Working at

EN

How can we help you?

The BIG 5

Towards 25% less CO₂ by 2030

Over the past few years, we have already made significant progress in reducing our CO₂ emissions, and we are proud of that achievement. Our efforts have primarily focused on reducing our direct emissions and energy consumption (Scope 1 and 2). To create even greater impact, we are now stepping up our ambitions with a clear focus on the entire value chain.

Every step counts. Including yours.

At every stage of the value chain, we have opportunities to become more sustainable, from design and material choices to construction, use and reuse. To reduce our overall emissions, we make conscious choices across the organisation and on every project.

The BIG 5 is our sustainability movement, bringing together colleagues from all business units and their value chain partners to collaborate, share knowledge and inspire one another. Sustainable choices are made on our projects every day. Some big, some small. But if everyone takes one step on every project, together we can make a giant leap towards a more sustainable living environment.

The BIG 5 themes

The BIG 5 is based on an analysis of our activities and emissions. These five themes offer the greatest opportunities to increase our sustainability impact. That is why they form the focus of our approach: practical, measurable and aimed at continuous improvement across the entire value chain. By sharing opportunities, insights and experiences, we turn today's successful initiatives into tomorrow's standard way of working. Together, we accelerate sustainable progress throughout the value chain.

Timber construction

Timber construction plays a major role in reducing the construction sector’s CO₂ emissions. From homes to bridges, there is a growing number of examples showcasing innovative timber structures. With the right expertise, regulations and value chain collaboration, timber construction is increasingly becoming the norm in our industry.

Timber can be engineered in various ways to create strong, reliable structural materials. We use timber not only for structural applications, but also, for example, as a façade material. Thanks to its relatively low weight, it is an ideal material for prefabricated construction and can be transported efficiently.

(video) Timber construction: Project Poelenburg

Sustainable concrete

Concrete is an essential construction material. However, the production of cement, the binding agent in concrete, is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Innovation and collaboration across the value chain are making concrete increasingly sustainable, for example through the use of alternative binders and supplementary materials.

By taking an active role in the project design process, we can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. We do this by selecting more sustainable concrete mixes, optimising designs to use less concrete, and ensuring that concrete structures have a long service life. We also reduce emissions by designing for disassembly and enabling the reuse of concrete at the end of its lifespan.

Circular materials

Circular materials reduce the use of virgin raw materials and, in doing so, help lower CO₂ emissions. A key principle of circularity is the use of natural, bio-based materials in a way that allows them to be disassembled and recovered. After use, these materials can safely return to nature, contributing to a sustainable circular cycle.

We apply bio-based materials such as hemp, straw, mycelium and timber in a variety of ways. We are also increasingly designing and building for disassembly, while carefully separating waste during construction to maximise opportunities for reuse and circular applications.

Zero-emission construction sites

At zero-emission construction sites, we no longer rely on fossil fuels. Electrically powered equipment produces no CO₂, particulate matter or nitrogen emissions during operation and also generates less noise. As a result, electric machinery reduces disturbance for local communities and creates a more pleasant working environment for our employees.

We are electrifying our equipment fleet, deploying sustainable site facilities and generating renewable energy on site. An increasing range of construction equipment is now available with electric drive systems. Site cabins are becoming better insulated and are equipped with energy-efficient installations and solar panels, helping to further reduce emissions and energy consumption.

Energy-efficient installations

Energy-efficient installations help reduce CO₂ emissions throughout the operational phase of a building or infrastructure asset. Because this phase lasts for many years, even small improvements can have a significant impact. Achieving this requires an integrated design approach and close collaboration across the value chain.

We increasingly apply technologies that combine user comfort with a low environmental impact. These include heat pumps, low-temperature heating systems, heat recovery solutions and LED lighting. In infrastructure projects, we also seize opportunities to implement energy-efficient pumps, ventilation systems and smart lighting solutions.

The BIG 5 in practice

In this selection of projects, one of the Big Five themes has played a leading role in the design, construction or delivery phase.

Return to