De Hoop Terneuzen’s 2020 CO2-emissions

5 March 2021

It hardly needs to be explained that it’s important to take measures to minimise further global warming by limiting the emission of greenhouse gases like CO₂. Because the construction sector contributes relatively heavily to the emission of greenhouse gases, in 2010 De Hoop Terneuzen set the goal of reducing the group’s CO₂ emissions by 20% in 10 years’ time. Last year, this goal was met, and then some. CO₂ emissions were reduced by a whopping 58%, from 29,115 tonnes of CO₂ in 2010 to 12,213 tonnes of CO₂ in 2020. A huge improvement, but given the global problem, still not enough.

The huge reduction is a result of the switch from grey to green energy, among other things. Since the Belgian activities transitioned in early 2021, the entire group is now exclusively using green energy. In addition, investments to help reduce consumption, such as better insolation, LED lighting and cleaner equipment and machinery have contributed to the big reduction. But further gains can be made by continuing to invest in cleaner equipment and machines. Check out De Hoop Terneuzen’s 2020 CO₂ emissions statement here. 

De Hoop Group has also expressed the ambition to be completely carbon neutral in the future. Most of the emissions within the group are now caused by fuel consumption and motorised equipment. Lorries, wheeled loading shovels, forklifts, cranes and Bobcats carry out transport within the organisation, both on company terrain and from the company to clients. By running lorries on HVO fuel, we can achieve an 89% reduction in CO₂ emissions per lorry, as compared to running on regular diesel.

HVO fuel

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel, or HVO fuel, is made from vegetable waste. This waste comes from plant-based oils originating in various types of food. Normally, this waste would be burnt or sent to a rubbish dump. Thanks to a new technique, this waste can now be used to produce HVO fuel. Because HVO fuel is made from plant-based waste, this fuel is fossil-free and results in an 89% CO₂ emission reduction per lorry, as compared to regular diesel fuel. The further decrease the group’s CO₂ emissions, we will gradually transition to running on HVO fuel.

We are also closely following whether going electric, whether in combination with fuel cells running on hydrogen, is an ideal alternative to traditional combustion engines yet.

In addition, we are looking at the possibility of compensating for our remaining CO₂ emissions. One of the activities we are engaging in to this end is investing in 100 hectares of forest, in collaboration with Staatsbosbeheer. On average, planting new trees makes a difference of 10-14 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year, and yields more CO₂ emissions compensation than simply letting nature run its course.