One thousand tons of CO₂ can be compared to the emissions of 7,000 people flying to Paris or the burning of 338,000 liters of diesel. In Amsterdam, Van Gelder is fully committed to working without emissions. This resulted in a CO₂ saving of almost 70% compared to traditional activities. With this, Amsterdam has already more than achieved its climate target of 2030 (<48% savings compared to 1990) on Van Gelder's works.

Electrical equipment

The largest result in Amsterdam was achieved by the electrification of the equipment. For example, an electric excavator “the Ecodigger” is used and all equipment that is not electric drive on biobased diesel. In terms of asphalt, sustainable asphalt mixtures are used, including a top layer of 60% recycled material. But all other materials used are also being examined to see whether they can be even more environmentally friendly. By working with sustainable asphalt mixtures, less material is needed for the same construction and therefore less transport. All this contributes to much less CO₂ emissions.

Walk ahead

Van Gelder is the first contractor to measure real-time progress towards sustainability goals. The data-driven dashboard gives the company complete control over its CO₂ emissions. The real-time measurement of CO₂ reduction is only the beginning, according to Van Gelder. In the meantime, work is being done on making nitrogen deposition measurable. Van Gelder wants to be at the forefront of the market and really improve by analyzing data from the past and continuously adjusting it. Last year the company invested another five million euros in sustainable equipment.