On a cool October morning, a subtle change in the wind began to work its way across the Mediterranean Sea. The cooler currents, meeting the sea’s still-warm surface, created a turbulent clash of temperatures above the Spanish coastline. The result is DANA: A storm that brought heavy rain and hail. This particular storm led to devastating loss, billions in damage and a socio-economic disaster. Although notable, it was by no means an isolated incident.
Across the globe, events such as Hurricane Helene, wildfires in the Amazon, intense monsoon rains in India, and unusually high temperatures during the Summer Olympics have underscored a growing consensus: the frequency and severity of climate-related disturbances are increasing.
These examples point to a larger truth. Sustainability is no longer just an idea that businesses can consider at their convenience. It is a core element of responsible management and planning. The way we use resources now affects not only present conditions but also the quality of life future generations will inherit. With this in mind, many companies are working to integrate sustainability throughout their operations and supply chains. They are asking: Is sustainability in business an imperative or an ambition?
In practical terms, this means rethinking how products are manufactured, used, and repaired. As Bob van Ierland, MD Netherlands at CED, notes: “At CED, sustainability is at the core of what we do. We’re committed to integrate sustainability in our operations and the decisions we take. More than 50% of property claims now qualify for sustainable (partial) repair. And if you can repair something that is broken, you don’t need to replace it and avoid waste.”
Take CED Repair (Netherlands) or Eurexo REN (France) for example: they manage networks with skilled craftsmen dedicated to repair what’s broken. This approach not only extends the lifecycle of products but also aligns economic efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Here are some steps they’ve taken:
- Sustainable kitchen renovations: We recently renovated 120 kitchens sustainably, reducing waste and saving costs for our client.
- Collaborating for change: Through the “Manifest Duurzaam Schadeherstel,” we’re working with others in the industry to advance sustainable practices.
- Building greener partnerships: We’re expanding our network to include more partners committed to eco-friendly approaches.
These actions demonstrate that integrating sustainability is both realistic and effective. It moves beyond ambition into everyday practice, aligning environmental responsibility with economic interests.
