ABN AMRO supports Zijderlaan’s sustainable aims with smart financing

Sustainability was a central theme in the design of Zijderlaan’s new distribution centre in Dinteloord, a village in the Dutch province of North Brabant. The project prioritises not only operational efficiency, but also the surrounding flora and fauna. Bat boxes, hedgehog houses and habitat rock piles for insects, birds and frogs help protect local wildlife. Employee well-being was also a major consideration, with clever architectural features providing ample natural light throughout the building.

Financing sustainability

The sustainable distribution centre is being developed in four phases, starting with plans to install 3,500 solar panels on the roof. The first phase should be completed in the second quarter of this year. Given the significant investment required, Zijderlaan approached ABN AMRO early on to explore sustainable financing options. “Zijderlaan has been a valued client for many years,” says Gustave Rammelt, Green Financing Expert at ABN AMRO. Now with the third generation at the helm, this family business is proud of its 85-year-long history.

Reducing the carbon footprint

Supporting companies like Zijderlaan with financing solutions aligns perfectly with ABN AMRO’s mission to help clients who want to accelerate the transition to a sustainable society. Gustave says, “Zijderlaan has long been committed to sustainability.” Indeed, the company has a proven track record in optimising logistics and its consumption of gas, energy and diesel oil across its operations to reduce its carbon footprint. The company actively promotes the environmental benefits of fuelling heavy goods vehicles with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to its customers, working closely with other players and investing in this non-fossil fuel. Its first electric truck is on the way, and Zijderlaan is also exploring hydrogen as a future emission-free alternative. “These are all themes we’ve been researching at the bank for some time,” Gustave says. “And we share this knowledge with our clients to help them navigate their own path to sustainability.”

Chain impact and competitive edge

“The positive impact of Zijderlaan’s investments in a sustainable future extend far beyond its own operations,” Gustave emphasises, “and aligns with the sustainability goals of the major clients Zijderlaan serves.” A growing number of large companies, including Zijderlaan itself, are now required to comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires companies to report on their environmental and social impact – including that of other players in their supply chain. Gustave continues, “For many large companies, transport generates a big portion of their overall carbon emissions. So it makes sense that they’re looking closely at how sustainable their logistics service providers are. Sustainable operations like Zijderlaan’s give these companies a real competitive edge.”

Financing tailored to growth ambitions

Zijderlaan is also incorporating sustainable business practices into its premises thanks to an ABN AMRO financing solution tailored to the growth ambitions of this family-owned business. “Flexibility was crucial,” says Gustave, “so capital can be made available for future investments as needed.” A hybrid financing approach has been adopted that combines an asset-based loan, a working capital loan and a Green Loan, all from ABN AMRO.

Expertise in sustainability

Gustave continues, “Zijderlaan’s distribution centre is being built in accordance with BREEAM Outstanding specifications.” The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method is the international standard for evaluating sustainability in the built environment. “The distribution centre was awarded the highest possible rating for real estate, which qualifies the project for an ABN AMRO Green Loan on favourable terms, including an interest rate reduction.”

Eligibility for a Green Loan is contingent on a government-issued green certificate under the Green Funds Scheme, designed to encourage investment in sustainability. Gustave: “Unfortunately, recent changes to tax regulations mean the scheme will be phased out by 1 January 2027.”

Support beyond sustainable financing

ABN AMRO’s support involved more than financing. The bank also assisted Zijderlaan with the green certificate application process via the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO in Dutch). Gustave says, “We’ve built up a lot of experience in financing BREEAM Outstanding projects over the last few years. If needed, we can also call on our Subsidy Expertise team for advice and support in identifying available subsidies, thereby helping our clients move forward to meet their sustainability goals.”

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