AAP and sustainability
Liveable environment
Sustainability is not only reflected in our way of working, but is something to which we attach great value within AAP. Because if we are committed to a future in which exotic mammals no longer have to suffer, we must also ensure that our world remains a liveable environment. Both for people and for animals. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is therefore an important theme within AAP.
Purchasing policy
AAP does not want to contribute directly or indirectly to the violation of ecological or social sustainability. That is why we make sustainable choices when purchasing products or services. We choose our products and services based on the People, Planet and Profit criteria:
Sustainable considerations
Based on these criteria, we have drawn up a number of considerations that we take into account when purchasing products and services, namely:- Choose local suppliers and producers;
- Avoid air transport if possible;
- Choose recycled, recyclable and organic materials;
- Take into account animal welfare guarantees throughout the chain;
- Take working conditions throughout the chain into account;
- Ask for transparency about the origin of the product; and
- Choose quality and ensure a long lifespan.
Sustainable materials
We use the most sustainable materials for the construction of our buildings. AAP, for example, was the first organisation in the Netherlands to use Resysta, a rice-based material that can be used as a substitute for wood. Unfortunately, this product is no longer available. Now we use recycled plastic, among other materials. We always choose the most sustainable option, even when something needs to be replaced or renovated.
Heat pumps and heat recovery systems
In 2025, for example, we will start with the construction of the new building for mammals. We will install a heat pump and a heat recovery system in this building. This system ensures that as little heat as possible is lost during ventilation and is therefore much more energy efficient. Ultimately, we want to get rid of gas altogether. That is why we are replacing the boilers in our headquarters, chimpanzee complex and primate building with electric heat pumps. We also want to install energy-efficient heat recovery units here.Electricity
Our buildings are supplied with electricity from environmentally friendly wind energy. In 2025, we will place PV panels (a special type of solar panel) on the roof of the head office in Almere. The roofs of the outdoor enclosures of the mammal complex are covered with sedum: succulents that filter particulate matter from the air and convert CO2 into oxygen. The plants also contribute to the insulation of the building.
We have also installed charging stations for electric vehicles on the AAP terrain. We hope this makes it more attractive for AAP employees and visitors to come to AAP by electric transport.
Recycling
At AAP we believe in the power of recycling. We give old and used materials a second chance and we use old fire hoses to enrich our animals’ environment. We also regularly receive donations of old blankets that we use for our animals. AAP’s work clothes are not thrown away either; if a zip is broken, for example, we repair it. Only when the damage is irreparable, the clothing is replaced.
Bridges
We also use materials that have already been recycled. For example, the bridges on our premises have been replaced by composite bridges made of recycled plastic. These last many times longer (at least 50 years) than the previous wooden bridges. In addition, we print on CO2-neutral white paper made from agricultural waste. This sustainable printing paper has a very low environmental impact and is produced with 100% green energy. AAP chooses sustainable, and preferably organic and/or recycled products for work clothes and Christmas gifts.
Vegetarian canteen
The AAP canteen is entirely vegetarian. Not only because AAP is an animal welfare organisation, but also because eating meat has a major impact on the environment. Not only lunch, but also all dishes and snacks at events such as drinks and Christmas parties are vegetarian. AAP also encourages its employees to choose vegetarian dishes when eating out with the team, on business trips or when travelling.
We also use reusable crockery, cups and glasses in our canteen.
Central Kitchen
We receive a lot of fruit and vegetables donated for our animals from Bakker Barendrecht, the supplier of supermarket chain Albert Heijn. These are products that would otherwise be thrown away. We pick up these products twice a week. Sometimes we drive to Waddinxveen afterwards, where there is also a fruit and vegetable supplier that regularly provides AAP with large quantities of produce. In addition, we also make weekly purchases from our regular supplier in Zeewolde, but thanks to the donated products, we don’t have to do this as often. If we receive too many of the same products, we put them on the trolley in the canteen so that our volunteers and staff can take some home. Or we make soup with the produce for lunch. This is how we minimise waste.
These are just some of the ways in which AAP contributes to a better future for people and animals!