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With the commissioning of an all-electric mobile crane, tree lifting company Weijtmans is once again making an act to be environmentally friendly. But it is not only that. It is also yet another action by Kees Weijtmans to emphatically state that the time for talking about environmental care is now over. It is the time of doing.
The electric crane chosen by Boomrooierij Weijtmans is a Doosan DX165W supplied by Staad. It is among the first two in the Netherlands. The investment was supported by a subsidy from the Demonstration of Climate Technology and Innovations in Transport (DKTI) fund and stems from the national initiative "The Construction Site of Tomorrow." For Boomrooij Weijtmans, it is another important step toward even more environmentally friendly business practices. "Emission-free work will become the standard," Kees Weijtmans, director of Boomrooij Weijtmans, is convinced.
"We are happy to take the lead in this," continued Weijtmans. "Even though we notice that the Netherlands is not quite ready for this yet." Now boomrooij Weijtmans also had to take a few bumps in the road itself before it was ready. For example, the capacity of the electricity network had to be expanded and the transformer house on the company premises had to be upgraded to 3×250 amps. "Sustainable business goes hand in hand with long-term thinking. Those who realize this also find the motivation to take those bumps."
Sustainability is deeply rooted in the DNA of tree harvester Weijtmans. This makes the purchase of the Doosan DX165W a logical step within the framework of the CO2-reduction. This same sustainability is expressed in the working methods of the (inter)national player in the tree sector. Tree felling, tree care, project-based forest and tree management and timber trading occupy a leading position in this. Weijtmans: "We look at the big picture and what is striking is the direct result. Now that we start working electrically, the environmental impact decreases immediately. In addition, an electric crane causes considerably less inconvenience to local residents or, for example, a vulnerable nature reserve."
In particular, the reduced nuisance is of great benefit to estate and forest owners, especially if the tree harvesting is active here for several days in a row. Noise pollution is now kept to a minimum. "Originally, we are tree harvesters, but our expertise and services extend to tree management in landscapes, parks, forests and natural areas. We formulate a recommendation for this together with various disciplines and then take care of the implementation. The owner has nothing to worry about. From this position, we can also actively contribute to the preservation of healthy trees and the vitality of our forests. Similar projects are already underway in Eindhoven, Tilburg and Nissewaard."
With the deployment of the electric crane, Weijtmans fits in seamlessly with the policy of municipalities and cities, which are becoming increasingly critical when choosing their suppliers, taking the emissions of their equipment into account. Weijtmans is therefore confident that the purchase of the Doosan DX165W will have a positive effect on the long-term contracts now in place with various municipalities in the Netherlands. "Let this also be an advice to entrepreneurs who are still hesitating about electrifying their equipment. In the end, it brings benefits."
Kees Weijtmans: 'Sustainability goes hand in hand with long-term thinking'
For Boomrooierij Weijtmans, the purchase of the electric crane is a first big step. The next step is the installation of some 4,700 solar panels, which will provide the energy for the electrical equipment. And the processing of the cleared wood according to the Cradle2Cradle principle - as has been applied within the tree felling company for years - is also a well-considered choice. By definition, a sustainable new application is sought for all uprooted wood, such as construction materials, furniture or pallet wood. The higher quality the new destination, the better.
Weijtmans notices that sustainability is an issue for more and more entrepreneurs. He also observes that new, technical possibilities for sustainability are rapidly presenting themselves. "Now it's a matter of decisiveness. Entrepreneurs can make the difference. They are in a position to make an important contribution to a sustainable, emission-free future together. The time for talking is over. Let's just do it."
