Aannemingsbedrijf Van der Zanden Moergestel B.V. not only thinks about innovation and sustainability, they also put it into practice every day. This is already evident, for example, in the fact that they deploy the first (and for the time being only) electrically powered crane in the Netherlands. A welcome asset, especially if this gives you the chance to realize the first emission-free demolition in the Netherlands. For certification, Van der Zanden has been a satisfied Normec customer for many years, so for this project too they are knocking on the door of their reliable certification partner.

Sustainable from GWW to demolition

Van der Zanden is a diverse company with three areas of expertise: the contracting company (GWW and natural and cultural engineering), environment (with all services from demolition, asbestos remediation to soil remediation) and a soil bank for the circular processing of soil.

Edith Cleijsen (Kam-Coordinator) consciously chose to work at Van der Zanden. Because this company has something very special to offer. "Sustainability and innovation are of course an important theme at many companies. Yet sometimes it remains just making plans and not always as much is done as can be done. At Van der Zanden it is really different, we want to put into practice what we can do. For me and many other employees, that adds an extra dimension to the work."

This ambition, as well as decisiveness, makes Van der Zanden one of the most innovative companies in the field of sustainability within the industry and far beyond.

Old Harley garage, new sustainable approach

The very first emission-free demolition in the Netherlands, that was the ambition of the client and Van der Zanden at the site of the old Harley garage in Breda. To show that Van der Zanden not only works emission-free but also disposes of the materials circularly and sustainably, Normec's expertise was deployed. "We also want to be able to demonstrate that we are working in a circular way as much as possible in the process. That is why we applied for and received the circular demolition certificate from Normec," Cleijsen explains. Normec was not chosen for nothing, because this organization also stands for creating a better world. The realization of a safe and healthy working and living environment are paramount.

The services of Normec have been used at Van der Zanden for years. "We know each other and trust each other. We get along well on content, but Normec also ensures that all certifications are always transparent. And the process preceding it. The fully automated system sends automatic updates and messages, so we are always in order. That gives confidence."

The knowledge of each other's way of working and the level of expertise of both parties ensure clean and quiet demolition at the old Harley site. That goes (much) further than just using an electric crane.

The fully automated system sends automatic updates and messages, so we are always on top of things. That gives confidence.

Edith Cleijsen, Kam coordinator Van Der Zanden

Not only thinking about sustainability, but also doing it

Van der Zanden wants to work sustainably in every area where it can. In addition to the deployment of the first electric crane, an electric Giant Shovel is also being deployed. The expansion of the electric fleet will be given further shape in the coming years.

A nice addition, but Van der Zanden is doing even more in the area of sustainability....

The company also provides a certified soil bank where soil is environmentally tested so that it can then be used again in projects. If this is not possible, further disposal is carried out according to legal guidelines.

"The roof of our shed is full of 2,400 solar panels," Cleijsen says. "With these we can also recharge the electric battery packs that power all our construction chains. A lot less polluting and much quieter than the generator previously used for that purpose."

A sustainable relationship for sustainable execution

Why Cleijsen and her colleagues love working and continue to work with Normec so much? That really goes beyond "a nice advertisement" in Cleijsen's opinion: "With Normec's handy system, our processes are much less error-prone and deadlines are no longer exceeded. Surely that gives a lot of peace of mind and overview."

But Cleijssen sees more. "Because of the years of experience with each other, we know each other well and can also realize this kind of ambitious project. Emission-free sounds very nice, and it is, but it's really about the details. You have to know very well what you are doing. Together with the very experienced people of Normec we can make this completely transparent. This makes us all the more proud that we were able to receive the circular demolition certificate."