Conscious Builders – Participant in the spotlight: A.Hak

Underground infrastructure

Since 1963, A.Hak has been providing sustainable connections by realizing underground infrastructure. The company is active throughout the entire chain: from design, construction and commissioning to operational maintenance and decommissioning. In this way, A.Hak guarantees a safe, reliable and sustainable supply of water and energy for both consumers and companies. “We construct underground infrastructure, from small to large and from water to gas,” says Guus. “We started laying gas pipelines about sixty years ago and since then we have developed, both locally and internationally. The energy and water transition offer us new challenges, which we are happy to apply our expertise to.”

What makes A.Hak unique

A.Hak distinguishes itself from other construction companies by focusing on the construction of cables and pipelines, from design to execution. A.Hak is originally a family business, which results in an open and transparent way of communicating and sustainable relationships with employees and partners. “Collaboration is of paramount importance to us. We work with our own people and our own equipment, at both a strategic and specialist level. This ensures craftsmanship and self-sufficiency,” says Guus. “Our experience and robustness form the basis for a successful result.”

Ingredients for innovation and energy transition

Guus is happy to highlight a few projects in which A.Hak plays an innovative role.

A special project is the construction of the electricity cable from Woensdrecht station to Bergen op Zoom, which strengthens the electricity grid in the region. “Here we have a world first,” Guus says proudly. “A hydrogen-powered drilling.” With this innovative pilot, A.Hak, together with TenneT, is taking an important step in making its construction projects more sustainable. “Thanks to chain cooperation and innovative techniques, we have taken an important step towards emission-free working and tackling the nitrogen problem.” A.Hak has received the NSTT No-Dig award for the first completely emission-free drilling powered by green hydrogen.

Another project, where a first can again be mentioned, took place in the dune area near Wijk aan Zee. Together with client PWN, A.Hak realized a fully electrically controlled drilling for a drinking water transport pipeline of more than one kilometer through the dunes. “Because this is a protected dune area, emission-free working was a requirement. This project demonstrates that sustainability and infrastructure can go hand in hand.”

For Novar, A.Hak has constructed an eight-kilometer-long high-voltage connection that connects to the largest solar park in the Netherlands. “Here we applied the soil displacement technique, with which cables are installed without a large trench,” Guus explains. “This results in a safer work process, faster execution and less inconvenience for the environment. Moreover, it is an environmentally friendly solution.”

In Groningen, A.Hak has constructed a 15-kilometer-long water pipeline. During the preparation, it turned out that a substantial cable route was also planned. Because A.Hak could carry out both activities, we combined them efficiently. This saved the environment a lot of inconvenience. “Where infrastructure projects are often carried out separately, we strive to combine activities as much as possible. This is not only beneficial in residential areas, but also in large-scale projects such as this.” The project is a good example of collaboration, both within A.Hak and with the clients involved — a real win-win for all parties.

Added value of Conscious Builders

A.Hak has been a corporate participant of Conscious Builders since 2023. “We take our role in the sector seriously and believe that Conscious Builders fits in nicely with this. We often work in environments where people may experience nuisance from our work. That is why it is important to operate as responsibly as possible. We believe in the power of a joint approach to make the sector safer, more sustainable and more responsible. The Conscious Builders code of conduct helps with this,” says Guus. “Although we achieve good audit scores, there is always room for improvement. The environment in which we work is becoming increasingly important, as are safety and sustainability. That is why we continue to actively commit ourselves to taking steps forward in this. Environmental management plays a major role in this. We work in both urban areas and rural areas. Every environment is different and requires a different approach. We must be aware of this.”

Looking to the future

A.Hak looks ahead with a strong focus on sustainability and an active role in the energy transition. “Sustainability and safety are our top priorities. We invest in our equipment and our professionals, because they make the difference – and we value and cherish them.” Growth is important, but must take place in a natural and responsible manner. “We remain critical of our work, take responsibility and are fully committed to a sustainable future. Our strength lies in the people who make it possible every day.”