Emmy Scholten

Designing and Realizing Buildings Within Planetary Boundaries. The state of our climate and the impact of the construction sector call for radically sustainable buildings and areas, both in realization and in use. As Chief Sustainability Officer, Emmy leverages her knowledge and experience to maintain a high level of ambition—among our clients, partners, and ourselves—and to explore how we can accelerate sustainable change.

Emmy began her career as a lawyer specializing in international and European law but soon realized she wanted to make a broader societal impact. Her work at the Dutch government and as a diplomat exposed her to global sustainability challenges and the role of entrepreneurship in finding solutions, as well as the government’s role as a facilitator. This led her to the world of sustainable entrepreneurship, where she developed strategies to help businesses and governments transition to a future-proof economy. Her passion lies in nature-inclusive design and entrepreneurship, striving for maximum social impact with minimal environmental harm.

Since this transition affects all aspects of society, Emmy also facilitates meetings and debates as a moderator for various organizations, including Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam.

"Much of our individual behavior for a better climate is just a drop in the ocean. The best contribution I can make to sustainability is to dedicate my professional life to it as well. I believe the private sector can and should play a much greater role; the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability holds a significant part of the solution. The design power and creativity of my colleagues inspire me every day to keep going and aim even higher."