Doing good, together. That’s exactly the goal Maritska Aarts and Femke Dijkstra had when they won an internal ideas contest in 2012. Their idea, the Brunel Foundation, became a reality thanks to their passion and dedication and the hard work and support of volunteer Brunellers around them.
The heart of the Brunel Foundation: Fouders Maritska Aarts and Femke Dijkstra
The mission
The Brunel Foundation is a catalyst for change. We are committed to raising awareness, fostering engagement, and activating Brunellers around the globe to create meaningful and lasting impact—driven by sustainable choices and actions that benefit both people and the planet.
Brunel Foundation focus
Since its establishment, the Brunel Foundation has been dedicated to creating positive change for our planet. Its efforts focus on cleaning up environments, promoting sustainable behaviours, inspiring future professionals, and supporting the vital role of tree planting in combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity.
Building New Habits
Making sustainable choices in our working and private lives is essentially about Building New Habits. It’s the Brunel Foundation’s mission to create awareness, engage and activate people across the world to Build New Habits, one habit at a time. All changes we make together on a daily basis, will impact the environment on a global scale. With our global and local initiatives such as upcycling, sustainable corporate gifting, sharing best practices of responsible use of resources and waste reduction, we spark the change and encourage and inspire our employees to make the switch, embrace the habit, and be part of a greener future.
Future Professionals
Through partnerships and support from Taylor Hopkinson, the Brunel Foundation aims to educate and inspire children aged 8–12 about renewable energy, future industries and jobs to spark their creativity and enthuse them to do their part in impacting in a sustainable future. To do so, we offer accessible, hands-on workshops—both outdoors and in classrooms, and during other events —we empower young minds, regardless of background, to explore future-oriented solutions and develop environmental awareness from an early age.
Trash 'n Trace
With Trash ‘n Trace, the Brunel Foundation mobilizes employees worldwide to take tangible action for a cleaner environment. By organizing and supporting clean-up events in Brunel regions and in public spaces, we raise awareness, inspire sustainable behaviour, and foster a culture of shared environmental responsibility among employees, communities, and partners.
Brunel Foundation Forest
Through the Brunel Foundation Forest in partnership with EcoMatcher, we aim to restore natural ecosystems, combat climate change, support local communities, create awareness for the value of trees and promote sustainable corporate gifting by planting and gifting trees all over the world. By involving employees, clients, and communities, we turn symbolic gestures into lasting environmental impact and foster a shared sense of responsibility for the planet.
Beyond our pillars - Impact from the Heart
The Brunel Foundation aims to be more than a driving force within our own four focus areas. We strive to be a catalyst for broader change—encouraging action, personal interests, enthusiasm, and social involvement wherever it starts. Because even if it’s not what we directly lead, we believe in the ripple effect of doing good—and in the difference it makes when others are inspired to give back.
