Van Gelder presents 2019 Sustainability Report

'Sustainability not a competitor of time, quality and money'

Being credibly sustainable. That's what Van Gelder promises and demonstrates with the preparation of its annual Sustainability Report. On Thursday, August 13, the first copy of 2019 was presented to innovation director Sacha Stolp of the Municipality of Amsterdam. Business manager Remco Kok emphasized the unique collaboration between the municipality and Van Gelder during the presentation.

"As long as you keep tendering on only the lowest price, you won't achieve the goals regarding a beautiful, clean and livable environment. Together with the City of Amsterdam, Van Gelder has an eye for the overall picture of sustainability, accessibility, livability, safety and communication. That works better for now, but certainly also for the future."

Sustainable business

Amsterdam is working hard to create a smart and clean city, according to Sacha Stolp. "In 2019, the Six-Year Cooperation Agreement (SOK) Great Road Works was started. Through the SOK, Van Gelder can further develop and invest in a sustainable Amsterdam." In the presented Sustainability Report articles are included that highlight how Van Gelder has been engaged in sustainable business in 2019. Members of the CO₂-working group, projects are explained and figures, targets and measures are included. In 2019, Van Gelder was awarded the Sustainable Pearl for the joint project, with the municipality of Nijmegen, Malderburchtstraat "Most Sustainable Street in the Netherlands.

Taking responsibility

That Van Gelder is serious about its responsible role regarding sustainability issues is beyond dispute, according to Mink Jaap Ypma. Ypma is chairman of the CO₂-working group. "Van Gelder has set itself the goal, as part of its social responsibility, to pursue an active environmental policy. Not only within the Van Gelder Group, but at all its subsidiaries," Ypma believes. "Think about our investment program in equipment and initiatives such as the CO₂-project plan and the internal quarterly election of The Most Economical Driver."

Positive contribution

Van Gelder invested as much as five million in sustainable equipment in 2019. "To be ready in this way for a clean, climate-neutral world," Ypma believes. In the coming period, Van Gelder will join the Netherlands' goal of achieving a 49% reduction by 2030. Ypma: "In this regard, we believe that sustainability need never compete with time, quality and money. On the contrary, we are convinced that it contributes positively to these factors. Being sustainable also means showing courage and daring. We want to be enterprising in this. But working with good, safe and emission-free equipment is an extension of the craftsmanship of our people. They are the ones who ultimately have to do it."