Environment/sustainability

Security removed Extinction Rebellion protesters from ING's annual meeting after they challenged the bank's investment records. While activists questioned the bank's role in the fossil fuel industry and occupied territories, executives maintained that their policy focuses on helping clients transition to greener energy.

Waterschap Limburg says it can now remove more than 80 percent of pharmaceutical residues from wastewater, far more than with standard treatment. The new method has already improved water quality in the Eyserbeek, and the water board hopes it will support wider efforts to protect drinking water and aquatic life.

The amount of organic farmland in the Netherlands rose by 3.1% last year, bringing the total area to 86,900 hectares. While organic farming now accounts for 4.8% of all Dutch agricultural land and has grown consistently since 2015, the sector still faces a significant challenge in meeting the government’s ambitious target of 15% by 2030. On average, these organic farms are also expanding in size, reaching 45.3 hectares per holding as the industry continues to scale up.

Dutch industrial output fell by 0.7% in February compared to the previous year, with nearly three-quarters of all sectors seeing a contraction. While the machinery repair industry suffered a sharp 15% decline, other areas like machinery manufacturing saw growth, leaving overall production levels for 2024 relatively flat. Despite this monthly dip in output, business sentiment has shown signs of recovery, as producer confidence became less negative moving into March.

New research shows that the vast majority of Dutch festivals are failing to meet mandatory targets for reusable cups and packaging. Despite strict environmental regulations, the industry continues to use hundreds of millions of disposable items each year. Authorities are now increasing oversight to bridge the gap between policy and practice on the festival floor.

Following a harsh winter that saw Dutch gas stocks plummet to a ten-year low of 4.5%, grid operator Gasunie has confirmed that replenishment efforts cautiously began this week. Despite concerns that high market prices driven by Middle Eastern conflict might deter energy firms, the first storage refills took place on Thursday. Gasunie is now monitoring progress closely to ensure stocks reach the mandatory 87% target by November, noting that the government can appoint an official filling agent to intervene if the pace of the recovery proves too slow.

The Consumentenbond has warned that 'organic' potting soil often contains peat, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions and habitat destruction. Gardeners are encouraged to look for specific peat-free labels or follow advice from Natuurmonumenten to ensure their hobby remains truly sustainable. This shift comes as major retailers like Intratuin begin to phase out peat-based products in favour of greener alternatives.

Daily swings in electricity prices are making battery storage more appealing, according to Energieopwek.nl. Renewable power output rose sharply in the first quarter, but fossil fuels still drive up prices during peak demand. Storing cheap power for later use could help offset these costs.