Our Journey to Becoming Carbon Positive
When we first started thinking seriously about our environmental footprint, it was a quiet question. A reflection during a walk. Could we work (and live) in a way that gives more back to the planet than we take? And achieve this in a healthy way that is also resonsible with the economics of our business? But also do it with some urgency?
That small question has since become a guiding principle in both our business and personal lives. Our journey to becoming carbon positive—where our total impact is net-beneficial to the climate—is not yet complete, but we’ve made steady progress, step by step.
20 years ago, we installed our first 14 solar panels on the roof of our office and home. It was our first tangible step. Clean energy flowing directly into our daily operations and lifestyle. 8 years ago, we installed another 9 panels. It made sense. And yes, it made financial sense too. But that wasn’t the only driver.
Next came the green roof
We wanted more than energy generation—we wanted our building itself to breathe better. We installed a new roof 9 years ago. Our green roof regulates temperature, retains rainwater, and adds biodiversity. It’s a living symbol of our values. Not only does it improve insulation, but it also brings a piece of nature back into our everyday view.
Then we went electric
In 2023, we said goodbye to fossil fuel-powered driving. We switched to all-electric vehicles and installed a smart charger. We now drive with the power generated from our own roof. Cleaner, quieter, better.
And now in 2025, another milestone
Since the spring of 2025, we've transitioned fully to electric heating. Our gas connection has been closed. We are no longer dependent on natural gas from Groningen, Russian pipelines, or liquefied natural gas shipped to us across oceans from the USA or Qatar. That decision brings peace of mind—not just for the climate, but for our autonomy and conscience.
But this is more than a checklist of upgrades.
We also fly. We travel. We work. We live
And we’re not perfect. That’s why we’ve committed to compensating the CO2 emissions from our flights through credible offsetting projects. Not because it erases the impact, but because it reflects our intent: to take responsibility, even when perfection isn’t always practical. Unfortuntalely there are often no practical solutions yet for flying. The fast train system in Europe is developing fast. So, we believe compensating our flights is the most optimal way to go with for the moment. Which is very affordable by the way.
This journey has taught us something profound: not everything needs to deliver an immediate economic return. We don't take only an economic lens when we're making these decisions. Some investments are for the longer run—for our children, and the generations that will follow. We take a holistic approach. We ask ourselves: is this the right thing to do? Will this help us build a better future? Can we inspire others by leading through action?
Becoming carbon positive is not only about numbers. It’s about values. About taking ownership. About showing that small steps, repeated with intention, lead to real change.
We believe in progress, not perfection
And if our journey can encourage just one more business to take that first step — then our handprint becomes even larger than our footprint.
We’re not done yet. But we’re moving forward. With purpose. With hope.
Please continue to share your stories and challenges with us? We're on this journey together after all. Because it's not that we have all the answers.
And with the sun still shining above us.
Hope this inspires.
Paul Donkers
PS Stay the course
In a world where political winds shift and climate policies swing from progressive to regressive, it’s easy to lose focus. With politicians and their elections often every few years things change easily. We're not in politics, we're in business. Our leadership means for us staying committed to long-term impact — regardless of who's in office at a particular time in history. The climate doesn’t wait for consensus. Businesses that future-proof themselves now, by reducing their footprint and investing in sustainability, are not only doing the right thing — they’re building resilience and earning trust for the decades ahead.
Paul P.J. Donkers is a global business coach and consultant. He and his partners work with leadership teams to unlock growth and value.
Find out more at www.tencompany.org or www.ikigaicoachinginstitute.com.
For a confidential conversation, reach out via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
