July 2015 - Antea Group

Antea Group
magazine no. 1
July 2015
For every problem,
there is already a solution
Master Class
on innovation
with Rob Adams
Into the heathland
Wandering the
Dwingelderveld
Onweer 3.0
Lightning-fast
thunderstorm detection
New times,
New solutions
This is our time, our world. A world in which change is happening at an everaccelerating rate. A world in which we can exist only if we continue to adapt
and to reflect on what is happening around us.
What can we do about extreme weather? How can we make cities more efficient?
How do we manage traffic? How can we make our society more sustainable?
And how can we use IT to improve our understanding of the world?
In this magazine we present the world through the eyes of Antea Group.
We propose ideas for how your organization can innovate more quickly.
We discuss innovations that deliver real results. We discuss the work of our
engineers: how they use their ingenuity and inventiveness to develop new
solutions.
This magazine is also about you, the customer. Because in today’s world you
cannot innovate alone. We depend on one another for the next step.
Innovation
From investing to saving,
from new idea to results
Antea Group
www.anteagroup.nl
Understanding today.
Improving tomorrow.
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antea group magazine -
contents
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35
22
CONTENTS
5
Announcement from the Board
6CSR
7News briefs
9In the spotlight
10 In pictures
12Master class Rob Adams
17Supplement
22Project report
24Background
27 Along the yardstick
on the COVER
28Trend & development
30How does it work? Dike stabilizer
32News briefs
12
22
Master class
33International collaboration
Innovating thanks
to the snack bar
34 A month in tweets
Project report
Dwingelderveld
Macro project with micro solutions
35Pitchstop 360
Production details
Antea Group Magazine is a publication
for Antea Group's business partners.
Produced by the PR&C Team.
35
Onweer 3.0
Lightning-fast
thunderstorm
detection
Copies printed: 12,000
Contact info for editorial staff:
phone +31 (0)513 63 45 67
E-mail [email protected]
klimaatneutraal
natureOffice.com | NL-215-528814
gedrukt
antea group magazine - Announcement
5
from the Board
Executive Board
Rob van Dongen and Menno Smits
Innovation is a prerequisite for a futureproof
organization. Entertaining the illusion that
things are fine the way they are is not an
option. We live in a time when the services and
products we’ll be working with five years from
today have not even been developed yet. In
addition, new revenue models, a different risk
perception and the development of information
technology have a tremendous impact - on
both you, the customer, and on us.
“Doing things differently” means focusing
even more on innovation and the cutting
edge. In recent years, we’ve contributed to the
development of new, successful concepts with
the Dike Stabilizer, Open Line ESP and tidal
energy. But, in the years to come, we want to get
more out of the innovative capabilities and talent
within our organization.
Doing things
differently!
With more than 16,000 projects, 8.3 million euros in
profit and 186 million euros in sales, Antea Group has
had an excellent year. We succeeded in improving our
returns for the fourth year in a row. That’s great news.
At the same time, we realize that our returns are no guarantee for the future. While in recent years our focus was
on our processes and continuous improvements,
the time has now come to take things a step further.
In other words, we plan to continue improving what
already exists while introducing genuine change.
This is easier said than done. To innovate, you
need to step outside your comfort zone, stray
off the beaten path and dare to experiment.
You cannot hide behind limiting beliefs, but
must genuinely do things differently, so that
customers do not simply keep getting what
they’ve already been getting. We feel it is
important that our people are given and take
advantage of opportunities. A youth organization
can play an important role in this, filled with
young talented individuals who explore and
embrace concepts like crowdfunding and
gamification with an open mind.
“Doing things differently” definitely applies
to those sitting at the table with you. After
all, how can we continue to offer you, our
customer, added value? We are going to
involve you more emphatically in our services.
What can be improved and does our range of
products and services still meet your needs?
“Doing things differently” also applies to crossborder work. Our international project portfolio
is growing. But working internationally requires
not only expertise and relevant knowledge,
but also competencies like language skills and
international business skills. We also continue
to take steps in these areas.
Finally, “doing things differently” means daring
to stand out. An engineering firm that uses radio
commercials to raise its profile, and that of the
wider industry? We admit, it’s not the usual
approach. But it gets people talking and prompts
feedback from customers and industry peers.
This confirms the path we have embarked on
together: focus on what you’re good at today.
Whether it involves a minor improvement or a
clever innovation, keep thinking about how it can
be done differently tomorrow.
Rob van Dongen and Menno Smits
6
antea group magazine - CSR
Huizen town council
gets more out of
sustainable management
As a “Millennium Municipality”, Huizen is putting a lot of work into
sustainability. But how can even greater gains be achieved? What
opportunities for sustainability are there, especially in terms of waste/
street litter, green space management and cleaning? Antea Group's
Public Space Management consultants set out to find the answer.
And found it!
Antea Group took stock of all current initiatives
of the Neighborhood Management &
Service team, which focuses on the daily
management of public greenery and,
consequently, works towards achieving a
sustainable municipality. Antea Group also
identified additional opportunities to render
the management of public spaces more
sustainable. This involved reviewing the
ambitions set in the environmental program,
departmental plans, the town council
coalition agreement, and other documents.
And the result? A valuable “blueprint” with
the current situation and all smart options
available for even more (sustainability)
gains in public space management. The
review provides direction to Huizen's
sustainable future, with a focus on the
environment, people and society.
We did it! Automobile = key
CO₂ emissions
further reduced
Our CO2 emissions decreased once
to a sustainable
future
again in 2014 by 3.2% per FTE. This
puts us well on track for our overall
The Smart Grid in Balance project is achieving a globally uniquelink
reduction goal: our aim for 2015 is
between changing supply of sustainable energy and demand for
to cut CO₂ emissions by 25% per FTE
sustainable energy to charge electric vehicles. Antea Group is one of the
compared to the reference year of 2009.
project partners. The first promising results were presented in June.
Our annual carbon footprint makes our
progress more visible.
The footprint for 2014 shows, among other
things, that our natural gas consumption
dropped by 46.3%. This was due to a reduction
in the number of buildings, the thermal
energy storage system in our new office in
Oosterhout and a mild winter. The consumption
level of central district heating and propane
also decreased considerably. The number of
passenger kilometers per airplane rose, while
the number of commuting kilometers with
company cars dropped. In terms of paper
consumption, we have also achieved good
results. A steady CO₂ reduction can be seen
overall, in keeping with our sustainability goals.
The production of sustainable energy
requires, for instance, sufficient wind and
sun. This results in supply peaks and valleys.
The project shows that electric vehicles
can counterbalance this by being charged
in a controlled manner. The storage of
sustainable energy in electric cars ensures
a net balance, with tremendous potential
cost savings. As “mobile batteries”, electric
cars facilitate the large-scale consumption
of sustainable energy.
This is an important result of Smart Grid
in Balance, a collaboration between
GreenFlux, Enexis, Renault Netherlands,
Wageningen UR, ICT Automatisering,
Sycada Green, ICU Charging Equipment,
Accenture and Antea Group. The
Netherlands is a global forerunner in
this regard. The Smart Grid in Balance
platform is the first that is open to all grid
managers, energy companies, charging
infrastructure providers and intelligent
charging stations. There is also an app for
drivers that shows them exactly which
(sustainable) energy source is used to
charge their car. The three cornerstones
of location, network and the use of our
primary target of Accessibility are thus
also devoted to achieving sustainability
goals. Want to learn more? See:
www.anteagroup.nl
antea group magazine -
7
news
Management &
Data
Unique
approach
Re-search
Geotechnical
risk management a
success
Together with a wide range of partners,
Antea
Group
has
developed
an
approach for combating geotechnical
failure during the construction of
underground projects. A risk-driven
approach makes it possible to avoid
a range of problems.
This approach was developed as part of the
Geo-Impuls program launched in 2009 at the
initiative of Rijkswaterstaat (Directorate-General
of Public Works and Water Management) and
the Centrum Ondergronds Bouwen (Center for
Underground Construction Work) to prevent
incidents and high costs during construction.
“Geotechnical failures usually occur due to
a lack of good risk management,” consultant
Gerard Wittenberg explains. “According to the
SBR knowledge platform, geotechnical failure
costs comprise up to 25% of total construction
costs. And, in many cases, they could have been
prevented.”
North-South Line
“Geotechnical risk management is not a standard
component of every project,” Wittenberg adds.
“There are plenty of examples of projects in
which geotechnical failures resulted in negative
consequences.” During the construction of the
North-South metro line in Amsterdam, buildings
sunk due to subsoil failure. And the construction
of a tram tunnel in The Hague had a negative
impact on infrastructure. The surrounding area
incurred damage because the risks were not
sufficiently considered beforehand. In addition
to higher construction costs, this also resulted
in reputational damage.
A risk-driven approach entails a thorough review
of risks prior to every phase. Antea Group
has successfully carried out risk assessments
for a wide range of projects. Wittenberg
continues, “From design to execution, data is
collected, risks are identified and categorized,
appropriate measures are taken and effects are
evaluated. The final step is to progress to the
next construction phase. In many cases, this
approach prevents unnecessary delays, damage
and higher costs.”
Benchmark study of
public space management in municipalities
The Management & Data business line performed a benchmark
study of public space management in municipalities. The aim
was to gain insight into how each municipality manages public
space, and to subsequently combine and share knowledge and
experiences. Project Manager Marc de Jong explains, “It involves
roads, greenery, sewers, playgrounds and lampposts. By comparing
approaches, municipalities can make their own management and
maintenance more efficient.”
“A total of 120 municipalities throughout the Netherlands, both big and small, were
scrutinized in order to gain a representative picture,” says De Jong. In addition to
insight, this benchmark study was also aimed at raising awareness. Roads and sewer
systems in the Netherlands have become quite outdated. “Nearly 25% of roads
were built before 1970,” De Jong continues. “Not every town council is aware of the
consequences if maintenance does not take place or systems are not replaced in a
timely fashion.”
Nationwide
The benchmark study was launched last year. The results from the 120 participating
municipalities are now known and feedback has been provided to participants.
Together with the CROW knowledge institute, a national benchmark method is
currently being developed.
A few facts:
• €0.23 of every euro in the municipal budget goes to outdoor spaces.
• The participating municipalities spend €225 per resident on the maintenance
of greenery, roads, sewer systems, lighting and street cleaning.
• 7.4 is the nationwide rating given by residents
for outdoor spaces.
Participants
Legend
Benchmark 2014 participant
Survey participant
Benchmark 2013 participant
Reference municipality
No data
Age distribution of the Netherlands'
roads weighted average
n=36
Built before
1950 7%
Unknown 10%
Built between
1950-1970 17%
Built after
1990 31%
Built between
1970-1980 16%
Built between
1980-1990 19%
8
antea group magazine -
news
Spatial Planning
Bike
paths
Major
innovative and
international
steps taken in
2014
In 2014, Antea Group published an
international annual report for the
second time. As a group, we have
strengthened our unity and have
grown closer together. Our joint
efforts have generated profit in
the millions, with total sales of 368
million euros.
We have taken on more bilateral projects,
which has been our focus. Knowledge sharing
and a focus on competencies that can also be
of added value across the border set the tone
in 2014. We have also progressed considerably
as a group in terms of innovation, with 80%
of our innovations originating on the project
level. The entrepreneurship in our DNA
enables us to also establish collaborations
across borders.
Fifteen bike
paths from
A to Z
Along the dikes, across the dunes and
over the peat bogs. The Province of South
Holland now boasts fifteen new bike paths.
Since 2008, Antea Group carried out all plan
development activities, from the design to
the permits and from the land purchase to
the tendering process. The final paths are
almost completed.
We are active in four sectors: environment,
water, urban planning and infrastructure. In
the area of the environment, our knowledge
and experience have created greater balance
and resulted in a good track record. Within
the infrastructure sector, we have seized
opportunities to take on large-scale projects.
The most significant growth is taking place in
the water sector by taking on more projects
jointly and, with our urban planning activities,
we are increasingly more adept at responding
to trends on the global level.
More information can be found in our 2014
international annual report, which you can
find on our website
www.anteagroup.com
antea group magazine -
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Professionals in the...
spotlight!
Our Truly Clever employees give us good reason to be proud. Various Antea Group coworkers and
projects have earned awards recently. We are extremely proud of this fact, which is why we want
to put them in the spotlight as part of our “Truly Clever” job market campaign. Young technical
professionals deserve an opportunity to shine.
Antea Group wins 2015
Architecture Award
Out of twelve nominees, the railway station square in Weert,
designed by a team led by Antea Group's Joop Schaghen, was
awarded the Weert/Nederweert Architecture Award. The jury
awarded this prize due the “consistent approach to this highly
complex task”. The square underwent an extensive facelift.
The jury praised the design, use of colors and materials and
integration of functions. A unique aspect of the project was that
the participation of residents and business professionals played
an important role in the design process.
Nomination for handbook
on construction within
safety zones
Construction along roads, waterways and railroad tracks across
which hazardous materials are transported is quite complicated,
both technically and in terms of procedures. On behalf of the
Laboratory for External Safety (LEV), Susan Eggink-Eilander
wrote a handbook for permit-issuing authorities, plan reviewers
and supervisors. This document contains guidelines on how to
build safely in these types of zones. The handbook was very well
received and nominated for the SBR Innovation Award.
Solar boat wins sprint
The VHL-Nordwin team won the short distance
sprint at the Eneco Solar Challenge in Akkrum
with a new boat. But due to technical troubles, the team
unfortunately was unable to compete in the general
classification. Two weeks later, this solar boat once again
enjoyed the spotlight, when the team finished second during
the HANds-up Solar Boat Festival. Antea Group sponsors VHLNordwin's solar boat.
POWERED BY:
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antea group magazine -
in pictures
Dean Days:
two days exploring the
universe of Best Value
Antea Group designated June 4 and 5 “Dean Days”, a two-day journey through the world of
Best Value. Founder Dean Kashiwagi guided the attendees through this universe, which
revolves around the expert and his expertise.
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Best Value works: for achieving project goals, minimizing
project risks and generating more quality. Leadership can also
benefit from Best Value. “Leaders add more value by utilizing
experts.” And, according to Kashiwagi, this is reason enough
for managers to make themselves available. Not as an expert
personally, but as one who looks, finds and unleashes
expertise. This lets you get the most out of companies.
It was an inspiring experience, with master classes, workshops
and presentations. And fully in the spirit of Best Value:
transparent, concise and clear.
Kashiwagi:
“Because if it is complex,
you’re not talking
to an expert”
Wan
to gi t
Best ve
Val
a try ue
?
Get more out of tenders? As the contracting
party or tenderer? Looking for a pure
Best Value approach? Antea Group has 12
Best Value-certified employees ready to support
you with all aspects of Best Value.
www.anteagroup.nl/bestvalue
12
antea group magazine -
MASTER CLASS
13
Interview with Rob Adams
Innovating
thanks to the
snack bar
How and where does innovation take place? What can you learn
from other industries and how do you make a new concept
a successful concept? Rob Adams, founder of the Six Fingers
innovation firm, believes in “cross-industry innovation”.
His recipe for innovation? Painstorming, thinking outside
the industry and fine-tuning through fast experimentation.
“Somebody, somewhere solved your
problem for different reasons, in different
circumstances” is written on the walls
of the Six Fingers office in Eindhoven in
shiny letters. This maxim repeats itself
throughout what has been Rob Adams’
firm belief for the past eight years: there
is already a solution to every problem.
Adams explains, “You just need to learn
to see it.”
From insurance companies to the funeral
business, large companies ask for your
vision of successful innovation. Where do
you start?
“The funnel-web spider, the most
poisonous spider in Australia. Small, but
deadly. This spider can pop up at any
time and any place: in your bathroom, in
your backyard, in your shoes. You need to
always be on your guard. The same is true
of business. You can have a successful
business model but, somewhere in the
world, a bullet will be produced sooner or
later that pierces your model right in the
heart. Large companies often think,
“That won’t happen to us; things won’t
get that bad.” But take the travel industry,
for instance. It has been marginalized
over a short period of time due to
digitalization. The same has happened
to department stores and video stores.
Name an industry or market that you
think is firmly in the saddle...
Energy suppliers perhaps?
Good example. Both people and
companies depend on energy suppliers,
right? But then Tesla introduced the
Powerwall home battery this spring. You
generate energy using solar panels and
store it in your own battery. Any company,
any household can become self-sufficient
as a result. The idea is still in its infancy,
but the technology is open source.
Anyone can use the patents to create
something useful. It is a concept that has
the potential to turn the market
upside down.”
14
antea group magazine -
master class
“Companies should do
less brainstorming and
more painstorming”
It may sound like large companies are
sitting still, but the innovation motor
is running at full speed there as well.
“You say innovation, but what
companies mostly do is improvement.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a very
real need to make existing models
more efficient and smarter. After all,
you need to earn a living today as well.
But making improvements alone is not
enough. Those who want to earn a
living tomorrow also need to focus on
the business of tomorrow. This means
thinking differently, looking differently,
daring to make mistakes. That is hard
enough in an environment that is often
oriented towards managing risks and
preventing failure.”
According to your theory, the dominant
logic stands in the way of innovation.
“Exactly. Our brains are used to
only seeing what they recognize. In
business, we often work based on
assumptions, saying things like “sure,
but our customers don’t want that,”
“we can’t earn money on that,” or
“there’s no market for it.” And when a
study or trend analysis comes out that
proves the opposite, we say it was a
poor study carried out by some nut.
What is also interesting is that many
innovation departments are assessed
by management. But managers are
trained to avoid risks, to safeguard
continuity. These are the people who,
when ‘wild ideas’ are pitched to them,
only see the obstacles. Consequence:
ideas with the fewest risks progress
to the next round. Result: suboptimal
products and services that do not let
you make a difference.”
So where does genuine
innovation start?
“It starts by delving into the world
of your customer. It may seem
completely obvious, but this is not
self-evident at many companies. On
the contrary, I often hear goals: we
want customers to be more loyal, to
improve customer satisfaction. But I
never hear what the actual problem
is. Why are customers not loyal? Why
are they not satisfied? Companies
should spend less time brainstorming
and more time ‘painstorming’. Your
sales organization plays an important
role in this: stay in dialog with your
customer, explore his world, look
for his pain. That is your point of
departure for innovation.”
An example of how it works?
“Take Wavin, the European market
leader in plastic pipe systems. They,
too, had a goal: we want a distinctive
sales strategy. They already had a
solution: offer customers a greater
variety of materials. We advised
them to first and foremost look
for their customers’ pain. After a
hundred interviews in five countries,
it turned out that the customer is
not at all interested in a greater
variety of materials. What they are
interested in are other issues, such as
the health care market group. They
had to contend with contaminated
groundwater because patients flush
so many medications down the
toilet. By tailoring their services to
this problem, Wavin managed to
make tremendous progress within
this sector.”
Once you know the problem, can you
apply benchmarking?
“You can learn a great deal by looking
beyond your own company, your
own industry. For every situation,
every problem, there are dozens of
solutions. Stop with benchmarking,
with spying on the competition. The
more you do this, the more you will
end up just like your competitors. It
is by applying concepts unfamiliar
in the industry that you can stand
out. As an insurance company,
you could very well learn from the
success of a snack bar chain. Or a
business bank can learn from the
principle of a television station. A
contractor who wants to improve
customer relationships? The Miele
approach may very well work. How?
By equipping your products with
maintenance services and systems.
Negative publicity about your
product? Have a look at the approach
taken by Domino’s Pizza. When two
employees were caught smearing
snot on the pizzas, sales figures
dropped. Domino’s managed to
turn this around using sophisticated
communication and even win a larger
market share.”
A ‘copy and paste’ concept is one
thing, but who says this can also be
successful within your industry?
“It demands pretotyping and
prototyping. First the cupcake, then
the wedding cake. And I don’t mean
months of research, but fast and
efficient testing. Preferably with a small
experiment that lets you introduce
your concept and then observe the
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effect. This way, you can experience
how people respond to your service
and can fine-tune it into a successful
new service.”
Testing out and studying a few concepts
costs time and fistfuls of money....
“Those who are creative, who really
delve into the world of their customers
and respond to it, will see the new
patterns within no time. I once
developed a concept for a famous
company, whose name I will not
mention. They were enthusiastic and
the marketing department wanted to
test it out immediately with a pricey
market study. I told them: There’s
an easier way. We fold paper into a
prototype, put on our coats and spend
the afternoon at the central railway
station. We show it to people and we’ll
soon know if it’s worthwhile. Man,
they didn’t know what to think: an
afternoon at the train station... That’s
just not done. Well, marketers are
lazy... they should spend more time
outdoors. That’s where things happen,
not on your laptop.”
We’ve talked about the business
world, but what about innovation
within the government...?
“Governments don’t have to be on the
alert as much when it comes to their
business case. Yet they still have much
to gain, such as relevance. The concept
of pretotyping and prototyping is an
interesting one for governments. Is the
construction of a freeway the solution,
is a new ice skating rink what people
really want? I was in Oklahoma City
recently. A revitalization program has
been going on there for the last two
decades: Metropolitan Area Projects
Plan (MAPS). Every few years, the
people vote on a package of large-scale
projects: a basketball stadium, a rowing
course, conversion of dilapidated
warehouses. These projects are
financed through a temporary tax of
1 cent per dollar. The people decide
what is done with the money. It works:
you get projects that are supported
by most of the community, that are of
interest to investors. And the result?
The population of Oklahoma City grew
in twenty years’ time from 400,000 to
more than 600,000. Oklahoma is even
the state with the most start-ups, more
than in California.”
You started with the funnel-web
spider. What animal would you like to
end with?
“The mimic octopus. An example of
how you can move successfully as
a company today. Versatile, clever:
an animal that quickly adapts to
its environment, whether facing
an opportunity or a threat. Every
company needs a little mimic octopus
in it to survive.”
“Stop benchmarking,
with spying on the
competition.
As an insurance company, you can
learn a lot more from a successful
snack bar chain than you may think.”
About
Rob Adams
Rob Adams, 49, is the founder of
the Six Fingers innovation firm.
Six Fingers specializes in
developing and implementing
distinctive strategies. Adams
also writes books and speaks at
seminars. In 2010, he published his
book “Ga Vreemd! En onderscheid
je door branchevreemd te
innoveren”. The book “No Eg0”
was published last year and, at the
end of this year, his fourth book,
“Vs.”, which is about improvement
vs. innovation, will be out.
www.sixfingers.nl
The BIG picture!
R
Opportunities, obligations and desires. Sensible construction and management: building owners want time and
money spent as optimally as possible, pursuing sustainability goals with a focus on energy and the surrounding area.
But that’s no small task and we can imagine it is not easy to maintain a good overview. So what is worth doing and
what is not? What, for example, is the benefit of an Energy Charter? And what about legislation and regulations?
This is where we come in, with the BIGR picture. What this entails exactly will be revealed in September. At any rate, all
those involved in construction and management will be invited to brainstorm with us in order to get a handle on things.
“A matter of THINKING BIG,
ACTING decisively:
BIGR, in other words”
Campaign
starts
in September
2015
antea group magazine -
17
supplement
Innovation
Staying one step
ahead of the world
What exactly is innovation? An earth-shattering innovation based
on deep-rooted knowledge and years of research? Or is a small
improvement that also falls under the “innovation” heading acceptable?
For us, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. It’s important to stay
one step ahead of the world with solutions that immediately make a
difference. How? By looking at a problem from a different angle,
by being open to changes in your surroundings. This magazine
shows that our engineers are not only able to innovate quickly, but
that their solutions actually pay off.
18
antea group magazine -
supplement
Nipping a fire in the bud
“With fire, it’s all about time. The
more time between when a fire
starts and when it’s extinguished,
the more chance the fire has to
spread. This is a problem in large
storage spaces. How can you make
a 40,000m2 hall fire-resistant? That
was the challenge. My coworker
Henk-Jan Schuurman and I came
up with the idea to use extremely
sensitive thermal imaging cameras.
Not only are they more effective
and a lot less costly than installing
extensive sprinkler systems, they’re
innovative. This can be the perfect
solution for lots of companies.”
Any fire can be extinguished with a glass of water -provided
you get to it in time. Everybody knows this, but it is often
not applicable in practice, and definitely not with fires
in large warehouses. Until Fire Safety Engineer Albert
Werkman developed a concept that lets you nip these fires
in the bud.
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Energy label for optimum pumping
The Netherlands, land of polder pumping stations. Home
to thousands of large and small pumping stations that
together consume a great deal of energy. Much energy
can be saved here. But how do you determine where this
is possible? Project Manager Klaas de Haan set out to find
the answer.
“When is a pumping station's energy
consumption truly optimal? This is
a puzzle we hoped to solve. Motor
efficiency, transmission loss, pump
efficiency and peripheral equipment:
there are numerous factors that
determine energy consumption and,
consequently, CO2 emissions. The experts
from Antea Group collected business
data from the pumping stations and
developed a calculation method that
enabled us to objectively compare thirty
pumping stations and award them an
energy label. It turned out that nearly all
pumping stations examined could operate
more efficiently. The three water boards
involved were very surprised and clearly
understand the potential and possibilities
of this label. And the other water boards
in the Netherlands? They will probably
also come around in the end.”
20
antea group magazine -
supplement
Nano coating,
a spotless solution
“We developed the Antea Group
fish lock five years ago, one that can
be used for more applications, is
more efficient and more affordable
than other fish locks. A problem we
encountered with making it possible for
fish to pass through pumping stations
in the sea was algae formation on the
parts. This obstructed the functioning
of the lock. Cleaning is possible, but
expensive. Together with a company
specializing in nanotechnology
(GreenPower Nano), we developed a
coating that would keep surfaces like
stone, metal and plastic spotlessly
clean. The idea was initially developed
for the fish lock, but the coating can
also be used for other purposes.
Such as to prevent graffiti on stone or
prevent moss from forming on solar
panels. Even your car can be coated: for
only 200 euros, you will never have to
go to a car wash ever again! We have a
partnership with the manufacturer and
together offer all the different possible
applications.”
What started with the development of a fish passage
has grown into a concept that lets you keep stone, metal
and plastic spotlessly clean. Project manager Jasper
Bergsma knows all there is to know about this new
phenomenon: Nano coating.
21
Waste app detects
full container
The use of public waste containers is not always efficient
everywhere. In the cities of Nijmegen and Breda, it turned
out that gains could be made here. Consultants Marijke
Embregts and Mark van den Kieboom set to work finding
out how.
Mark explains, “In Breda, waste
containers were allocated randomly
for many years. And all of those
containers needed to be maintained.
So we developed an app that lets
employees keep track of how
intensively the containers are used
and where additional or fewer ones
are needed. This makes the waste
containers more efficient and better
tailored to users.”
Marijke says, “In Nijmegen, we have
taken this a step further. We also
involve the surrounding area in
tackling persistent dumping locations.
We closely examine the inner
workings of the neighborhood and by
communicating in a targeted manner
per neighborhood and target group,
we aim to motivate the residents of
Nijmegen to keep their city clean.”
22
antea group magazine -
project report
Reviving
Dwingelderveld:
Macro project with
micro solutions
Quiet and space. Purple blooming heath flowers. The largest wet heathland area in Western
Europe is located in Drenthe and is called the Dwingelderveld National Park. A large-scale
redevelopment project was needed to revive a large dried-out and overfertilized section of
the park. Arjan Bakker and René Verhagen talk about the project.
Three artists created a series of paintings in
connection with this project. Antea Group bought the
painting: “Tegenlicht op het Dwingelderveld”
(Dwingelderveld Against the Sun) by Gerard van der
Weerd, Elvira Dik and Gijs Kos.
A wonderful keepsake of a successful project.
23
Farming land transformed into
heathland
Until a few years ago, there was still
a farming enclave of a hundred and
eighty hectares in Dwingelderveld. This
farming area had a negative impact
on the surrounding nature due to low
water levels and fertilized soil. After
the last farmers left the enclave, DLG/
Prolander, working on behalf of the
management committee, involved
Antea Group in helping them revive the
area. Most of the former farming area
was excavated first, after which the
water level rose. Ditches and channels
in the heathland were filled in and
the soil structure restored. Footpaths,
bike paths and wheelchair paths were
constructed and a noise barrier with
viewpoint created.
Saving vipers and avoiding
ants’ nests
“It goes without saying that such a major
project in the heart of a vulnerable
area of natural beauty is challenging,”
René Verhagen explains.“It demands
ecological micro measures within a
macro project. Before excavating the
area, we examined the ecological
situation in every section and developed
an ecological working protocol. We
painstakingly tailored the schedule
and routing to the flora and fauna in
the area. Whenever necessary, our
ecologist was on site during the work to
provide instruction. As a result, barely
any plants or animals needed to be
relocated. During the work, a few vipers
were saved and the contractor avoided
a number of ants’ nests. These kinds of
things are all part of working in nature.”
Keeping everything under
control
“What also made this project so complex
was the large number of parties involved,
including the Forestry Commission,
Society for the Preservation of Nature
in the Netherlands, Reest and Wieden
water board, Province of Drenthe,
DLG/Prolander and the coordinating
management committee,” says Arjan
Bakker. “There were also a number of
concerned parties who objected to the
work. We provided legal advice for that
purpose. We also took care of applying
for subsidies under the European LIFE
and POP schemes. An important success
factor for this project is the fact that
Antea Group has all of the necessary
expertise in-house. Our hydrologists,
ecologists, legal advisers, natural
resources and cultural technicians
and soil and permit specialists worked
closely together with the other parties.
Together they came up with solutions
and, in the process, made sure we all
kept our sights on the project goals.
This ensured a smooth process and kept
everything under control.”
Heathland up to the highway
Peace and quiet in nature is not only
important for the birds, but also for
other animals. The A28 highway,
however, borders the Dwingelderveld
National Park. A noise barrier is the
best solution of course, but a straight
wall is not exactly attractive. A competition resulted in a unique design, with
a winding, slightly sloping noise barrier
that fits in with the environment. It
is as if the heathland continues right
up to the asphalt. The project also
included this noise barrier. The more
than 700,000m3 of excavated soil from
Dwingelderveld was incorporated into
the embankment. The soil survey this
required was carried out by Antea
Group in an innovative manner. “That
saved our customers lots of time-consuming procedures. It was a bit of a
challenge, of course, to figure out how
the heather would take root on the
embankment, but we succeeded in the
end,” says René Verhagen enthusiastically. “The heather is already beginning
Brooding
common crane
René Verhagen explains,
“Maybe it was because the
area became less accessible to
recreational traffic, making
it quieter than ever before...
But, right before our work
was to start, a common
crane decided to brood close
to our work area. This was
very unusual because this
is only the second brooding site in the Netherlands.
Obviously, the work was
postponed temporarily so
that the crane could hatch
her offspring undisturbed.”
to grow. Just imagine what it will all
look like soon in blossom. You’ll be
driving down the A28 through a purple
heathland, a fabulous calling card for
the Dwingelderveld!”
No reason to hurry
Four years of hard work has resulted in
a beautiful natural environment. The
excavators and workmen have since
disappeared. Peace and quiet reigns. Bell
heather, ling and common heath grass
have started to grow on the excavated
fields. The area is nice and wet, which
is also clear from the natterjack toads
who have shown up in the area. Nature
takes time and is not in a hurry. The
Dwingelderveld is once again the home of
plants and animals. And for us to relax and
enjoy nature, either on foot or on a bike.
“Antea Group can be proud of this gem it has given
All of the parties look back on the project with
back to Drenthe together with all other parties
extreme satisfaction. This is also evident from the
involved. We are more than satisfied with the
art book “Verbinding Verbeeld” that we developed to
redevelopment of the Dwingelderveld National Park.
commemorate this project. It is a poetic rendition of
In addition to a beautiful natural environment for
the project in poems, paintings, pictures and stories
recreation and tourism, it also serves as a buffer
from people from the surrounding area.”
because it retains rain water after major rainfall. This
protects low-lying areas like the town of Meppel from
flooding.
Client quote:
Willem Urlings
Want a chance to win this book? Antea Group is raffling off 30 copies
among those who complete the readers’ survey. See page 34.
24
antea group magazine -
customer interview
From office greenhouse to Urban Greener
The Floriade
green
model city
for the
world
Breeding ground, laboratory and innovation platform: In
2022, Almere will be the setting of the Floriade international
exhibition, an event that is to generate new concepts around
the themes of urbanization and climate change. The opening
is seven years from now, but preparations are already in full
swing. Antea Group Magazine took a peak behind the scenes.
“Town and country must be married.
And out of this joyous union will spring a new hope,
a new life, a new civilization”
Ebenezer Howard, British Sociologist
25
The last edition of Floriade was in
2012 in Venlo. Almere will be hosting
the 2022 edition. The Municipality
of Almere, Province of Flevoland,
agro-food and horticulture sector and
dozens of other parties are already
working hard on the “green” themes.
As a neighbor to Floriade in Almere,
Antea Group is fully involved in this
testing ground. Together with the other
partners, Antea Group forms part of
the board of the Friends of Floriade
foundation. This foundation serves the
business community and focuses on
collaboration, support and employment.
Antea Group is also developing a range
of ideas and concepts in keeping with
Floriade themes and preparing the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Fluorescent plants and foodgrowing refrigerators
The grounds of Floriade are converted
into a green model city that is entirely
self-sufficient. It has its own ecosystem,
produces its own electricity and processes
its own waste. This makes the
grounds of Floriade a living laboratory
where new technologies for energy,
water, waste, food and mobility are
continuously studied and applied.
Examples of innovative techniques
found at Floriade in Almere
include:
• Food-growing refrigerators
• Biodegradable concrete
• Edible algae
• Urban fields
• Water-retaining roofs and facades
• City lighting using fluorescent plants,
insects and microbes
• Food forest
• Waste-free city
• Office greenhouses
• UpCycle Center
Meeting place in former
diving school
The Floriade pavilion is a meeting
place for the business community, the
home base for the Floriade organizing
company and an information point for
residents. This building, located along
the Weerwater in Almere, is a former
diving school. It was bought by the
Municipality of Almere and is run by
the Friends of Floriade foundation. The
Province of Flevoland has created an
innovation workplace in the pavilion,
where companies can present their
latest inventions. Fortunately, we don’t
have to wait until 2022 for this fresh
new breeding ground for innovations
and ideas, since the Floriade Pavilion
will be opening at the end of this
year! Renovation work is scheduled to
start after the summer. British author
Redmond O’Hanlon currently has the
key to the pavilion. On behalf of the
city council, he is writing a book about
Almere at this inspiring location.
Why organize a Floriade?
Closer to work and facilities: more and
more people are moving to the city. This
rapid urbanization is generating a range
of problems, including health problems
due to air pollution, sound pollution
and increasing obesity as a result of
too little exercise. Climate change only
exacerbates these problems. Radical
change is needed to ensure a healthy,
livable and safe future in urban areas.
Floriade encourages everyone to come
up with innovative changes. Solutions
for a green and healthy city originate
not only from the government and
knowledge institutes, but first and
foremost from local initiatives from
society and the business community.
Floriade brings together these parties
and initiatives, making it a catalyst
for innovations in energy production,
climate change and the food supply.
Oceans of
space for
Dutch Domes
The Dutch Domes is Antea
Group's young engineers' entry
for the innovation competition
organized by NLingenieurs.
The goal of the competition
was large-scale and innovative
solutions like the Delta Works.
The Dutch Domes certainly
meet that criterion! The Dutch
Domes are covered floating
dome islands at sea. They are
self-sufficient in terms of energy
and water supply and the climate
inside the Dome can be fully
regulated, making them perfect
for efficient food production. In
addition to food production, the
Dutch Domes have dozens of
other application possibilities,
including the organization of the
Winter Olympics. Link together
five Dutch Domes and they form
the Olympic rings! The entry
won third prize and attracted the
attention of Minister Schultz van
Haegen!
“An innovative project like the 2022 Floriade World Expo in Almere requires an innovative
approach. Antea Group is making a valuable contribution through its involvement in the
Environmental Impact Assessment.”
Client quote from Edwin Bos, Project Manager of Floriade, Municipality of Almere.
26
antea group magazine -
customer interview
Themes and
key figures
“As an Almere-based company,
Floriade is an international
naturally you want to be involved
horticulture exhibition that has
in such a major international
been held in the Netherlands once
development! That is why we’re
every 10 years since 1960. The 2022
on the board of the Friends of
Floriade will be the seventh Dutch
Floriade, where we make sure
edition. More than two million
that all companies in the region
visitors are expected to visit the
benefit from this development.
60 hectares of exhibition grounds.
As a consultancy and
“Growing Green Cities” is the theme
of the upcoming Floriade. Growing
engineering firm, we can also contribute our products and services. And
Green Cities refers to the movement
contributing to a successful Floriade in an innovative manner is a wonderful
that makes the life of urban resi­
challenge.”
dents more sustainable, healthier
and attractive in every way. There
are four sub-themes:
1
Feeding the city
sustainable food
supply and food safety.
2
Healthying the city
health, physical
exercise and cooling
through urban greenery.
3
Greening the city
well-being through green
public spaces and a
healthy indoor climate
through greenery in
buildings.
4
Energizing the city
new forms of energy, closed cycles and
self sufficiency.
Liesbeth Bijvoet
Antea Group Account Management for Floriade
Urban Greeners
The Municipality of Almere has
launched the “Urban Greeners”
initiative. Urban Greeners are young
entrepreneurs connecting city
and countryside, farmers and city
residents, and nature and technology
in a sustainable manner. The PRIKbar,
Drijfveer and Weerwoud are the first
unique initiatives from these creative
young talents. The Urban Greeners
share their vision at schools and
festivals, stimulating even more young
people to come up with innovative
solutions.
www.urbangreeners.com
From Floriade to urban district
The grounds of Floriade are to be given
a new lease on life after the event.
Floriade buildings and structures will
simultaneously be transformed into a
new green and healthy urban district
in Almere, the green counterpart to
the city center on the other side of
the Weerwater. This makes Floriade
an organically growing, green and
greening city. “Growing Green Cities”
is the main theme of Floriade. The
plans for the district are currently
still in the idea phase. This is an
additional challenge for mapping out
the environmental impact, such as
on air quality, sound and soil. Antea
Group is preparing the integrated
Environmental Impact Assessment
for both Floriade and the future
green urban district together with the
Municipality of Almere.
A good neighbor and friend of
Floriade
Antea Group is involved in Floriade in
a variety of ways. The Floriade Pavilion
and UpCycle Center will soon be a fact.
The Environmental Impact Assessment
is coming along nicely and the Dutch
Domes are still a very promising dream.
Antea Group has also researched the
possibility of a monorail, is involved in
the recreational Rondje Weerwater, and
is working on plans for an innovative
and unique gondola connection. As an
Almere-based company, Antea Group
contributes to Floriade on many fronts.
That’s what good neighbors are for!
antea group magazine -
CUSTOMER INTERVIEW/ALONG THE YARDSTICK
27
Along the Yardstick
UpCycle Center Almere
Almere
makes
the best out of
waste
UpCycling involves removing old, used or discarded
goods from the waste chain and converting them into
useful new products. In other words, waste becomes a
raw material.
Weerwater
The world has ended.
With the exception of one city: Almere
“Weerwater” is the new post-apocalyptic novel
from Renate Dorrestein. The story takes place in
Almere, where the writer lived for a year. In the
story, the world ends - with the exception of one
city: Almere. The residents have to rely entirely on
themselves. There is no electricity, gas or drinking
water and people have to grow their own food.
The survivors manage to build up a society in
which they are self-sufficient, just like Floriade.
This book is both exciting and entertaining. It
brings us face to face with the fact that food is so
easy to obtain in our society. After reading this
book, you are sure to become interested in starting
your own vegetable garden!
Scan the QR code to order a copy
The UpCycle Center will be opening in Almere Haven in early 2017 and will
be replacing the recycling station from the 1990s, which no longer meets
waste standards. The UpCycle Center is around 4,500m2 in size.
The municipality is building the center with at least 50% residual materials.
It is 100% self-sufficient, with an energy demand of 200,000 KWh per year.
Residents contribute their raw materials in 25 different units on a raised
modular platform, with 3 workshops below it. This is where 3 start-ups will
be housed, who will UpCycle the raw materials into new products, such as
bags made from leather couches or garden furniture from old wood.
The goal is for 75% of household waste to be reused by 2020.
The UpCycle Center borders the grounds of the 2022 Floriade.
It is also in keeping with the “Growing Green Cities” Floriade concept.
Antea Group has been advising Almere's Urban Sanitation department
regarding its operations since 1995, from design and engineering to inspections, support and construction. Since 2014, Antea Group has been involved
with the core group of the UpCycle project. The UpCycle Center is the 1st
center in the Netherlands to implement circular economics to this extent.
The budget is 5,400,000 euros. The Almere Urbanization fund is
contributing 1,000,000 euros.
The UpCycling Center is 100% in keeping with the “Almere, waste-free city” goal.
28
antea group magazine -
TREND & DEVELOPMENT
Four
RijnlandRoute decision-making process
completed a month earlier than planned
tips for a
quick completion
of planning studies
Planning studies are complex and often take longer than
expected. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The route decisions
and integration plan for the RijnlandRoute, for example, were
made with lightning speed. What was the recipe for success?
Project Manager René de Boer (Antea Group) and Planning
Manager Ton Klijnhout (Rijkswaterstaat) take a look back and
give four tips that contribute to a fast process.
st junction.
Current Leiden We
“Antea Group carried out the work in a professional and orderly fashion to the complete satis­
faction of Rijkswaterstaat and Province of South Holland.” This can be read in the evaluation
report on the RijnlandRoute (see box below). René de Boer responds, “A wonderful compliment
since this was a very unique project. There was an article recently on Cobouw (information site
for the construction industry) about the fact that collaboration between parties with regard to
planning studies is often inadequate. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way.”
29
René de Boer
“Planning studies
are complex and
often take longer
than expected.
But it doesn’t have
to be that way.
René de Boer, Antea Group
1.
Ton Klijnhout
”
Assign the role of director
to one party
“It is important that one party be put in charge to coordinate
and ensure that both the content and process are properly
synchronized,” says Ton Klijnhout, Planning Manager at
Rijkswaterstaat (Directorate-General of Public Works and
Water Management). “Especially since numerous parties are
involved. Every party or organization has its own task and all
of those tasks ultimately need to be brought together.” The
risks associated with the project place considerable pressure
on the project organization. Klijnhout emphasizes that good
teamwork between the client and contractor is extremely
important. According to De Boer, this approach and viewing
the project as a whole contributes significantly to design
decisions being made more quickly.
2. Schedule regular
meetings
“Every Thursday morning for an entire year, we met with all
parties, as many as fifty representatives, in the conference
rooms in The Hague,” says De Boer. Here they discussed the
prevailing state of affairs. The current situation, the latest
developments, what was going well and challenges that had
arisen. Klijnhout adds, “When facing setbacks, it is important
not to point the finger at or attack each other. Work together
and look for solutions.”
3. Know your partners
According to De Boer, it is important both before and during the
process that you know who your partners are and what motivates them. “Who is responsible for what and what tasks does
that involve? That is why we spent a lot of time and energy both
at the start and during the process to create a good working
climate and informal contacts. It’s also a good idea to enjoy a
meal and drink together after the formal discussions.”
4. Set strict deadlines
and stick to them
De Boer explains, “We always urge our customers not to
change deadlines, since this affects the entire process. If
absolutely necessary, we’ll work until we get the job done,
but you don’t want to have wasted your time.” Both the
(draft) integration plan and (draft) routing decisions need
to be made virtually at the same time. Urgency and political
pressure are also factors that require that you set priorities,
but everyone is concerned about the schedule during the
entire process. “That’s because it’s very ambitious,”
concludes Klijnhout. “Yet we succeeded in the end. The final
signatures were penned on December 17, a month earlier
than planned. It turned out that a lot more was possible than
initially presumed.”
From the RijnlandRoute to the A74 highway
Over the past five years, Antea Group has developed the plans for five state highways,
with a total length of 85 kilometers and a budget of 1.5 billion euros.
RijnlandRoute
The Province of South Holland approached Antea Group
three years ago to draw up an integration plan and two
route decisions for the RijnlandRoute. The RijnlandRoute is
the new road connection between the coast (Katwijk) and
A4 highway near Leiden. This connection is important for
traffic flow in the Holland Rijnland region, especially around
Leiden and Katwijk. The integration plan covers 4 1/2
kilometers of newly built and 5 1/2 kilometers of upgraded
and adapted provincial roads. The new road is a low-level
provincial road with a 2 1/2-kilometer-long bore tunnel.
New junctions will be created on the A4 and A44 highways,
more specifically the Hofvliet and Maaldrift junctions.
N33, N18 and A74
In addition to the RijnlandRoute, Antea Group was also
responsible for the route decisions for the N33 between
Assen and Zuidbroek, which was widened and reopened
in the fall of 2014, the route decision that recently
became irrevocable for the N18 between Varsseveld and
Enschede, and the A74 in Venlo. All of these are unique
planning studies with a focus on collaboration and for
which the deadlines were met. Antea Group is now
enthusiastically working together with its partners in
Flow27 on the (draft) route decision for the A27 highway
between Houten and Hooipolder.
Want to learn more about our successful route decisions?
Contact René de Boer:
T: +31 (0) 6 534 036 18
E: [email protected]
30
antea group magazine - how
does it work?
JLD DIKE STABILIZER
Revolution in
the dike world
The JLD dike stabilizer is a new and smart dike reinforcement solution that effectively
pins a dike to the subsoil using a series of long rods inserted into the dike at a right
angle. This ensures inward stability and prevents the dike caving in under the weight
of high water levels or traffic loads.
Antea Group’s role
In 2013, Jos Karsten of JLD-Contracting BV enlisted the help of
engineers and consultants of Antea Group and Wiertsema &
Partners in further developing his innovation. The Rivierenland
water board is serving as contracting party. Antea Group
designed the calculation methodology and oversees detail
engineering and monitoring during the test and validation
stage. The three equal partners, Antea group, JLD-Contracting,
and Wiertsema & Partners, have been working relentlessly
on developing this technology for three years now. And with
much success!
Current and future application
With this technology, reinforcing dikes in more densely
populated and built-up areas across the globe is a lot easier.
It is less disruptive for local residents and requires less space.
This leads to greater efficiency and reduced costs, making safe
water accessible to less wealthy nations. This development
has a global social impact, especially in light of future climate
change.
Stages in the innovation process
Idea from JLD-Contracting’s Jos Karsten
Antea Group, JLD-Contracting BV, Wiertsema & Partners,
and Waterschap Rivierenland start a partnership
Research, calculations, solving puzzles, modeling by
Antea Group engineers and consultants
Identifying possible objections among group of external
experts. Solving further puzzles and conducting more
calculations to eliminate objections
Innovation subsidy from the High Water Level Protection
scheme as part of the Cross-Project Macro-Stability Study.
Tensile testing at trial dike in Purmerend
Approval by ENW commission (institute that makes
calculation rules for dike safety) expected in
September 2015
Let’s hit the market!
Potential weak spot
Top plate
Anchoring rod
Fin
Anchoring rod
Earth anchor
31
How does it work?
Rods are
anchored
Top plate
secured
The plastic rods, which are lined with fiber-reinforced fins, are
drilled or pushed into a dike at an angle.
An earth anchor is used to anchor the rods to a load-bearing
layer deep underground.
Soil presses
down on fin
Fin transmits load
to anchoring rod
High water levels and traffic load can lead to weak spots forming in a dike. This weak spot will press the soil onto the fin,
which subsequently transmits this load to the anchoring rod
and top plate.
The anchoring rod transmits the load to the top plate and/or
earth anchor. The force delivered by the stabilizers prevents
the dike from collapsing.
Benefits of the JLD Dike Stabilizer
Long rods inserted into a dike at an angle produce
inward stability.
The technology is faster, lighter, and more flexible,
making it cheaper
They are easy to install, even when there is
little space available
It is less disruptive to local residents
32
antea group magazine -
news
Reader
survey
Antea Group
Magazine
Antea Group publishes a company
magazine twice a year. We’d like to
hear your thoughts on our magazine.
What is good and what could be
better? The survey results will be
En route to a safe and livable Groningen
used
Engineers are the key to
solving the tremor problem
to
further
professionalize
our magazine.
A selection of readers have been sent a
reader survey. Want to share your opinion?
Complete the survey and return it in the prepaid
envelope. You can also fill out the survey
online.
How can we make the Province of Groningen safe and livable again?
This is a question that concerns our engineers and consultants on
a daily basis. They have combined their strengths in the Tremor
www.anteagroup.nl/lezersonderzoekAGM
Task Force. “Technology is one of the keys to new solutions. As a
Get a chance to win a copy
of “Verbinding Verbeeld”
We’re raffling off a unique art book (valued
at €19.95) on the redevelopment of the
Dwingelderveld National Park among thirty
respondents. In the book, various artists
share their impression of this unique area.
You’ll also find a report on Dwingelderveld
in this magazine.
collective, we want to contribute to that as much as possible.
One of the drivers behind the Task Force is Rob Verkerk. He explains, “The impact of
the tremors is enormous and affects numerous parties. Not only is there material
damage to homes and companies, but also more abstract themes like quality of
life and a sense of vulnerability are affected. It also has consequences for the
future of construction and development, such as water safety and infrastructure.
Dikes, roads and structural works will now have to be designed and
equipped to withstand possible earthquakes.”
A strong team
Architecture, real estate, safety, pedology and spatial planning are only a few
of the disciplines working together on new solutions within the Task Force.
“With our technical and content knowledge, we play an important role as a
consultancy and engineering firm. That is why we have pulled together our best
people. Many of them live in the Groningen area. They are familiar with the
region, the customers and personally ‘feel’ the problem. In short, we have a
strong team.”
Farm constructed on shock absorbers
Verkerk continues, “The Task Force lets us share thoughts and learn from each
other. And that results in innovative ideas. For example, we’re currently working
on protecting an historic farmhouse by placing it on shock absorbers. We have
also proven our added value when it comes to dike reinforcement, recovery
plans and EVS inspections.”
Of course, there are still plenty of questions that need answering. When it comes
to inspections and recovery, how do we find the right balance between safety,
precision and speed? And in terms of the future, how can we develop clear
measures that can be applied on a large scale? Verkerk adds, “We do everything
we can to make a difference.”
antea group magazine -
33
international collaboration
Antea Group presentation
during the Tokyo 2020
Event
What needs to be considered when creating bike path connections? How can we guarantee optimal
use and traffic safety? Robert Coffeng, Mobility project manager at Antea Group, gave a presentation
and two workshops on May 15 during the Tokyo 2020 Event “Integrated Infrastructure & Cycling:
go the extra mile!”
Photo Robert Coffeng
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
invited Coffeng to be part of the Dutch
trade delegation, which represented
various disciplines at the event. “In
the run-up to the 2020 Olympics
and Paralympics, Tokyo is looking to
improve its cycling infrastructure and
pioneer accessibility solutions,” says
Coffeng. “The city wants to host the
most innovative games yet.”
Four hundred kilometers of bike
paths
The goal is to construct 400 kilometers
of bike paths throughout the city.
Coffeng had the honor of presenting
the vision of Antea Group and
its partners. The focus is on the
importance of a connected network of
bike paths, optimal use and rendering
it future-proof. Coffeng explains, “Our
Dutch knowledge and experience with
cycling have been incorporated into
Tokyo’s goals. The three cornerstones
of location, network and use of our
primary target of Accessibility are
being applied internationally as a
result. Representatives from the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government showed
great enthusiasm about the various
possibilities for bicycle-based mobility.
No fewer than 400 kilometers of bike paths are being
constructed in Tokyo for the Olympic Games in 2020.
Global innovation
thanks to theInnovation Center
How do you connect and enhance your innovative strength worldwide? Antea Group does just that with
the Innovation Center in France, the leading international springboard for innovation and start-ups.
We asked Jean-Philippe Loiseau, Managing Director for France, about the background
and initial results.
Loiseau explained, “Innovation is an
important theme for Antea Group’s
country organizations. Why? To
provide added value, a company
needs to continuously ask itself how
it can innovate. Innovation helps your
company move forward, but also
offers a fantastic opportunity to share
knowledge and gain new insights.
those who allocate the budgets
or realize the transition to the
market. Those who want to respond
quickly to external developments in
changing markets need to operate in
a fresh and flexible way. The lines of
communication also need to be short;
if an organization has too many levels,
ideas tend to ‘evaporate’.
The Innovation Center plays a
connecting and accelerating role
between the country organizations.
The center reduces the distance
between those with ideas and
The Innovation Center is currently
working on projects involving water
quality and accessibility, unsaturated
zones and process optimization in oil
and gas extraction. The Innovation
Center is developing rapidly. We are compiling
a list of around 20 promising start-ups that will
soon be applicable worldwide.
In scientific terms, we expect to sign an
agreement before long with a French university
and a second leading scientific institution.
This is a major step that should lead to joint
investments and the sharing of knowledge,
equipment and resources.”
34
antea group magazine -
A month in tweets
tweets
A month in
Projects, news and customer feedback: There is plenty of news about Antea Group
on Twitter.
The following pick of tweets provides a good cross-section of
what Antea Group is doing and what is important to our customers.
Tweets @AnteaGroupNL
MarXetinG @MarXetingNL
Effective and fun branding campaign by Antea Group. #Iwantaharbor
Auke Jan Andringa @AJAndringa
@gem_apeldoorn has its sights set on a railway tunnel at Laan van Osseveld.
@AnteaGroupNL partner for www.tunnelalliantie.nl and rapid realization.
Antea Group NL @AnteaGroupNL
Antea Group is developing a lighter and more sustainable turbo roundabout without reinforcement in Sittard #Sittard #roundabout
Rob Adams @RobJJAdams
About to give a keynote on innovation for management at Antea Group.
Great location in sunny Amerongen.
Jacob Tiellemans @JACOBTLLMS
Car is key to a sustainable future #AnteaGroup #sgib
www.anteagroup.nl/nl/nieuws/
auto-als-sleutel-voor-een-duurzame-toekomst
Antea Group NL @AnteaGroupNL
Antea Group presents soil protection services at
“De bodembescherming draait door” www.anteagroup.nl/nl/nieuws/
de-bodembescherming-draait-door … #DBDD
Maarten Lolcama @maartenlolcama
Implementation strategy for new water safety standard.
How will this affect you? We’d be happy to explain!
Rikkert Wulffraat @trekkir
Great pieces of wisdom from @TheDeanofLogic #deanday #anteagroup
@BestValueNL
Frank Kuntz @Frank_Kuntz
Multi-layer pilot #safety #Marken @gem_waterland carried out
by Antea Group Netherlands. www.anteagroup.nl/nl/projecten/
pilot-meerlaagsveiligheid-marken
Antea Group NL @AnteaGroupNL
#Gasunie & #AnteaGroup signed a three-year
#framework agreement on May 20 for #engineering services
Follow us on twitter.com/AnteaGroupNL
antea group magazine -
35
pitchstop 360
PitchStop 360 gives one
of our employees the
opportunity to pitch a
market issue or service
using no more than 360
words.
This edition features Erik Sijbring, Senior Advisor. He is one of the founders of Onweer 3.0,
a thunderstorm detection system. Onweer 3.0 was developed by Van der Heide as part of the
Safety business line.
Onweer 3.0 warns people and systems
Lightning-fast
thunderstorm detection
“Onweer 3.0 demonstrates the true
power of data. It is based on a European
network of sensors. Our subsidiary Van
der Heide had invested in this network.
Even though it is now owned by Siemens,
we are still allowed to use it. The
sensors monitor thunderstorms, 24/7.
Supercomputers located in Karlsruhe
convert the data in a split second into a
thunderstorm’s impact, exact location
and speed.
coast is clear, the turbine switches back on.
Sounds simple enough, but the
configuration and fine-tuning of this
system was a huge puzzle. The end
result: an effective system for reducing
lightning strike damage and increasing
the levels of safety for neighbors.
Onweer 3.0 is currently used at wind
farms in Zeeland, Flevoland and the
North Sea. Power stations and pipeline
companies also use the application.
This gives us a wealth of (real-time)
information about thunderstorms and
lightning. Where are the thunderstorms
and where is lightning striking right
now? Our challenge is to develop
applications for the data. We started four
years ago with the protection of wind
turbines, which are lightning-susceptible
structures. We developed a system that
involved creating a safe zone around a
turbine, using an adjustable virtual circle
with a radius of around 10 kilometers.
Immediately the sensors in the zone
detect a thunderstorm, the wind turbine
switches off automatically. When the
Intuition suggested that the data could
be used for other applications. A trigger
for this was the drama that unfolded at
the Pukkelpop (2011) festival, where the
sudden onset of a storm resulted in the
loss of five lives. When tens of thousands
of people are involved, every second
counts. Wouldn’t it be a huge advantage
if the organizers had a system that would
alert them by SMS in the event of an
imminent thunderstorm?
They would then be able to warn the
public and implement emergency
plans in good time. So we developed
the thunderstorm data service. Events
such as Pinkpop, the Zwarte Cross
and the Bevrijdingsfestival already use
the service. When Pinkpop was hit by
thunderstorms in 2014, the organizers
implemented timely measures, thanks
to Onweer 3.0. A different approach
was used at the Bevrijdingsfestival
in Leeuwarden. Our thunderstorm
data allowed the organizers to avoid
implementing emergency plans as the
situation appeared relatively safe.
Lightning strike assessments, railroad
safety and construction projects. We
continue to develop services under the
banner of Onweer 3.0, thus improving
our ability to warn and increasing our
understanding of thunderstorms and
lightning.“
Want to learn more about
Onweer 3.0? Visit:
www.vanderheide.nl/diensten/
veiligheid/onweerdataservice
Need a
railway line?
(or perhaps just a harbor...)
This commercial is intended for all those
interested in laying a railway line.
Looking to construct a railway line? Then you should know that the engineers
at Antea Group have what it takes to make it happen, from vibration advice to station
design and from the soil survey to permit applications.
And should you not be in need of a railway line, but rather a wind park or harbor,
you can also rely on us. After all, Antea Group is the consultancy and engineering firm
behind countless projects in the Netherlands and internationally.
Antea Group. Engineers and consultants with both feet firmly on the ground.
For all of our projects, visit
www.anteagroup.nl