The State should encourageorganized cooperation between companies and eventually make it a legal requirement. This is also in the interest of the companies themselves. This states the Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (Rli) in its advice 'Working together: choosing future-proof business parks', which was received this week by outgoing Minister Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate.
Companies in business parks face major sustainability challenges. In part, these are joint in nature. For example, when it comes to energy: companies can supply their own generated electricity to each other and collectively store surpluses for later use. This is advantageous for the companies themselves, but also for society: network congestion is prevented and the energy transition is accelerated. The council advises the national government to set goals for the joint tasks. This can be done by outlining a future vision for business parks, with measurable interim goals and deadlines for achieving them.
Collaboration
Achieving these collective goals requires organized cooperation among businesses in business parks. Unfortunately, only 20% of regular business parks have some form of organization. Therefore, the state should encourage organization, for example, with fiscal resources but also by subsidizing collective projects and organizational costs. Eventually, according to the council, cooperation on business parks should be required by law.
Importance for businesses
Companies on business parks have an interest in a clear picture of the future and in cooperation to achieve the corresponding sustainability goals, according to the council. This gives direction to their actions and leads to efficiency and cost savings. Sustainability of business parks is also attractive to banks and insurers, which promotes favorable conditions for companies.
