Checklist: adapting your business to climate change
Would you like to protect your business against climate change (climate adaptation) and the effects of extreme weather? For example, heat, drought, or flooding from heavy rain. Read what you can do to make your business premises and surroundings climate-proof and healthy.
The weather is becoming more extreme due to climate change. This can cause damage or disruption to your business. As the weather changes, there is a risk of:
- water damage, such as a basement with equipment being flooded by heavy rainfall
- drought, which can lead to soil subsidence or crop failure
- heat, which can make your employees less productive
- flooding, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure
Difference between climate mitigation and climate adaptation
Climate mitigation is tackling the causes of climate change. For example, by taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate adaptation means adapting to the consequences of climate change.
The National Climate Adaptation Strategy lists the consequences of climate change that 11 sectors are or will be facing. Examples include the recreation and tourism sectors, agriculture, but also the built environment. Check if there is a description for your sector.
Consider the costs and benefits of climate adaptation (in Dutch) in advance. What will it cost you if you do nothing and have to deal with climate damage? In addition to protecting against damage, measures could also benefit your business in other ways. For example, a green workplace has a positive effect on the health of employees. And greenery on your premises can not only provide cooling, but also contribute to a greener image.
Are you planning to renovate your business premises, or is major maintenance required? You can use this opportunity to make the building and the surrounding grounds more climate-proof. If you do this as part of the planned work, you can often implement climate measures at a lower cost (in Dutch). You will also avoid additional inconvenience.
The measures and investments in adaptation do not have to be large. Even small measures can make your business more climate-proof. Choose what suits your situation. Examples of measures to make your business more climate-proof include:
- installing a green façade or green roof for cooling and biodiversity
- installing sun blinds
- installing a rainwater collection system for reuse
- planting trees in your car park for more shade
- creating a water storage facility on your site
At rvo.nl, you will find an overview of climate-adaptive measures (in Dutch) with an estimate of the investment costs and the costs for management and maintenance.
There are various subsidies and schemes that can help you finance your climate adaptation measures. You can also take advantage of tax benefits. For example:
With the Green Projects Scheme you can obtain a loan from a bank with a green fund at a lower interest rate than the market rate. This allows you to borrow money at a low interest for investments in climate adaptation. For example, for a green façade or innovative cooling for your building.
You can save on your taxes through the MIA and Vamil if you invest in environmentally friendly business assets or techniques. This includes measures for climate-adaptive construction. For example, a wall greening system for your building, or a rainwater installation.
With the MIA, you can deduct up to 45% of your investment costs from your profits. With Vamil, you can write off up to 75% of your investment costs at a time of your choosing. Your tax benefit with the MIA/Vamil can amount to more than 14% of the investment amount. Calculate your tax benefit and arrange your application for MIA and Vamil (in Dutch) at rvo.nl.
Municipalities, water boards, or provinces sometimes offer subsidies for climate adaptation. Check the website of your municipality, your water authority (waterschap, in Dutch), and view the overview of regional subsidies and schemes.
You can protect your business against climate risks with insurance policies. For example, commercial building insurance, inventory insurance, goods insurance, and business interruption insurance. These policies cover you against damage caused by extreme weather. Damage caused by natural disasters is usually not insured. The Infographic on insurability of climate risks (in Dutch) shows you if certain damage caused by extreme weather is insurable at all, whether as a standard or as an extra option.