Targets per theme

Within the Climate Action theme, we work on identifying and reducing our carbon footprint throughout the entire value chain.

To achieve this, we:

• Build a product portfolio of low-carbon steel;
• Switch over to renewable energy sources;
• Ensure the reuse of materials within our business operations; for example, scrap metal, slings and pallets;
• Reduce waste, and water and paper consumption;
• Reduce our CO₂ emissions.

Within the People theme we work on a sustainable and motivating workplace for our employees.

To achieve this, we:

• Ensure a safe working environment;
• Create excellent workspaces where people can develop themselves, learn new skills, are given opportunities and where they can continue to grow;
• Offer people equal opportunities, regardless of gender, race or background; we aim to be an inclusive employer for everyone.

The People theme is closely linked to our HR policy and our People Strategy. We are very much aware that we can only maintain our strong position in the market when we offer our employees opportunities to be the best they can be. In 2023, we therefore once again made considerable investments in the development of our employees, at all levels, and we will continue to do so over the coming years.

Within the Growth theme we work on a financially healthy and sustainable business.

To achieve this, we:

• Support society by contributing to charitable organizations;
• Ensure every employee has a position with suitable content;
• Ensure an ethical way of working.

Within the Partners & Suppliers theme we work on creating optimal cooperation with our partners in the area of sustainability.

To achieve this, we:

• Engage our partners in dialogue in order to reduce our Scope 3 emissions;
• Work toward close cooperation within the supply chain and, together with suppliers, investigate possibilities of making use of pipes with a reduced carbon footprint;
• Together with our customers, investigate where we can use these pipes with a reduced carbon footprint;
• Ensure responsible procurement and supply chain management.

The path to ‘net zero’ – Scope 1 and 2
Achieving CO₂ neutrality for our Scope 1 and Scope 2 activities has the highest priority. The calculations show that our improvement actions are producing tangible results. In 2023, per metric ton of processed material, our CO₂ emissions decreased by 36% in comparison to 2020. Furthermore, over 55% of our energy now comes from renewable sources (green energy contracts and solar panels). This represents a considerable reduction in the emissions of our own activities. We achieved the most important reductions through electrification, the use of biofuels, solar panels and renewable energy contracts. By constantly making improvements, we expect that within a few years we will achieve net-zero emissions. By the end of 2025 we will have achieved a reduction of 74%.

Cooperation within the chain – Scope 3
Sustainably producing the steel pipes we trade in forms part of the Scope 3 emissions. Together with our partners in the value chain, we focus on the production of innovative, carbon-free or low-carbon pipe and tube products. In 2023, thanks to our excellent cooperation with ArcelorMittal Tubular Products and Benteler Steel/Tube, we stocked steel pipes produced with a 75% reduction in CO₂ emissions. In the near future, Van Leeuwen will introduce a separate specification for pipes with a reduced carbon footprint into its product range under its own brand name. In a few years’ time, Van Leeuwen will be stock-keeping pipes of various dimensions and qualities that are produced with less CO₂ emissions.