Sustainable and innovative approach gains attention at home and abroad
Rijkswaterstaat aims to be fully climate-neutral and circular by 2030. However, achieving these goals with current techniques is not feasible. That’s why, during the expansion of the A1 motorway between Apeldoorn and Twello, we are collaborating with the market on a sustainable and innovative approach to accelerate progress.
This includes the use of zero-emission equipment and material reuse. Technical managers Jasper Middelkamp (Rijkswaterstaat) and Erik Steenbergen (Heijmans) share insights into the journey they are taking together. The A1 is a vital link in the Dutch road network, handling increasing freight traffic. Ensuring smooth traffic flow is crucial for regional accessibility and economic development.
To achieve this, Rijkswaterstaat and contractor Heijmans are adding 2 lanes to the 15-kilometre stretch between Apeldoorn and Twello, using circular and zero-emission methods wherever possible. ‘By helping each other, we accelerate innovation and make a bigger impact,’ says Jasper Middelkamp, technical manager at Rijkswaterstaat.
‘By helping each other, we accelerate innovation and make a bigger impact.’
Environmental Cost Indicator
There is a metric that expresses the total environmental footprint of an infrastructure project in euros: the Environmental Cost Indicator (ECI), known in Dutch as the ‘Milieukostenindicator (MKI).’ This amount is based on a complete life cycle analysis of all materials required for the project, such as asphalt. Erik Steenbergen, technical manager at Heijmans, explains: ‘If you use aggregate from Norway for asphalt, the transport to the Netherlands impacts the environment, increasing the MKI. However, if the asphalt reaches the end of its lifespan and the aggregate is reused, the MKI decreases.’
The MKI value for this project was initially set at €9.2 million, according to Middelkamp. Heijmans reduced it to €4 million using an unconventional approach, such as using recycled materials for much of the asphalt, concrete, and steel. For example, a retaining wall preventing road subsidence and shifting is made entirely of recycled concrete.
Pioneering
Reducing emissions, Steenbergen explains, also means experimenting and pioneering. ‘You must tackle setbacks and sometimes accept that things won’t go as planned. For example, we initially wanted to use hydrogen-powered trucks. When their performance didn’t meet the supplier’s promises, we started retrofitting existing equipment. In the beginning, we dealt with breakdowns.’
Heijmans also opted to produce bridge girders on-site instead of in a factory, reducing transport movements. Additionally, fewer additives, which speed up concrete drying, were used.
‘You must tackle setbacks and sometimes accept that things won’t go as planned.’
International model project
The new road was opened on 2 December 2024. The total CO2 reduction amounts to over 26,300 tonnes. Middelkamp describes this as a ‘significant reduction.’ It’s no surprise, then, that delegations from home and abroad visit to learn how these results were achieved. ‘On average, we give 2 presentations a week to groups who are almost always impressed by our sustainable results,’ says Middelkamp.
Visitors are encouraged to prioritize actions with the largest environmental impact. Middelkamp explains, ‘It’s tempting to aim for MKI reductions in every area, but that approach risks missing your overall target. To ensure success, focus on the big wins: asphalt, steel, concrete, and earthworks. That’s where the real gains are.’ Steenbergen agrees and cites a common saying from the eastern Netherlands: ‘Vaak bu-j te bang!’ (‘You’re often too afraid!’).
It highlights the importance of bold decision-making and taking calculated risks. ‘Don’t get lost in administrative processes or hide behind contractual provisions,’ he says. ‘Stay focused on the goal. Provide flexibility and strengthen each other’s efforts to achieve the lowest possible MKI.’
Top 3 most sustainable contracting authorities
Rijkswaterstaat now uses the MKI as a standard in tenders, increasingly requiring the use of electric equipment. Sustainability leaders are rewarded with preferential treatment in the awarding process. According to Middelkamp, this is one reason Bouwend Nederland ranks Rijkswaterstaat among the top 3 most sustainable contracting authorities. However, Steenbergen points out that market players must also be able to recover their investments in sustainability.
‘That’s why it’s important for more clients to adopt the approach we’ve used in this project. Contractors are genuinely concerned about whether this willingness exists. If we want to ensure lasting sustainability throughout the entire chain and achieve reductions, we must collectively consider our choices. Should we opt for new materials or reuse existing ones, even if they sometimes have a shorter lifespan?’
Widened A1 inaugurated
On 2 December 2024, Patricia Zorko, Deputy Director-General of Rijkswaterstaat, officially inaugurated the widened A1 motorway between Apeldoorn and Twello by starting an electric paving machine for the final stretch of asphalt.
The expansion to 8 lanes marks a significant step towards improving the international east-west connection and enhancing regional accessibility.