Innovation

Vandebos NV is driving sustainability in the construction sector through a strong focus on reducing CO₂ emissions and improving energy efficiency. The company’s sustainability strategy is built around two core innovations: the implementation of advanced real-time monitoring technology on construction sites and a pioneering sustainable investment model.

The monitoring system is the company’s most impactful innovation. By collecting and analyzing real-time energy data, the system automatically adjusts heating and power use on site facilities according to actual demand. As the Managing Director explains, “By continuously measuring and monitoring everything, we can see exactly where waste occurs and take immediate action.” The results include unnecessary energy consumption, substantial CO₂ savings and reductions in operational costs. This approach is being expanded through investments in electric site batteries and energy-efficient machinery to gradually replace traditional diesel generators, a major source of emissions in construction operations.

A second distinctive innovation is Vandebos NV’s points-based investment framework. Instead of purchasing equipment purely based on price, 40% of every decision now weighs ecological impact, 40% price, and 20% lifecycle and maintenance cost. This structurally embeds sustainability into financial decision-making and ensures long-term value. As the Managing Director emphasizes: “Ecological impact, it’s not a gimmick, it’s policy.”

 These innovations directly support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The company’s strong people-focused culture emphasizing training, well-being and long-term talent development reinforces the successful adoption of these innovations and supports SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being).

Through the combination of technology, investment discipline and responsible leadership, Vandebos NV proves that sustainable construction can be both economically profitable and socially valuable, setting a scalable example for the sector.

Inspiration

The inspiration for Vandebos NV’s sustainability efforts originates from the company’s long-standing culture of responsibility. Sustainability did not begin as a strategic shift, but as a natural continuation of how the company has always operated. As Mr. Henrotte described: “People think sustainability is something new. For us, it’s formalising what we were already doing.”

One defining moment occurred during a winter project when the team noticed the heating in a site cabin ran day and night. That simple observation sparked the idea of a real-time monitoring system. “We realised we were wasting energy without even seeing it,” Mr. Henrotte said. “That small insight became the start of our biggest innovation.”

External frameworks like the SDGs helped give structure to existing values but did not change the company’s direction. “When we linked our goals to the SDGs, it felt like recognising what was already there,” he explained.

The company also draws inspiration from peer learning. Through initiatives like VCDO and Pura, Vandebos NV exchanges experiences with other organisations, sharpening its perspective. As Henrotte noted: “Every time we talk to other companies, we pick up something new.”

In short, Vandebos NV’s inspiration stems from daily practice, cultural continuity, and a willingness to learn, turning small observations into meaningful innovation.

Overall impact

The innovations introduced by Vandebos NV have generated a tangible shift in how the company manages energy, emissions, and long-term decision-making. In the short term, the real-time monitoring system installed in site cabins has significantly reduced unnecessary energy use. Before its introduction, heaters often ran continuously, even during breaks or mild weather, leading to large amounts of wasted electricity. As Mr. Henrotte explained, “When you continuously measure and monitor everything, you immediately see where something is going wrong.” The system now automatically adjusts heating schedules, resulting in considerable CO₂ reductions and lower operational costs. Similar short-term impact comes from replacing diesel generators with electric site batteries, which reduce noise and air pollution on urban construction sites.

In the longer run, the innovation reshapes Vandebos NV’s structural choices. By integrating ecological impact into 40% of every investment decision, sustainability becomes part of the company’s financial backbone rather than a separate ambition. This scoring model steers long-term purchases, such as efficient cranes, modern site cabins, and electric machinery, towards lower emissions and future readiness. It also encourages the company to set measurable climate goals, like reducing overall energy consumption by 30% by 2030, using 2024 as a baseline.

Evidence of the innovation’s broader impact also appears in the company culture. Employees notice visible progress on site, from improved sorting practices to more efficient facilities, and many carry these habits into their private lives. Through its participation in VCDO and Pura, Vandebos NV shares these practices with peers, helping accelerate sustainable change beyond its own operations. In this way, the innovation’s impact is both practical and cultural, influencing the company, its partners, and the wider sector.

Business benefit

The sustainability innovations of Vandenbos Nv strengthen the company at multiple levels. Because of investing in energy sufficient construction methods, like the monitoring system and the use of construction site batteries instead of polluting power generators, Vandenbos NV realizes cost savings and CO2 reduction. As the managing director says: “We notice that the focus on sustainability is not only good for the environment , but also makes us more efficient. By optimizing processes and working more energy-efficiently, we can reduce cost and deliver faster.”

Because these innovations have been implemented by Vandenbos NV on construction sites in Limburg the past two years, the company has gained better control over energy consumption, resulting in increased efficiency and lower operational costs. The focus on lean-management and process optimization provides quicker turnaround times, less waste and better cooperation between the 100 employees.

Besides that the focus on the well-being of employees enhances staff retention and strengthens the company’s appeal as an employer. Thanks to initiatives such as Fit at work, fruits at work, through continuous training and close observation from a coach, employees experience better support and more development. This has resulted in high employee seniority and opportunities for advancement, which in turn increases productivity and ease new recruitment. By sharing profits with employees and creating a warm, family environment, Vandenbos NV builds a loyal team that embraces the company’s sustainable vision.

Finally, because of this approach new market and investment opportunities open up. Governments and clients give more importance to energy efficiency and sustainability standards. By investing early in sustainable techniques and measurable reporting, positions Vandenbos NV itself as an attractive partner for future renovation projects.

Social and environmental benefit

The sustainable innovations of Vandenbos NV create societal and ecological added value. By strongly focusing on energy efficient construction sites, CO2 reduction, modernization of outdated buildings and smart use of water and materials, the company directly contributes to Belgium’s climate goals. The monitoring of construction site facilities reduces energy waste, while the transition to construction site batteries reduce pollution and diesel usage. This is especially relevant in urban areas, where air quality and noise pollution have a big impact on the local residents.

In addition Vandenbos NV focuses on promoting biodiversity by planting vegetation and integrating green elements on and around the construction sites. This approach creates living spaces for insects and strengthens the local ecosystems. By renovating old buildings instead of destroying them, the company reduces material waste and protects the cultural heritage.

The innovations also have a social impact. Thanks to the collaboration with schools, universities such as UCLL, and big projects like VCDO and Pura, Vandenbos NV contributes to quality education, knowledge exchange and future craftsmanship. Employees are trained and encouraged to work together in a safe and respectful way. This focus on well-being and opportunities creates a positive work environment ensures stable employment. As the managing director says: “For us, sustainability is about more than just reducing CO2. We want to build a healthy environment in which our employees, schools and the local community can grow. By working together, we create an impact that goes far beyond the construction site.”

By approaching sustainability as a combination of people and planet, Vandenbos NV strengthens not only their own operations but also makes a contribution to a climate friendly society.

Interview

Krijn Henrotte, Managing director