The Netherlands commits to transforming its construction and demolition sector under the circular construction approach. In the circular construction approach, buildings are designed to accommodate alternative functions, allow for modifications and use only renewable resources when they are in use. The commitment will prioritise the cost-effective utilisation of materials, encourage cooperation and provide incentives to innovate. In order to produce long-term benefits, the Netherlands will invest to support the sustainable practices in the building and real estate sectors.
The commitment falls under focus area 4 of the Batumi Initiative to shift consumer behaviours towards more sustainable consumption patterns.
Implementing partners will include Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom relations. Other parties will provide input for the pilot project, including the private sector, civil society organisations and knowledge institutions.
The commitment is relevant to SDGs 11 and 13.
The Netherlands commits to shifting towards electric propulsion and alternative fuels in transport sectors. In 2014, the government of the Netherlands, together with all relevant stakeholders, from the private sector, civil society organisations and knowledge institutes created a Vision and accompanying Action Plan on a sustainable fuel mix for the future. These documents explain which fuels can best be used to power aircraft, ships, trains and road vehicles. Electric motors will be combined with sustainable biofuels and renewable gas as a transitional option and a long-term solution for heavy transport. Both avenues will be supported by continual efforts to improve efficiency. For the shipping sector, the Netherlands is committed to implementing efficiency measures in combination with a transition to LNG and use of sustainable biofuels for short-sea and inland shipping. In the aviation sector, improvements in efficiency are being made by means of innovative aircraft technology, operations and infrastructure, as well as continued development and application of sustainable biokerosene sourcing, production and distribution.
The Netherlands commits switching to 100 percent emissions-free busses. This commitment will reduce CO2 emission for the whole society including the mobility and the transport sector. The Association of Provincial Authorities and the metropolitan regions have agreed that their tendering procedure for bus concessions will include the requirement that all buses are zero-emissions vehicles. A further requirement is that by no later than 2025, the energy that powers the buses must be generated completely sustainably by solar panels or wind turbines in the region. In recent years, several regions have conducted trials using hydrogen-powered buses. The commitment will result in the generation of a greener bus market that creates room for technologies that are new, innovative, and less expensive.
The commitment falls under focus areas 4 and 5 of the Batumi Initiative to shift consumer behaviours towards more sustainable consumption patterns; and develop clean physical capital for sustainable production patterns.
The Netherlands commits to implement the Value Chain Agreement on Closing the Phosphorus Loop (VCAP). VCAP is a collaboration between Dutch farmers, water boards, fertiliser and food industry, knowledge institutes and the Dutch Ministry of Environment and Economics affairs focusing on creating a European market for recycled phosphorus. The VCAP is a voluntary agreement with a network of 20 parties and is enlarged with other frontrunners in the value chain (34 parties in 2016). The overall aim is to increase investments in businesses that are starting or scaling up activities in the field of secondary phosphorus and the circular economy. Ultimately, the VCAP will accelerate the transition towards sustainable and green growth.
The commitment falls under focus area 2 of the Batumi Initiative to promote the internalisation of negative externalities and the sustainable use of natural capital.
Implementing partners will include Dutch Nutrient Platform, European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP), and Global Partnership on Nutrient Management (GPNM).
This commitment is relevant to SDG 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, and 17.
