Mourik named the most sustainable builder in the Netherlands

Mourik was named the most sustainable builder in the Netherlands during the Cobouw Awards 2025. The jury praised our way of reporting on sustainability as well as how we put it into practice: with vision, innovation, and decisiveness. This recognition shows that sustainability at Mourik is not something separate from what we do, but an integral part of who we are.

Sustainability is in our DNA

“Sustainability has always been in our genes,” says Cora de Groot, Sustainability Manager at Mourik. Anyone familiar with our history will understand why: from our efforts after the flood disaster to the innovative remediation of the heavily polluted soil in Lekkerkerk more than forty years ago. Time and again, we have taken responsibility for people and the environment.

Cora: “We don’t see sustainability as a precondition, but as a guiding principle for how Mourik creates value for future generations.”

The fact that we are a family business, founded in 1933, makes the difference according to Walter Deelen, Managing Director Infra. “One of our key priorities is continuity. That means no ‘quick wins’, but making choices for the long term.” That vision aligns seamlessly with the European CSRD, in which we often go even a step further.

Innovating when the answer does not yet exist

Mourik is known for its mentality: if something doesn’t exist, we make it ourselves. Walter Deelen gives an example that many colleagues are proud of: emission-free hydrogen-powered excavators and self-developed hydrogen generators. These machines were developed because they were not yet available for purchase anywhere. Our operators actively contributed to the design process. “They operate emission-free for a full day, without sacrificing power or comfort. Our people are proud of that and naturally become ambassadors as a result.” 

With their hydrogen-powered equipment, Mourik is ahead of a market that is still very much in development. Walter: “That requires perseverance, but fortunately we are a group of persistent people.”

At Mourik, we believe you should do what you say and say what you do. That’s why we have brought together our ambitions, customer wishes, and legal frameworks such as CSRD into a powerful sustainability strategy. Cora emphasizes that CSRD is a means, not an end in itself: “If the focus is on reporting, little will change. Our focus is on real improvements.”

Our publications, from the annual report to the sustainability strategy, are deliberately written to be accessible. With short interviews, we let colleagues explain in their own words how they contribute to a sustainable future.

A shared journey

At Mourik, sustainability is driven by everyone, not by a single department. Cora: “We started with a shared vision for the future and translated it step by step into all parts of the organization. The biggest challenge was to involve everyone in the right way, from management to the work floor.” Thanks to this broad commitment, Mourik has built a strong foundation, but we still have a long way to go.

The Cobouw Award is a confirmation of our approach, but above all an incentive to keep going. In the coming years, Mourik wants to deliver even more tangible sustainable results and inspire others to do the same.

Together we are building a future in which emission-free operations, responsible entrepreneurship, and innovation are the norm. That is how Mourik is shaping tomorrow.