A Vandebron forest is growing in Groningen: "Our customers are planting with us"
24 August 2023
Energy supplier Vandebron is fully committed to making our country more sustainable. So compensating customers’ gas consumption through projects abroad no longer fitted so well with their mission. Last year, the green energy supplier changed strategy: now the company supports sustainable initiatives at home through Trees for All. Brand manager Isabelle Cannoo explains what, how and why.
Close at home
Ideally, Vandebron would like all of the Netherlands to be off gas. Until that happens, the energy supplier still compensates customers’ gas consumption. “For a long time we did that through compensation projects abroad,” explains brand manager Isabelle Cannoo.
At the same time, all of Vandebron’s energy is generated on Dutch soil – directly from the source. Customers also live in the Netherlands. Isabelle: “That’s why it felt more logical to make an impact closer to home. How beautiful would it be if we could strengthen nature ín the Netherlands? And involve our customers in that? That would also make our contribution tangible.”
After calculating everything, Isabelle and her colleagues arrived at a new strategy: starting in January 2022, Vandebron is committed to local nature projects in the Netherlands.
Vandebron-forest
Together with Trees for All, Vandebron has selected several projects. For example, a real Vandebron forest has already been planted in Kolham, Groningen. Why here? Isabelle: “The pressure on Groningen is great because most of the gas extraction takes place here. We wanted to give something back to the province.”
In the village of Kolham, thirteen hectares of forest were cut down some time ago. To restore this forest, at least 13 new species of trees and shrubs were planted. This is because a varied forest is more resistant to diseases and fungi than a forest with only one or two tree species. An additional advantage: a diverse forest attracts more different plants and animals.
“Our customers are engaged, but also critical.”
– Isabelle Cannoo, brandmanager
The same goes for landscape elements on Groningen farmyards, such as hedges and shrubs. “These in turn can be nice homes for rabbits, mice and birds. We think more biodiversity is important, which is why we are also making a financial contribution to this landscape elements project.” The third project supported by Vandebron is the Roestelberg food forest, in Kaatsheuvel, Brabant.
Zelf groen doen
In addition, the energy provider provides an amount for Trees for All’s GroenDoen Fonds, a fund intended for planting trees and shrubs in the neighborhood. Want to green your kids’ schoolyard? Or transform a bare square into a mini forest? Then you can apply to this fund for up to €5,000.
Half of the amount made available by Vandebron is intended for applicants from all over the Netherlands. The other half is for its own customers. “We want to give people the opportunity to do something accessible themselves. So that they don’t have to wait for their municipality for sustainability. It’s special to see that it often brings local residents together as well.”
Popular tree planting days
Since partnering with Trees for All, Vandebron has already planted some 100,000 trees. In February 2023, the tree planting day in Groningen took place. “When we announced it, within two hours we had 150 applications from customers to help. People planned a weekend around the planting, and booked hotels nearby.” Customers who were late then need not grieve: more tree planting days will be organized in the future.
Vandebron is known for its involved supporters. “Involved yes, but also critical,” Isabelle laughs. “Our customers are well informed, we don’t get away with anything.” Vandebron therefore sent all customers an email in advance explaining the change in the carbon offset program. Did they disagree? Then they could indicate that.
“As a company, you are obliged to inform your customers if their contract changes,” Isabelle explains. “97% of the customers happily agreed. We received very positive reactions to our decision. ‘How good that you guys are doing this.’ And, ‘We are proud of Vandebron.’ Customers also receive regular updates on project selection and progress to encourage engagement.
Intrinsic motivation
Within the team, Trees for All was immediately mentioned as a collaboration partner, according to Isabelle. But before her team joined forces with Trees for All, they had some questions. “Extensive time was taken for that, even though we hadn’t committed to anything yet,” Isabelle says enthusiastically. “I thought that was meaningful.”
“Subsequently, Trees for All delivers what they promise. It’s nice working with organizations that share the same values. Like us, Trees for All has a clear mission and intrinsic motivation.”
Although she would love to see the collaboration in its current form no longer be necessary. “That sounds crazy, but we really see this as an interim phase. After all, we prefer to reduce gas consumption completely. And if we consume less gas, we can also donate less money. But then we just support Trees for All’s projects in a different way!”