Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
We believe that sustainability is not a trend and it is not the work of the next generation. Co van der Horst sees sustainability as a mission, now and in the future. As a family business, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is self-evident for us. In our policy, we seek the right balance between People, Planet, and Profit.
For almost 120 years, we have been building our business to pass it on to the next generation in a better state. The founder of our company, great-grandfather Co van der Horst, established the business in 1905 because he wanted to make a positive contribution to society. In clogs and with a backpack, he set out as a peddler, trading in household textiles and related items. When business went well, the backpack was replaced by a dog cart and later by a horse and wagon. Today, the company still aims for long-term success rather than short-term profit goals.
People | Customers & Employees
Co van der Horst is a customer-oriented company with strong family roots. We combine human values and craftsmanship with problem-solving ability and healthy entrepreneurship. This means that in practice we act as good stewards towards both customers and our employees.
In our employee policy, we follow these principles: preventing personal injury and material damage, providing a healthy and safe working environment, and ensuring professional and respectful treatment of our fellow human beings. In our policy towards customers and the community, we adhere to the following principles: realizing the customer's housing wishes in an efficient manner, knowing and respecting the needs and expectations of stakeholders, meeting applicable requirements for the organization, and promoting social involvement.
Co Academy
The (personal) development, health, and job satisfaction of our employees come first. We do everything possible to keep employees satisfied and healthy. For example, an employee satisfaction survey is conducted, and an optimal workplace has been created for all employees. We collaborate with various schools, and a training budget is available for all employees. Finally, the 'Co Academy' has been established. Employees can develop themselves both offline and online with an unlimited number of training sessions, wherever, whenever, and however they want.
Social Involvement
As a company, we find supporting local initiatives and associations very important. We do this through financial support, but also by actively rolling up our sleeves and making resources available. We are affiliated with various organizations, including Amsterdamsche Football Club, KWF Kankerbestrijding, the Municipality of Amstelveen, and the Open Tower Day Foundation.
Planet | Environment
Attention to sustainability is growing. Besides the requirements to build sustainably, we also see increasing demand for sustainable interiors. As interior designers at this level in the industry, we believe we can play a crucial role in this. More and more suppliers are communicating the objective 'life cycle analysis' (LCA) of a product or material, indicating the ecological footprint or environmental impact. By making conscious choices in finishing materials, furniture, and other aspects of the interior, we can certainly make a difference. To assess the circularity of a product, the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) has been developed. Co van der Horst's purchasing policy is based on these indicators, and the assortment is selected with the utmost care for quality and sustainability.
Where possible, our customers' discarded furniture gets a second life through Thrift Store de Boem in Amstelveen. We transport our furniture in reusable blankets, and other cardboard and packaging materials are recycled. In this way, we prevent or minimize damage to the environment.
Profit | Earnings
Co van der Horst not only looks at the company's financial performance but also at the economic effects of business activities on the community. We create employment in Amstelveen, Amsterdam, and surrounding municipalities. We invest in infrastructure, sponsorships, and we are members of the Amstelveen Business Association to ensure the municipality's safety and innovation.
