Arjan’s sustainability journey
What preceded unFootprint
It is the 1990s when the founder of unFootprint, Arjan, is in elementary school wondering what he can do to combat climate change. As an avid reader of the science magazine KIJK and supporter of Greenpeace, the seriousness of the situation quickly dawned on me. Although that resulted in very little beyond making drawings with slogans such as “Stop CO2“.
In high school, attention to climate subsides. And when the choice of study has to be made, the choice falls on software development. The intersection between an interest in technology and the ability to create software that makes social impact is the deciding factor. The question of how to make lasting impact remains unanswered.
Sustainability and IT
What followed were nine years at IT consulting firm Info Support, with technically challenging and cool projects for clients such as the RDW, the Tax Office and the NS. At NS, Arjan is working on TimTim, an innovative app that gives drivers insight into the most economical driving style. An understanding is emerging that technology can make society more sustainable by providing insight and transparency.
Simultaneously, it is noticeable that insight and transparency is often lacking when it comes to tree planting. Whereas we can see in real time where a train or a package is located, that insight is hardly there when it comes to contributing to climate change mitigation. Also,CO2 offsetting with trees is often based on the total amount ofCO2 that a tree absorbs in its entire life, whereas that tree takes decades to do so. Finally, it is striking that there are numerous tree planting projects and even certifications that do more harm than good. How is a company that wants to do good to make its way through all these obstacles?
After more than 20 years, there is the answer of how Arjan can contribute to combating climate change. Thus begins our sustainability journey.
Hallo vernieuwde TimTim (afbeelding 1)! Hiermee kunnen we als machinist kilometers vooruit kijken op het baanvak, zien wat er voor en achter je rijdt, of die treinen op tijd rijden, of je zelf op de seconde nauwkeurig rijdt en veel meer! 😍😎#NS #machinist #treinleven pic.twitter.com/7qDLdb1XrI
— 𝕄𝕒𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕤𝕥 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕗𝕒𝕟 (@MachinistStefan) July 9, 2019
The founding
The start of unFootprint
With a new purpose in life, Arjan decides to quit his job and start a business. At the Chamber of Commerce, the company name “innovecly” is registered. A name soon replaced by unFootprint. Meanwhile, he delves into numerous tree-planting organizations, sets criteria that good projects meet, and researches certifications and industry abuses.
The choice for tree planting organization falls on Trees for the Future. The unique Forest Garden approach meets the more than 25 criteria established and the honest answers stand out. No exaggerated CO2 claims, but a conservative estimate and a focus broader than just tree planting. The holistic approach and their 30+ years of existence reinforce the belief.
