Dutch multinational AkzoNobel has signed an agreement with the Dutch government that recognizes the company’s latest contribution to meeting national sustainability targets.

This agreement has stemmed from AkzoNobel’s recent investments at its Rotterdam-based chemicals complex and is the third agreement signed by the company under the ‘Energieakkord’ pact. The pact involves the government and 40 public and private groups, and aims to ‘reduce energy consumption, increase the share of renewable energy and create jobs.’

Henk Kamp, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, said, “To achieve a low-CO2 economy by 2050, initiatives leading to energy savings are of great importance. It’s good to see how AkzoNobel is working on innovative solutions to use energy more efficiently. An initiative such as the zero-gap technology not only contributes to saving targets, but also improves the competitiveness of the companies by reducing energy costs, thus ensuring a stronger industry in the Netherlands.”

The news of the agreement comes as the company has invested in ‘zero gap’ technology at its Rotterdam site, which increases the efficiency of the company’s chlorine plant.

Knut Schwalenberg, CEO of AkzoNobel Netherlands, said, “New initiatives and partnerships are needed to make the next big step in the sustainability of the industry and economy in the Netherlands. We must seize these opportunities and constantly seek new forms of cooperation.”

There are another two agreements in place at Hengelo and Delfzil, which recognize the use of waste heat, with the company said to have ambitious plans to go above the Energy Agreement, with Schwalenberg stating, “Currently, 40% of our global energy is renewable and we aim to increase this to 45% by 2020.”