an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, the price continues to be two or three times higher than that of fossil jet fuel. For this reason, there is a worldwide need for technological development and further research into sustainable raw materials. Right now, the production, and the market, for sustainable biofuel is extremely limited.

KLM has been working to develop the market for biofuel since 2009 and is stimulating more airlines to follow its example. Other partners in the CBP include Air Traffic Control the Netherlands, Delft University of Technology, ABN AMRO, Accenture, FrieslandCampina, the City of Amsterdam, Loyens & Loeff, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, PGGM, and the Schiphol Group.

No negative impact on biodiversity
KLM only purchases biofuels made from raw materials that have no negative environmental impact on biodiversity or food production. Sustainable biofuels are purchased through SkyNRG and are tested by the SkyNRG Sustainability Board, which includes the World Wide Fund for Nature, the European Climate Foundation, and Solidaridad Network as members. SkyNRG is certified by the Roundtable of Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).

About Arcadis
Arcadis is the leading global design and consultancy firm for natural and built assets. Applying our deep market sector insights and collective design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services we work in partnership with our clients to deliver exceptional and sustainable outcomes. We are 27,000 people active in over 70 countries that generate EUR 3.3 billion in revenues. We support UN-Habitat with knowledge and expertise to improve living conditions in fast-growing cities around the world. Visit us at www.arcadis.com. Arcadis. Improving quality of life.

About KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded on October 7 in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 32,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of customer centricity, innovation and efficiency. KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. www.klm.nl

About SkyNRG
SkyNRG is the global market leader for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), having supplied over 25 airlines on all continents. SkyNRG sources, blends and distributes SAF, guarantees sustainability throughout the supply chain and helps to co-fund the premium. At the same time, SkyNRG focuses on developing regional supply chains that offer a real sustainable and affordable alternative to fossil fuels. SkyNRG has its operations RSB certified and is structurally advised by an independent Sustainability Board in which WWF International, European Climate Foundation, Solidaridad Network and the University of Groningen hold a seat. www.skynrg.com READ MORE