Sustainable, smart and future-proof installation with Van Den Pol Elektrotechniek

Van den Pol Elektrotechniek is not only the most sustainable but also the smartest E-installer in the Netherlands. Based in the Green Heart in the Netherlands, Van den Pol, which started as a family business in 1935, is constantly looking for opportunities to work better and more efficiently and to burden People and Planet as little as possible. That this approach pays off is proven by various striking projects such as the new Booking.com campus in Amsterdam, the circular Pearl in the Polder in Stolwijk and Van den Pol's own premises in Montfoort.

As a specialist in electrical engineering and security, Van den Pol makes buildings safe, comfortable, sustainable and connective. "In almost ninety years, we have grown from a village installer to a high-tech company," says director Wim van den Pol, who represents the third generation of the Montfoort family business. "To be successful in a dynamic field for so long is not easy and requires the ability to change. But also to be at the forefront of new working methods and techniques. That is where our strength lies."

Attention to sustainability

Van den Pol is strong in non-residential construction. From offices to distribution centers, laboratories, healthcare facilities and schools. In addition, it is a much sought-after installation partner in retail, residential construction and industrial automation. This includes a focus on energy reduction/solar energy, lighting maintenance and security and ICT networks. "As the most sustainable E-installer in the Netherlands, we treat the earth and its resources in a responsible manner," Van den Pol said. "R-strategies such as Reduce, Re-use and Recycle are central to this. We do not focus on the next quarter, but on the next generation(s). Our vehicle fleet is largely electrified and our buildings have an A++++ label. We also treat our people very carefully. This translates, for example, into favorable terms of employment, fair schedules, an extensive range of training and schooling, plenty of opportunities for advancement, and a great deal of attention to working safely. We have been VCA certified for 25 years. In addition, we have a Safety Ladder step 3 certification. We either work safely or we don't."

Smart working method and installations

Smart, according to Van den Pol, refers specifically to lean working. As with sustainability, continuous development and the prevention of waste are central. "In addition, smart relates to our systems. Reliable operation and long life are the starting point from the design and engineering stages. In addition, we place a high priority on service and maintenance. Especially with regard to our security systems. From fire alarm systems to intrusion protection, camera systems and access control."

Energy Security

Our technology is developing at lightning speed. For example, in the areas of ICT, security and electrification, Van den Pol knows. "This trend will intensify in the coming years," he expects. He also sees a growing focus on energy security. "As a result of grid congestion, major problems are arising that need to be addressed now. The major grid operators have a key role in this, but a lot is also possible in and around our buildings. For example, LED solutions, sensors and energy management systems can help us use energy smarter and reduce our consumption significantly, while battery systems and/or heating sprinkler tanks can be good solutions to (temporarily) store excess energy. Energy islands in business parks can also play a role in this and help to balance the grid."

Nice references

A great reference in the context of sustainability and energy reduction is Van den Pol's own business premises in Montfoort, which was upgraded from label D to A++++ in 2020. For example, through the use of new heat pumps and a sizable battery pack, in which excess solar energy is efficiently stored for later use. "We fitted Booking.com's new headquarters with 1,065 solar panels, over 9,000 LED lighting fixtures and a comprehensive package of smart sensors, which efficiently control both temperature and lighting," Van den Pol says. "The campus also has its own central power grid. The E-installation is redundant, with two transformers and two emergency power generators. UPS facilities between the equipment and the grid ensure a stable system with optimal operational reliability."

Van den Pol is currently involved in the circular Pearl in the Polder in Stolwijk, where it deploys its broad range of services. From E-supply to fire alarm installation, burglar alarm installation, data installation, charging facilities, LED lighting and PV installation. "A battery system in the basement will balance the consumption and generation of energy," Van den Pol says. "It is also being considered that the EV charging stations will be bi-directional, so that electric cars can also be used for temporary energy storage."