Sustainability
At Smulders, innovation and technology are at the top of the priority list. For many years, we have been a leader in the world of steel structures, also in the offshore wind sector. Our mission? Building a sustainable future. For our company and the world.
We are a sustainable, down-to-earth family. Driven to accelerate the energy transition. How is this reflected? Through safe and environmentally conscious production practices, emphasising comprehensive sustainability. We focus on precise CO2 management, utilising 100% green and locally produced electricity, alongside community initiatives. In the meantime, we have become SDG Ambassador within the Voka Sustainable Business Charter. Sustainability is integral to our ethos, with every employee actively contributing to these efforts.
Ethics
At both Eiffage and Smulders, business ethics and regulatory compliance are of paramount importance. Additionally, leading by example is a core value of the Group. In response to the growing national and European regulations concerning anti-corruption and vigilance duties, Eiffage has implemented a compliance system. This system is founded on the following key components:
- A Code of Conduct that outlines ethical behaviour guidelines.
- A training program for the most involved employees, such as managers or those with direct commercial relationships with customers.
- A whistleblower hotline available to all Smulders employees and stakeholders (including co-contractors, subcontractors, and their personnel) which allows them to report responsibly and in good faith, without any financial incentive, about:
- any situation contrary to the Code of Conduct or the values of Eiffage and Smulders (e.g. corruption or influence peddling)
- information about a crime or offence, a breach or attempted concealment of a breach of a national, European or international obligation
- a threat or harm to the public interest or "duty of care" (human rights & fundamental freedoms, health & safety, environment)
A sustainable partner
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are at the heart of our projects. Additionally, we continue to build on our tradition of local presence and employee engagement.
All our commitments to quality, safety, environment and sustainability are summarised in our Management System Policy. The entire senior management regularly reviews and endorses the policy. Our Code of Conduct covers all topics around ethical business practices.
CO2-Performance Ladder
To understand our CO₂ emissions, we use the CO₂ Performance Ladder: a tool that provides a structured approach to reduce CO₂ emissions.
In the industrial sector, there is still much progress to be made in the areas of energy saving, the efficient use of materials and renewable energy. The same applies to Smulders. By taking practical measures, working on innovations and sharing knowledge, both within the organisation and in the sector, we achieve substantial CO₂ reductions in an efficient way.
It is important to achieve substantial CO₂ reduction in an efficient way, with all our stakeholders.
Objectives
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals of the United Nations Global Compact that must be achieved by 2030. Like Eiffage, at Smulders we use it as a critical reflection framework, to proactively integrate sustainability into our policies.
We realise actions around the SDGs in cooperation with Voka. For all 17 goals, we have implemented actions and we continue to be certified. Moreover, we received the UNITAR certificate from the United Nations in October 2020. Building a sustainable future together!
Smulders Sports for Charity
In April 2023, we proudly introduced the Smulders Sports For Charity app, a digital platform that turns our colleagues' fitness journeys into impactful sponsorship opportunities. The more we work out, the faster we complete the course. The further we get, the bigger the sum we donate to charity. The proceeds of the first edition were donated to the Polish Red Cross. This year, we played sports for Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships operates two large private hospital ships, sailing to countries where people do not have access to safe, timely and affordable medical and surgical care. They provide medical aid to the poorest in Africa and provide training and guidance to local health workers. They also help improve healthcare infrastructure.
Drone Inspection
We leverage drones and artificial intelligence to inspect our offshore wind structures, including Transition Pieces. This advanced inspection method offers numerous benefits:
- Defects are automatically detected in drone-captured images by means of AI.
- Reports are automatically generated.
- Inspection time is reduced.
- The energy required for an inspection is reduced.
- The use of rolling equipment is being phased out (e.g. 28m diesel AWP).
- The quality of inspection is improved (with better coverage of images across the structure and human error minimised).
- Increased efficiency to interpret images from the inspection campaign and detect potential damages.
Sustainable procurement policy
We aim to work with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability. We recently drafted a 'Sustainable Procurement Policy' with the following action points:
- 100% sustainable energy
- Commodities
- Supply chain
- Transport and Installation
- Packaging and waste
Our priority is purchasing goods, especially steel and paint. We also focus on transport, especially downstream transport. For scope 3 emissions, we focus on waste and packaging. We want to reduce packaging and seek high-quality waste treatment methods aimed at the top of the 7R ladder.
Aid for Turkey and Syria
Smulders' colleagues were encouraged to support one of the recognised charities. In total, this raised €10,000. Instead of doubling the amount, Smulders' management decided to donate €30,000. In addition, every colleague in Arendonk was treated to a typical Turkish sesame roll: simit. For each employee, Smulders deposited €5 to AHBAP.
Help for Ukraine
In recent years, we have undertaken several actions to help the people of Ukraine:
- Special UA support budget for Ukrainian colleagues through Smulders Projects Poland
- A special team was appointed to provide a permanent hotline for legal assistance, transportation of refugees, not limited to their own employees, housing, charitable gifts and, finally, financial assistance to supplement both their own transportation and shelter.
- Organisation of bus transports
- Organisation of fundraising events
- Financial support to schools hosting Ukrainian children
Safe Water Rwanda
Smulders sponsors the Safe Water project in Rwanda. The Safe Water in Rwanda project aims to ensure access to clean and safe water for communities by identifying and restoring wells. However, it does not stop at just access to water; it also has a commitment to the long-term well-being of people and the planet. Ongoing maintenance and hygienic training enable healthier lives, reduce time spent on water purification, lower wood fuel costs and reduce pressure on local ecosystems.
Bike Lease
In 2018, we introduced a bike-lease plan whereby employees can lease a bicycle (electric or other). That way, they are encouraged to cycle to work (more).
Every year we record an increase in the number of employees coming to work by bike. In 2023 we cycled 460,363 km to and from any of the Belgian sites. In this way, we saved 83 tonnes of CO2.
Electric fleet
Since 01 January 2022, we buy only full electric and true hybrid cars. However, hybrids are the exception. The target is that at least 90% of the cars purchased for passenger transport will be full electric.
In 2022, 22 double charging poles were installed in our car parks in Arendonk. More than 120 charging points will be added at all Belgian sites. In the coming years, our fleet will be gradually converted to full electric.
Energy monitoring system
Our Energy Monitoring System (EMS) offers insights into the consumption and performance of various installations, allowing for the rapid development of a savings plan aimed at reducing standby consumption, among other benefits. Thanks to automation in various areas, we save ± €300,000 in energy every year.
Automation of:
- Lighting
- Replacing filters
- Welding robot
- Pressure gauges
- Compressor control
- Monitoring mobile welding equipment
- Extraction of new spraying hall
- Automation of new blasting cabinets
International Cooperation
We are actively involved with three organisations: SteelZero, the Powering Net Zero Pact, and the Offshore Wind Foundation Alliance. Through these partnerships, we contribute by drafting policies, setting objectives, and sharing expertise within working groups.
SteelZero, in particular, is dedicated to promoting low-carbon steel production. Powering Net Zero Pact was initiated by SSE and aims to create a net-zero, sustainable energy sector. The Offshore Wind Foundation Alliance has a broader scope and represents the general interests of the offshore wind foundation industry in Europe. One of those interests is, of course, promoting a sustainable offshore wind sector.
Planting trees
Trees are vital to our health, biodiversity and the climate. Every year, we contribute to this cause by planting trees and shrubs in nature reserves. In 2022, Smulders employees, in partnership with Natuurpunt, planted 333 tree saplings, expected to absorb 233 tonnes of CO2 over 55 years, or 4.24 tonnes annually. In 2023, our efforts expanded to planting 1,000 trees and shrubs in the Ham nature reserve. Our next initiative is already scheduled for autumn 2024 in Kontich.
Eager to find out about the initiatives we undertake at Smulders and the certificates we received?
