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Attention to Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) is increasing. That is hardly surprising. Pressure on water quality is growing, regulations are becoming stricter, and regulators increasingly expect companies to demonstrate how they prevent and reduce emissions of hazardous substances.

For a long time, water was taken for granted as a reliable and affordable resource. That reality is changing rapidly. Across Europe, the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is driving a fundamental shift in how we manage water quality, emissions and water use. With the 2027 deadline approaching, companies can no longer afford to treat water compliance as a purely legal issue. It is becoming a strategic business challenge.

In society and in legislation, there is increasing attention on preventing and, where necessary, remedying emissions and leakages. In the Netherlands, this may appear to be a phenomenon of recent years, for example as a result of the heightened focus on emissions from industrial installations. However, it is in fact a development that has been unfolding since the 1980s. Even in our own surroundings, this is evident in the first major projects where subsurface quality no longer met the required standards, such as the Lekkerkerk operation (1980, known as the toxic waste scandal, with damages amounting to €84 million at the time), as well as the remediation operations from 2000 onwards concerning historic gasworks (notorious sites of soil contamination for which a specific remediation program was developed, IPO BO‑08).

On January 1, 2024, the Environmental Planning Act (Omgevingswet) will enter into force in the Netherlands. Under this new legislation, the concept of an “establishment” (inrichting) will disappear and be replaced by the concept of an “environmentally damaging activity.” This means that environmental rules and permit requirements (or the absence thereof) will henceforth apply to an environmentally damaging activity. Under the Environmental Planning Act, it will no longer matter whether activities are carried out commercially or temporarily, or whether they take place at a fixed location.

In today’s competitive landscape, companies that heavily rely on assets (particularly in sectors like oil & gas, utilities, and chemicals) face significant operational risks. To stay competitive, it’s crucial to manage these risks effectively. This article discusses the importance of asset risk awareness, how companies can mitigate risks, and the role of asset performance management (APM) philosophy in achieving long-term operational success.

At Bilfinger, we strive to integrate innovative and sustainable solutions into our operations. One of the tools that supports us in this effort is the En‑ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator. This tool has enriched our perspective on climate change and offers a hopeful pathway toward a more sustainable future.