Last month, the Greenhouse Sustainability team expanded with a new LCA specialist: Cas Steenbergen. We would like to introduce him to you with a brief interview.
Tell us, what is your background?
As a graduate in Environmental Economics from Wageningen University, I strongly believe in the importance of sustainability and taking responsibility for our planet. During both my bachelor's and master's studies, I found myself more drawn to environmental sciences than to economics. One thing I was certain about after my education: I wanted to make a positive impact on the world using numbers. In my previous job, I successfully conducted advisory projects for sustainability, which influenced my enthusiasm to continue these efforts in different sectors through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs).
Sounds great! Why did you want to join Greenhouse Sustainability?
What makes me such a perfect fit for Greenhouse Sustainability is our shared vision to make the world more sustainable. I strongly believe that numbers and scientific evidence are the keys to effective changes. By using a robust and standardized methodology, we can steer towards results and create an impact through changes. This not only helps our clients become more sustainable but also inspires the entire sector to work towards a greener future.
We aim to assist companies in making conscious and sustainable choices to reduce their ecological footprint and make the world a little greener. And often, this is beneficial for their wallet too 😉!
What exactly are you working on at Greenhouse Sustainability?
As part of Greenhouse Sustainability, I conduct footprint calculations at both product and company level. This process involves gathering relevant data and applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to gain insights into various impact categories. LCA enables us to have a comprehensive understanding of not only CO2 emissions but also other critical environmental aspects such as water consumption, toxicity, and soil and water acidification. By using LCA, we can accurately assess the environmental burdens of products and companies, leading to customized advice and sustainable strategies to implement.
Are there specific things you would like to focus on?
CO2 is the most common and well-known impact category within LCA. This is because it receives significant attention from the government and is directly related to climate change, making it easier for people to grasp. However, the other impact categories are equally important for a balanced ecosystem.
For that reason, I'd like to contribute to how we can support businesses on multiple fronts, not only regarding CO2 but also other environmental burdens.
