Collaborating on Real Solutions

The infrastructure sector has a reputation for being conservative, but at Van Werven Infra B.V., they know that standing still means falling behind. Harry Hertsenberg, Director Infra at Van Werven Infra, refers to a fitting quote that once appeared on his old mountain bike: "Innovate or die." That statement captures Van Werven Infra's mentality well: in an industry facing increasingly strict requirements and fierce competition, you need to stay ahead to remain relevant.

The Dutch infrastructure industry faces major challenges: demand for cleaner execution is growing, emission requirements are tightening, and clients increasingly demand insight down to project level. With annual fuel costs running into millions of euros, the impact is significant. That is why Van Werven Infra has chosen an approach in which data and behaviour together drive sustainability.

The collaboration between the two organisations was set up from the start as a strategic partnership. GPS-Buddy develops technology in close alignment with practice, and Van Werven Infra provides the ideal real-world scenarios. Engineers, project managers, and drivers work together on improvements and new functionalities.

Oscar van der Spruit, COO at GPS-Buddy, says: "We don't believe in innovation behind a desk. Our solutions emerge in the field, together with customers who know the day-to-day reality. At Van Werven Infra, that teamwork has been there from day one."

This approach proves crucial for success. Data only gains value when users trust it. That is why drivers, planners, and project managers were actively involved in testing and developing the technology. When a vehicle registers a 'harsh event' — a sudden jolt or hard braking — the team immediately investigates whether it is genuinely an error or simply something that occurs more often in practice. Through this direct feedback loop, the system has been precisely calibrated to the reality of the construction site.

Bas Wolff, responsible for implementation within Van Werven Infra, explains: "We wanted the data to match what drivers experience. So we literally took to the road together with a laptop. Every alert was discussed: was this really hard braking or just a speed bump? That is how we calibrated the system in practice." That combination of technology and practical experience forms the backbone of the collaboration.

What began with better driving grew into full control over emissions. Thanks to the integration of GPS-Buddy's IoT solution, Van Werven Infra now gains real-time insight into the fuel consumption and emissions of every machine and truck. That data is automatically translated into emission values for CO₂, NOₓ, and NH₃.

These figures are not based on assumptions, but on precise usage data. That makes the difference in tenders and permits, where reliability is crucial. GPS-Buddy has had its IT controls regarding the emission and reporting methodology independently assessed through an ISAE 3000 assurance process, carried out in collaboration between TÜV NORD Netherlands and its partner Diggle BV.

Harry Hertsenberg, Director Infra at Van Werven, emphasises the value of the independent assessment. Clients no longer need to sift through raw data themselves or compile it in spreadsheets. The report suffices as proof. "We don't just deliver numbers. We deliver certainty. Clients no longer need to maintain their own spreadsheets; we provide validated reports directly."

Thanks to geofencing, Van Werven Infra can also link emissions to specific projects. As soon as a vehicle or machine enters a virtual zone, fuel and emissions are automatically assigned to that project. This gives the company real-time environmental monitoring per location and allows it to demonstrate that work stays within the prescribed emission limits.

The same data is used to substantiate calculations in tools such as AERIUS. Where theoretical estimates previously applied, Van Werven Infra now relies on real-world data. A powerful proof of sustainability for clients and authorities alike.

The collected emission and driving behaviour data deliver not only operational improvements, but also strategic market advantage. Clients increasingly demand measurable substantiation for sustainability claims. Thanks to GPS-Buddy, Van Werven Infra can provide that directly.

Harry Hertsenberg: "We can show clients that our projects stay within their nitrogen and CO₂ frameworks. That builds trust and helps us win tenders. Sustainability is increasingly factored into assessments, and we play into that with data that is validated and immediately usable."

The reports also align seamlessly with common frameworks such as the CO₂ Performance Ladder and CSRD reports (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). While other contractors are still struggling to collect scope-3 data, Van Werven Infra can deliver it at the push of a button.

"Our clients no longer need to spend time gathering data," explains Bas Wolff. "We deliver that data in validated form, enabling them in turn to fulfil their obligations more quickly. That makes us not just an executing party, but also a partner in reporting and sustainability."

The effect is tangible in the market. Clients appreciate the transparency and reliability of Van Werven's approach. The combination of insight, efficiency, and compliance creates stronger relationships and new contracts. Where price was once decisive, reliability and sustainability now play an increasingly important role. And that is precisely where Van Werven Infra excels.

The collaboration between Van Werven Infra and GPS-Buddy is built on trust, equality, and a shared vision of innovation. From the start, GPS-Buddy has not been a distant supplier, but a strategic partner that thinks alongside them about how technology adds value in practice.

Oscar van der Spruit: "Van Werven is a pioneer that dares to invest in innovation. We bring the technology, they bring the practice. That is what makes the partnership so strong: together we are building an ecosystem that moves the sector forward."

Van Werven Infra, in turn, sees GPS-Buddy as a party that understands and supports its ambitions. The strength lies in the combination of strategic thinking and practical applicability. Where other systems stop at location tracking, GPS-Buddy offers complete control over all moving assets, vehicles, machines, tools, and people within one environment.

Harry Hertsenberg sums it up well: "We want to lead in emission reduction and efficiency. GPS-Buddy helps us do that with technology that works in practice. Together we make good on our promise: smarter, cleaner, and more human work."