At De Regenboog Groep, sustainability is growing step by step into something we do together. The Green Group, born on the shop floor, plays an important role in this.
What started with small, practical ideas - such as foil behind radiators - has now grown into an active think tank that is helping to make sustainability more and more part of everyday work. The Green Group consists of employees who want to make De Regenboog Groep a more sustainable organization. A good example is the vegetarian cookbook that colleagues, volunteers and participants created together. A nice next step has also been taken: at Buurtboerderij Centraal, Kluts and Villa Buitenlust, food to order is always vegetarian.
Small choices, big difference
"Sustainability doesn't have to be complicated," says Jasmijn Özalp of The Green Group. "It often starts with small choices. If you make them together, they can make a big difference in the end."
In 2025, Green Group members visited locations to discuss sustainable choices in the workplace with colleagues. Soon, all locations will receive a practical handout with tips and an overview of opportunities to become more sustainable. De Groene Groep also mapped out current purchasing streams and suppliers and is investigating more sustainable alternatives. Eventually, the goal is to work with a more centralized and sustainable purchasing policy.
CO₂ zero measurement in walk-in centres
The Green Group is also looking at how visitors to walk-in centres think about sustainability. Based on this, the group develops campaigns to further raise awareness. A first CO₂ zero measurement has already been done for the Makom and Amoc Zuid walk-in centres. Jasmijn: "This creates a basis for measuring improvements. In the coming period we will also investigate other premises." The employee satisfaction survey shows that there is a need for more information about the sustainability plans. The Green Group wants to respond to that. "Many people want to work more sustainably, but don't always know where to start," says Jasmijn. "By sharing more often what we are doing, we hope to bring everyone along in that movement. Much is already happening, but there is also much to be gained. We therefore remain committed to an ever-greener De Regenboog."
Text: Nicolline van der Spek | Photography: Mila van Egmond