Interview with Harm Edens, presenter of BNR Sustainable, among others

"In 10 years, concrete and steel construction in the Netherlands should look substantially different. (but does the industry know this?) 

A discussion about climate, sustainability and a circular economy is wasted on television and radio host Harm Edens. But a discussion about the measures that need to be taken before it is really too late is, as far as Edens is concerned, a thing of the past. "The point of discussing and protesting is over. Things have already gotten too out of hand on our planet. And everyone - but everyone - 'has to' (!) really get to work now. This also applies to concrete and steel construction. One really has to jump over one's own shadow now."

So there is no shortage of clarity from the visibly inspired - but mostly concerned - Edens, who overwhelmingly believes the pace at which we are tackling climate problems is still too slow. How did he become so inspired and concerned? "As an 11-year-old boy, I read the Club of Rome report. There it predicted an ominous future. The acid rain. The hole in the ozone layer. We all protested vigorously against that. And, all those protests and social pressure led to practical and appropriate measures."

"But climate change, which is now demonstrably underway, is far greater. All the resulting misery cannot be solved with simply some interventions here and there. On the contrary. It is going to affect us all. We are already suffering significantly from climate change: droughts and floods, forest fires, etc. Extreme weather. But soon there will also be scarcity of resources. And even worse is the dramatic decline of biomass and biodiversity in the world. If we - as humans - disrupt chains, these are irreversible processes. Our future - as humans - is at stake. I am therefore done with road warriors or deniers. Because it is going to affect the whole of society. And, nice though: all those people trying to make a contribution on their own micro level but the industry has to step in."

Thinking about competition?

According to Edens, however, there are still too many old interests. "It's about taking responsibility. Within the industry, start with the low-hanging fruit. Look at the 20% worst things you do. Stop doing those to begin with. And pick up from that change. Dare to look the monster in the mouth. And by that I mean that the people in charge of the industry need to take a punch to the whole chain. So, look wider. Dare to think bigger. Look for other focal points. Find intensive collaborations. But yes ... this is quite difficult: because, you don't just let the competitor look at you, do you?"

That's exactly where the problem lies, says Edens. "Limited thinking is trapped in our management culture. We are too preoccupied with making profits, short-term thinking, poldering in the old economy that is worn out and running out of steam, while - if you don't hurry up now to make a better world together - in a few years you won't have anything to compete on at all. Then it will be too late for our planet. At least ... the earth will continue, but it has shaken off humanity. And it's moving a lot faster than we dare to believe."

System Solutions

Edens argues that as early as 10 years from now, concrete and steel construction will not be able to sustain itself in the way the industry is currently organized. "Something has to be done. But, I don't hear a vision. And if there is, you have to make it public. We need boldness and success examples. Stop doing childish things. If you want to find a systemic solution -- and you want to -- you can't do it alone. Then you have to involve the whole chain as concrete and steel construction. And sometimes it has to be even broader. Collaborate, share and get along. Introduce a realistic CO2 pricing and look honestly at your impact. The concrete and steel construction has a heavy responsibility to do things differently because it is an industry that is very decisive for many other industries. You have to take the lead."

Edens concludes, "We have no more time to lose. If we take action now, maybe we can still turn the tide. So stop denying and looking away. Stop thinking about your own competitive position. Take responsibility for the entire chain. And pull that chain along. It is now or never. And the nice thing is: changing on your own is scary, it won't work. Changing together is fun!"