In 2019, VolkerWessels' leased car fleet (approx. 5,200 passenger cars) emitted 35,300 tonnes of CO₂ on an annual basis. By participating in the BP Target Neutral programme, VolkerWessels offsets the full CO₂ emissions for every litre of fuel tanked, paid for with the BP fuel pass. The agreement takes effect retroactively as of 1 May 2019.

The non-profit programme finances projects that contribute to a reduction in CO₂ emissions. These projects may include restoring forests (which absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere), modernising power plants and factories to reduce CO₂ emissions or improving the energy efficiency of buildings and transport.

Lars van der Meulen, director CSR VolkerWessels: "VolkerWessels is working hard to make the built environment more sustainable, but we are not skipping our own business operations. We see offsetting the CO₂ emissions of our leased vehicle fleet as a good first step. In the meantime, we are reducing the CO₂ emissions of our fleet by changing its composition and taking a critical look at the kilometres driven. These measures should lead to a CO₂ reduction of 25 percent in five years' time.

Reducing the number of kilometres driven is already being done by using smart tools such as the ‘digital mechanic', 'teleconferencing' and 'logistical construction hubs'. In addition, VolkerWessels uses artificial intelligence, smart sensors and 'internet of things' for digitisation in the broadest sense of the word. For example, by using the data this provides, an ideal composition of the vehicle fleet can be calculated and the most efficient routes can be determined.

Photo: forest protection project in Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia funded by the BP Target Neutral programme