14 March 2024
At AAE, we not only strive for technological innovation but above all, for a positive impact on the world around us. That's why we've established a team of 'Sustainability Knights', with Quinten van den Hoogen playing a pivotal role. Quinten is deeply passionate about sustainability and aims to translate this passion into tangible actions. With a background in ‘Leadership for Sustainability’, Quinten brings this expertise, including knowledge of the circular economy, to AAE. Together with the team, he works towards realizing our ambition to be 'Best for the World'. In this blog, you'll learn how Quinten contributes to a more sustainable future, both within and outside AAE.
Quinten's global travels have made him realize that he wants to leave a positive legacy hrough his work. Quinten states, "The need to truly contribute something worthwhile through my work is ever increasing. We spend so much time at work, so let's dedicate ourselves to something that has a positive impact on the future." With this belief, Quinten joined AAE, where the role of Sustainability Knight aligned with his vision.
Sustainability Knight
"Our role is of great value to AAE's ambitions," Quinten proudly remarks. "We aim to be a catalyst, providing every department with the best possible support," he adds. "It's not enough to merely talk about sustainability or present it as a marketing tool on a website; it must be an integral part of all our internal efforts." He emphasizes the importance of engaging every employee within AAE. "In departments where sustainability hasn't been fully integrated, we initiate discussions. We collect the necessary data according to EU guidelines and work on a dashboard to make this information accessible to every employee. This allows us to quickly identify improvement opportunities, such as our energy consumption. Our goal is not only to provide insight but also to take concrete actions. We aim to align this ambition with the organization's strategy and vision. This way it becomes our second nature. Although sustainability wasn't traditionally our core, we've already taken significant steps to implement sustainable practices for the future."
Ambitious Dreams
Quinten has huge plans for sustainability: "My dream scenario? Entirely circular machine designs" He explains, "According to both European Union and Dutch guidelines, we must reduce our resources by 50%, and by 2050, everything has to be be fully circular. How incredible would it be ifone of our machines would be produced in a circular manner? Together with our engineering teams, we can explore how to design a machine that is fully modular."
Quinten acknowledges that although EU and Dutch goals are clear, the process is still challenging. “Currently, we live in a society where 'single-use' has become the norm. We buy something, use it until it no longer functions, and then throw it away. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our machines, which are incredibly complex and high-tech, are fully recyclable? In that way they contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Community
Quinten also talks about the sustainability community that has emerged within the company. Within this dedicated team across AAE we aim to achieve our 'Best for the World' ambition. "The establishment of the sustainability community is truly unique," he says. "The community only just started. In this community, colleagues with the same passions for a better world, come together. Regardless of their background or place within AAE. Whether you want to contribute to equality, diversity, reducing energy consumption, or supporting people struggling to find work; everyone has a voice and can contribute to our vision of being 'Best for the World.' We find that many colleagues have a fire burning and want to make a difference. We use this energy to accelerate together on this topic."
Culture within AAE
The culture of AAE is very important to Quinten and his team. “We deal with everyone at AAE. Good collaboration is crucial in achieving our goals. I notice that many colleagues are open to our team and willing to have a chat or discuss sustainability, schedule presentations, plan follow-up sessions, and make progress. The open culture we have within AAE, where we aim to achieve successes together and help each other, certainly helps in implementing sustainability."
Would you like to read more about working at AAE? Read the blogs about different jobs of Quinten’s colleagues here.
