VolkerWessels has been named this year's winner of the Forest50. This prestigious list ranks the 50 largest construction companies in the Netherlands on the degree of use of sustainable wood and communication about the importance of responsible forest management. Slokker Bouwgroep and Heijmans complete the top three. The ranking has been published by FSC Netherlands since 2015; the presentation took place yesterday evening during a festive evening at the Wildlife Film Festival in Rotterdam.
Forest50 ranking list
FSC Netherlands' Forest50 is based on the Cobouw50 and ranks the 50 largest construction companies in the Netherlands on their contribution to responsible forest management. This year for the ninth time already. Thanks to the Forest50, clients can choose those construction companies that demonstrably perform well with regard to the purchase and application of sustainable wood. The ranking gives an impulse to more transparency about the use of wood from responsibly managed forests.
Climate profit and circular
The use of sustainable wood is one of the most effective opportunities for the construction industry to address the climate challenge. Whereas the production of most building materials is energy-intensive, and involves high CO2 emissions, sustainably managed forest actually sequesters CO2. Moreover, as a renewable resource, wood is the circular building material of choice. In cooperation with a group of frontrunners in the construction industry, including the companies mentioned above, FSC Netherlands tries to promote these qualities of wood use in construction and stimulate innovations.
Wyke Smit, director of FSC Netherlands, said, “It was again a true pleasure to congratulate the frontrunners of the Forest50 in this fitting setting, the Wildlife Film Festival. After all, by using certified wood they show themselves to be true forest and wildlife protectors. We think it is important to put these construction companies in the spotlight because they set a good example within the construction industry, and in doing so also inspire their clients and suppliers.”
Wim Sturris, managing director De Groot Vroomshoop, timber builder for VolkerWessels: “Our craftsmanship and sustainable forest management make wood come alive! VolkerWessels is proud to be recognized as winner of the FSC Forest50, a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable and emission-free future, in which timber construction plays a crucial role. Together we are creating a greener world.”