Case |ABN AMRO Zevenheuvelenloop

Phase 1: Goal-setting

The Seven Hills Race has long been a leader in sustainability. It has been working for sustainability since the eighties. An example from those days is the discount on train tickets to the event. Last year they asked Climate Neutral Group to see how they could make the event even more sustainable.

Phase 2: Gathering insights

At this stage, a carbon footprint inventory was made for the event. This immediately gave a clear view of the factors that cause CO₂ emissions during the event. Using the overview, we then held a fascinating workshop called ‘Zero Lab,’ to examine the causes and possible measures to reduce these emissions.

Phase 3: The transition

The various emission-cutting measures decided on were subsequently implemented to make the event more sustainable. For example, measures were implemented in relation to the travel of participants and visitors, the calculated carbon footprint was fully offset by investing in a renewable energy project, and the participants were enabled to have their own carbon footprint calculated!

Phase 4: Climate neutrality

By defining the goal of sustainability in ever more inclusive terms, the running event has become even more of a trendsetter, thus increasing its appeal to its target audience. The event can therefore expect more enthusiastic support from both Dutch and international runners in the future.

Results of the entire transition process

Various results were achieved during all stages. By constantly broadening the scope of their sustainability ambitions, they found opportunities to make the event even more sustainable. By gathering insights into the causes of CO₂ emissions, they were then able to devise and implement very concrete reduction measures! By directly offsetting the CO₂ emissions, the event immediately became climate-neutral and a major development elsewhere in the world was made possible at the same time! Awareness was raised significantly by giving the participants the opportunity to calculate their own carbon footprint. All in all, the Seven Hills Race is still entitled to call itself the most sustainable running event in the Netherlands!

A word from ABN AMRO Zevenheuvelenloop

“In a stimulating workshop, Climate Neutral Group helped us with ideas to make our events more sustainable. After offsetting the remaining emissions, we gained the right to call ourselves a climate-neutral organisation!”

Ronald Veerbeek, CEO of de ABN AMRO Zevenheuvelenloop