Mowing work on dikes and ditches re-tendered
A European tender was conducted for the mowing work in our management area. The aim was to ensure that ditches and flood defences are properly maintained, at a fair price, with an eye for sustainability, nature and society. For the period 2026–2031, we have contracted seven companies to carry out the work, in addition to our own maintenance service. It is striking that the companies are doing even more for sustainability than was required.
Hollands Noorderkwartier, the area above the North Sea Canal including Texel, is divided into plots or regions. Contractors could enrol per plot. The mowing contract was awarded based on the best price-quality ratio. Factors taken into account included the use of electric/emission-free equipment, the CO₂ performance ladder, and the PSO performance ladder (social entrepreneurship).
Sustainable steps
Although HHNK set minimum emission requirements in this tender in accordance with the Roadmap for Clean and Emission-Free Construction (SEB), the contractors are offering a higher proportion of zero-emission equipment than is required. On average, the contractors have offered approximately 70% of the maximum sustainability score that can be achieved. In doing so, they are demonstrating their ambition to cause significantly less emissions when carrying out mowing work and to support an acceleration towards zero emissions. In addition, many contractors are committed to electric transport. Clean diesel equipment is often still used for mobile tools, but electric equipment is increasingly being used where possible. The transition to emission-free equipment is faster for transport than for machines, but the development is clearly positive. All tenderers scored maximum points on the CO₂ performance ladder and almost everyone also scored well on social entrepreneurship.
Attention to nature
In addition, the tender explicitly focused on working carefully in nature. The code of conduct, ecology, and protection of flora and fauna were explicitly requested. Contractors must take into account breeding seasons, vulnerable species, and natural values along waterways and flood defenses. Furthermore, more vegetation may be left standing in locations where space and safety permit. This boost to biodiversity will be visible throughout our entire management area. This means that maintenance is not only efficient and sustainable, but also nature-friendly and responsible.
In short: mowing work is well organized for the coming years, with a healthy balance between costs, quality, sustainability, care for nature, and social responsibility. In this way, HHNK is building a future-proof, reliable, and responsible mowing management system.
