Interview with De Groene Bocht Co-Founder Pieter van der Pot
The Bamboo Brush Society is based in Amsterdam at "De Groene Bocht" an office building only with sustainable businesses. We had the chance to interview the co-founder Pieter van der Pot.
Can you tell us who you are and what you do for a living?
My Name is Pieter van der Pot and I am an architect and co-founder of De Groene Bocht. With CUBE architecten I’m involved in a wide variety of projects, from designing newly build homes to remodelling office interiors and at times even furniture. We aim at zero energy solutions and sustainable buildings when possible and are very focussed on the experience of architecture.
De Groene Bocht is a office building where sustainable businesses, from one man startups to parts of large established companies, have an office space or a desk in a communal space and share a reception, conference room, lunch facilities etc. All we do in the building, from coffee to cleaning agences and from furniture to lunch is consciously chosen and as sustainable, fair and organic as possible.
How did you hear about The Bamboo Brush Society?
The Bamboo Brush Society is one of the De Groene Bocht members! And I also picked up a bamboo brush there so I am an active TBBS user.
Why do you support The Bamboo Brush Society?
I think it is extremely important to understand what is going on, what the consequences are of our lifestyle. By pointing out what it means that we use plastic toothbrushes, easily and cheaply made in large quantities, we get more understanding of those consequences.
Could you give a few tips for being more environmentally friendly, that our followers can implement immediately at their home or office?
To be more environmentally friendly there a couple of things you can do energy wise. Insulation is the first thing to look at, all the energy you waste could be used for something else. And we are by no means at 100% renewable energy yet. So insulation is the first part. Either by installing triple glass, or extra insulation in floor, roof or facades.
The second step is to make sure you use as little as possible by using energy efficient equipment like LED lighting and A+++ household appliances. There are now many alternative options for heating your house that may need some energy, but not much, like heat pumps.
A third step is to make sure that the energy you still need is as renewable as possible. The easiest way may be to join a green energy supplier like Vandebron. But a step further would be solar panels or thermal heating.
Beyond energy there is everything you bring into your home or office, like clothing, furniture and food. Like losing weight and excreting, the boring truth is that there is no magic solution. You can make the right decision in every step and every action. Just be consciously of what you are doing, buying, eating, installing etc.
Reception of De Groene Bocht.
Reception of De Groene Bocht.
What is the best spot you have brushed your teeth?
Probably some Brazilian island without electricity and running water...
What’s your best travel story?
5 days hiking above the Arctic Circle with a tent, no roads, mountains, days before the snow season started.
What is the last film you watched?
Sadly it was a terrible movie. The Box
Share your best photo on your phone ! Make us laugh
My son forget to take out his Sinterklaas present...
How do you get inspired ?
Its a cliche and I would never thought I would say this… but my kids do inspire me at times. But other inspiring moments are those rare moments that it has been days ago you had to do anything. And traveling to new places.
If you can go on a trip tomorrow to any place in the world, where would you go?
It really doesn’t matter. I would love to explore Russia, the Balkan, Japan, China, India or Indonesia. But I would also love to go back to South and Central America and Africa. It doesn’t really matter as long as you have enough time and the weather suits the season and the country.
If you are looking for a sustainable office space make sure you check De Groene Bocht and if your in the need of architect get in touch with Pieter right here.
