Our Purpose

“Using different types of sensors in the measuring box, we collect image and sound material that is analyzed with artificial intelligence (AI) in order to recognize species that we would miss with the naked eye,” says Vincent Nederpel, ecology advisor at Heijmans and one of the founders of the BioBuddy.

The measuring box is now located at Heijmans' own office in Rosmalen, but will soon also be deployed at project locations where infrastructure is being worked on or homes are being built. In this way, progress in the field of biodiversity is monitored.

Smart City

In the future, the BioBuddy will be expanded with measurements of air, water and soil quality. Heijmans plays a leading role in the use of smart technologies and data-driven solutions to improve the living environment in urban areas. With 'Smart City', Heijmans aims to go further than traditional construction methods by also integrating data flows about sustainability, for example.

Previous measurements

Jan-Willem Burgmans, biodiversity program manager at Heijmans, explains that this is a logical step after previous initiatives to take biodiversity measurements. "Together with partners such as Naturalis, we have learned a lot about measuring natural environments, for example when monitoring biodiversity along highways and in new residential areas in Leusden and Vlaardingen. We have developed this measuring box internally, which we can place anywhere.”

Vincent Nederpel adds: "We are now taking a big step forward by automating and standardizing these types of measurements. This way we can continuously measure and inform residents, governments and other stakeholders about the development of biodiversity at the locations where we are active. ."

Central database

The BioBuddy independently and continuously performs measurements and sends them to a central database for further analysis and ultimately presentation. Heijmans has developed the first prototype of the BioBuddy in collaboration with the company Faunabit. The first results of the installation at the Heijmans head office will be processed this spring. Versions of the BioBuddy will then be shipped into the country and will become active at the first construction sites. This year there are five projects. The BioBuddy is used for measurements in both housing and infrastructure projects.

Healthy living environment

As a creator of a healthy living environment, Heijmans is committed to making its activities more sustainable and improving the natural values ​​in every area where it works. With respect for people, animals and nature, Heijmans strives for a positive impact on the earth in 2030. This means that Heijmans only uses sustainable solutions and working methods to contribute to a better climate, more biodiversity and a good water balance. The effect of measures is measured with the BioBuddy.