To main content To navigation

On our way to 50% CO2 reduction in 2030

View all Articles
On our way to 50% CO2 reduction in 2030

Date

28 August 2023

Expertise

Sustainability

Strukton is on its way to 50% CO2 reduction in 2030 compared to 2021. Are we on track? You will read this and more in our CO2 report concerning the first six months of 2023.

Our climate targets

  • Offices and project sites free of harmful emissions and residual waste? A fact in 2030!
  • Designing and constructing with circular and re-used materials? A fact in 2030!
  • Better soil quality and biodiversity in every project? A fact in 2030!
  • Operate climate-neutral? A fact in 2035!

The above targets are ambitious, and we are going to realise them at Strukton, with all our companies, in close cooperation with customers, suppliers and other chain partners.

Crossing borders

The CO2 Performance Ladder helps us to head towards our targets. We have been performing according to the Performance Ladder’s highest level for many years now in the Netherlands. After Belgium, our companies in Sweden, Denmark and Italy have now joined to climb the ladder. We dare to state that this cross-border approach is quite unique. The certification method is now crossing borders!

“This cross-border approach is quite unique”

Highlights first half 2023

Twice a year, we report about our CO2 performance, both internally and externally. The half-year report goes into our performance in the first six months of this year. Some highlights:

  • We reduced our CO2-emissions by 1.2%
  • Relative to the operational imcome, the reduction was 0.81 ton CO2 per million euro
  • The emissions caused by business travel increased by 0.09 ton CO2 per FTE
  • The emissions of our equipment reduced by 0.37 ton CO2 per million euro

We are on a sustainability journey, but have a long way to go yet.

Measures

We took a variety of measures in the first half of 2023, including:

  • Realisation of a smart charging plaza with room for up to 5 electric vehicles
  • Pilots with electric vans
  • Investment in an electric quad
  • Investment in two electric mini excavators
  • Start with retrofitting aerial working platform for catenary work

This ánd more can be read in the CO2 report covering the first six months of 2023.

Report Q2 2023

Open the document

Want to know more?

Previous slide
Next slide

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What does sustainability mean in the rail and civil infrastructure sector?

Sustainability in rail and civil engineering focuses on reducing environmental impact across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure. This includes using emission‑free equipment, circular and recycled materials, and designing assets with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements. Reusing structural components—such as circular viaduct beams or recycled copper contact wires for overhead lines—significantly reduces CO₂ emissions while conserving valuable raw materials.

How can CO₂ emissions be reduced in infrastructure projects?

CO₂‑reduction is achieved through a combination of clean construction methods and material innovation. Key strategies include:

  • Deploying zero‑emission machinery such as electric cranes, electric rail‑road vehicles (Krols), electric vans and battery‑powered locomotives.
  • Integrating circular concrete, geopolymer concrete, and recycled materials to lower embodied carbon.
  • Collaborating across the supply chain — from client to contractor to materials supplier — to scale circular and low‑carbon solutions.

These measures not only reduce carbon emissions but help create more resilient, future‑proof infrastructure.

Which sustainable innovations are being used in modern rail and civil engineering projects?

Infrastructure projects increasingly rely on advanced sustainable technologies, such as:

  • 100% recycled copper contact wire, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 92%.
  • Geopolymer concrete, offering 50–80% CO₂ savings compared to traditional mixes.
  • Electric and battery‑powered locomotives for maintenance and logistics.
  • Circular overhead‑line foundations and poles made from low‑impact concrete.
  • The Energy Bank, an innovative click‑and‑go substation that captures and reuses regenerative braking energy.
  • Circular viaduct and bridge concepts, enabling reuse instead of demolition.

These innovations drive measurable environmental benefits throughout the asset lifecycle.

What is zero‑emission equipment in infrastructure construction?

Zero‑emission equipment refers to machinery that operates without producing exhaust gases, typically powered by electricity or batteries. Examples include:

  • Electric locomotives and battery locomotives
  • Electric cranes and rail‑road (Krol) vehicles
  • Electric vans and support vehicles

This equipment eliminates local emissions, improves air quality around work sites, reduces noise pollution and helps clients comply with increasingly strict sustainability requirements.

What does the future of sustainability in infrastructure look like?

By 2050, the infrastructure sector aims to be fully climate‑neutral. This future includes:

  • A robust, climate‑resilient infrastructure network designed for extreme weather.
  • A fully emission‑free construction fleet.
  • Circular material chains where components are reused at scale.
  • Rail as a leading sustainable mobility system, supported by smart energy management and low‑carbon construction methods.
  • Infrastructure that integrates nature, supports biodiversity and ensures safe mobility for everyone.

The transition is already underway, driven by innovation, collaboration and long‑term thinking.

Also read these articles

Previous slide
Next slide

Share this page

Back to overview