Urban development and construction

Wellbeing for living and working

Offering future proof solutions for the built environment

Our global population is growing and with that comes the social challenge in urban development and construction. We need to find a balance between urban growth, liveability, affordable housing, mobility, maintaining green spaces and sustainability. People starting in the housing market can hardly buy or rent a house anymore. With the pressure on available building plots, it is questionable whether the envisioned goal of building 980,000 sustainable and affordable new homes by 2030 is a realistic one at all. We also have to face the challenge of making 7.5 million existing homes and buildings more sustainable. What impact and pressure does this create on the environment and our finances?

An adventure in sustainability, nature, recreation, community & architecture.

Jonas is one of our most sustainable projects. A healthy living environment, sustainable use of materials and energy efficiency are the basis for the design. There are two materials in the lead: wood and sustainable concrete. As one of the first residential buildings in the Netherlands, Jonas was delivered in 2023 with the BREEAM Outstanding design certificate, BREEAM Outstanding delivery certificate and the BREEAM Outstanding In Use certificate.

Jonas IJburg Amsterdam

Building a sustainable environment and taking our responsibility

The construction sector contributes 30-40% of global CO2 emissions, including direct and indirect sources like material production and transportation. Ballast Nedam prioritises sustainability and energy transition, investing in renewable technologies such as solar and wind power. Our aim is CO2-neutral construction sites by 2030 and energy neutral manufacturing by 2040. We promote circular practices, using detachable, adaptable designs and recycled materials. When new materials are necessary, we prefer bio-based and non-toxic options. Our urban designs focus on reducing environmental impact and restoring native flora and fauna. Our primary goal is to create sustainable, eco-friendly developments from construction to usage, ensuring a livable, climate-resilient environment.

Project Cartesius

Cartesius is an urban development project in which healthy living, food, meeting, meaning, relaxation and exercise are important pillars. At least 30% of the area of the district will be green for people to enjoy, but also to stimulate climate adaptation and the area's biodiversity. New forms of mobility will be introduced to reduce car use. For example, shared mobility, public transport and good cycling and walking connections will be applied.

Cartesius Utrecht

Our ambitions are becoming reality

All individuals deserve a clean and safe living environment. That is why we signed the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in 2017. At the same time we are aware of our impact on the planet. So we prefer materials with maximum positive impact and a minimised footprint. We also started a collaboration with the Climate Cleanup Foundation in 2023 to financially incentivise CO2 storage in construction projects. By attaching a monetary value to CO2 storage, we make climate-positive building projects competitive with traditional projects. In this way, we hope there will be more of a need for bio-based materials and this sector can scale up which can ensure a transition of the entire construction sector.
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