As sustainability reporting frameworks gain momentum worldwide, a forthcoming industry event in the Netherlands is delivering practical insight into how ESG is being applied across the horticulture value chain.
The Tuinbouw Footprint Event takes place on 16 April at Op Hodenpijl in Schipluiden, the Netherlands. It is organised by AIPH Affiliate Member Greenhouse Sustainability BV, a consultancy specialising in sustainability measurement and footprinting for the horticulture sector. The initiative is delivered in collaboration with aaff, a Dutch advisory and accountancy organisation, and Epiic, a consultancy focused on sustainability strategy.
ESG—Environmental, Social and Governance—refers to a framework used to assess a company’s environmental impact, social responsibility, and management practices. It is increasingly being adopted by businesses, retailers, and policymakers as a structured way to measure and communicate sustainability performance.
From local initiative to global relevance
Although rooted in the Dutch horticultural sector, the event’s themes are highly relevant to AIPH members worldwide.
Caroline Nederpelt, Marketing & Communication Manager at Greenhouse Sustainability BV, explains: “The pressure on the horticulture sector to operate in a transparent and demonstrably sustainable manner is growing rapidly. ESG and carbon footprinting are no longer optional; they are prerequisites for maintaining market access and ensuring business resilience.”
Across many markets, growers and supply chain partners are under increasing pressure to measure and communicate their environmental footprint, respond to retailer requirements, and comply with emerging regulatory frameworks. Events such as this provide insight into how these problems are being approached in practice.
The programme opens with a panel discussion featuring representatives from Harvest House, Ter Laak Orchios, Royal General Bulb Growers’ Association (KAVB) and Florpartners, showing how sustainability considerations are being integrated across various parts of the value chain.
Practical ESG application across the value chain
The event is structured around the three pillars of ESG, with contributions from organisations including KP Holland, Best Fresh Group and Tuinbranche Nederland.
Sessions will explore how companies measure environmental impact, develop governance strategies, and address the social dimension of sustainability. A keynote presentation will further highlight how social initiatives should be incorporated into a broader ESG approach.
The programme concludes with the announcement of the most sustainable enterprise of 2026, reflecting increasing interest in benchmarking sustainability performance across the sector.
Supporting knowledge exchange
For AIPH members, the event provides a practical example of how industry collaboration can support the transition to more transparent, measurable sustainability practices.
As ESG frameworks increasingly shape international trade and supply chain relations, learning from peer approaches featured at the Tuinbouw Footprint Event can help AIPH members stay ahead of changing requirements. Sharing these practices enables members to benchmark, adapt, and strengthen their sustainability initiatives.
AIPH members interested in learning more about ESG approaches in practice can find further details and registration information on the event website:
www.greenhouse-sustainability.com/tuinbouw-footprint-event-2026/
