Verstegen wins the EZK Energy Award 2022
What a fantastic start to the new year for Verstegen: yesterday we were named the winner of the 2022 EZK Energy Award. This makes us the most distinctive company in the field of energy conservation, sustainable energy generation, and use of renewable heat. We received the award for our efforts to operate almost entirely without gas.
From gas to electric
We've recently been able to operate almost gas-free. How? By converting gas-powered processes to electric. In our office building, for example, with the help of heat pumps and LED lighting. But more recently, we've also been able to do so in our production process, thanks to the purchase and installation of a special electric boiler. That was a complex task, but fortunately not impossible. And we're incredibly happy with it!
The EZK Energy Award 2022
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, jury chair Michel Heijdra presented the 2022 EZK Energy Award. This took place at the networking event of the EZK event "Partners in Energy Challenges" in Hilversum. This award is presented annually by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to give a platform to organizations that distinguish themselves in the areas of energy conservation, sustainable energy generation, and/or the use of renewable heat.
The jury's verdict
The jury said the following about Verstegen: "Verstegen Spices & Sauces has transitioned to a sustainable, comprehensive concept. It has gradually converted its processes to electric, working with the grid operator. This will enable Verstegen to operate virtually gas-free by 2023. Verstegen's approach with the local grid operator is also more widely applicable."
The jury judged mainly on the basis of the following 3 points:
– a clear improvement in the sustainability of energy consumption;
– an enterprising and/or smart application of techniques;
– broad applicability and the ability to inspire other organizations.
"The three nominees exemplify progressive collaboration with the local community, are socially relevant, and innovative in finding these partnerships. They are pioneers who demonstrate how to make energy management more sustainable," says Heijdra.
Other nominees and prizes
Verstegen was nominated along with Bakkerij Carl Siegert and De Noord-Hollands Bierbrouwerij . An honorable mention went to Dorpsmolen Reduzum . The Municipality of Middelburg also received an Energy Award for municipalities. This award is presented to municipalities that distinguish themselves through sustainability and climate goals, energy conservation, and the use of heat as an energy source. The winning municipality scored the highest (over 95%) of the companies that submitted a report for the energy conservation information obligation under the Environmental Management Act. Middelburg Alderman Jeroen Louws explains: “Personal contact is key to helping companies and institutions become more sustainable. By engaging in conversation, you not only raise awareness of energy consumption but also quickly gain insight into the opportunities for energy savings.”
