The Dutch economy is increasingly aligned with the requirements of sustainable development. In 2023, 17,5% of companies met the sustainability criterion, which is 1% more than in 2022. However, the requirements for business sustainability for some enterprises turn out to be impossible to meet. Experts believe that the reason for this is insufficient government assistance.
Sustainable development means, first of all, the ability to provide a level of comfort and consumption at a level not lower than modern, without “borrowing” from future generations, that is, minimal use of irreplaceable resources and environmental pollution. Sustainable development is a broad concept: it includes various aspects, in particular ensuring gender equality. But it is precisely the issues of the use of fossil raw materials and environmental pollution that most strongly influence entrepreneurs.
The Netherlands has made significant progress in its use of sustainable energy. Investments in wind turbines and solar panels are already beginning to pay off; energy generation based on the combustion of fossil raw materials is gradually declining. However, in other sectors of the economy, everything is not so rosy.
Some of the rules developed by the state to ensure sustainable development put entrepreneurs at a deliberate disadvantage. For example, Rotterdam-based plastic recycling plant Umincorp went bankrupt because new fossil-based plastics were significantly cheaper. To prevent bankruptcy, taxes on new plastics had to be either raised or lowered for recycled materials. This example is far from the only one. For example, vans manufactured in 2019 are prohibited from entering the Amsterdam environmental zone from 2024. But the exact same car, with the same emissions, but made in 2020 can drive around Amsterdam! Naturally, the owner of an older car finds himself at a disadvantage in competition.
There are many different examples of the impact of poorly written rules. Experts see a way out in changing them. Entrepreneurs want to make their companies sustainable, but this should not lead them to ruin. In particular, the old type of industry that uses fossil raw materials still has strong support, while there is not enough support for enterprises striving for sustainable development.
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Publication Date: 26.04.2024
