De Ridder BV and Coolpack cover roof with 784 solar panels

The installation of over 780 solar panels on the rear roof of the De Ridder BV (and Coolpack’s) building in Assendelft has started this week. An important step towards more sustainable business: by generating solar energy, less electricity needs to be taken from the grid. According to the planning, the roof of about 2,000 square meters will be full of panels before the end of this year and we can start using our self-generated power as of start 2023!

Energy for own use

De Ridder BV, of which Coolpack is a part, has a production facility on location where gel packs and cooling elements roll out of the machines everyday. In addition, energy is needed for the offices, logistics operations and charging electric cars. The generated energy will therefore be of great use for our own activities.

“When too much energy is generated, we deliver it back so others can use it. Think of weekends and days off, when the offices are not used and machines are not running. On very sunny days we also generate more than we use ourselves, which means that we operate almost energy-independently in the summer months,” explains Paul Opmeer, Supply Chain Manager at De Ridder BV. Together with Quality Manager Lex Appel, Finance Manager Suzanne Sep and Managing Director Hans Baars, he played an important role in realizing solar panels on our roof.

Growing in a green way

According to Hans Baars, De Ridder BV and Coolpack are growing fast, which means that awareness in the company is also growing. “We cannot ignore the fact that as people, but also as a company, we have to take our responsibility towards the planet we live on. Sustainability is high on our agenda and I notice that in our team as well. I am very happy that the solar panels are now being installed: with this we will generate more than 313,000 watt peak. A big step in the right direction!” he says proudly.

The connection of the solar panels is expected to take place early next year and from then on we can enjoy self-generated energy at De Ridder and Coolpack! Would you like to know more about Corporate Social Responsibility at Coolpack and De Ridder? View our report in the CSR register (Dutch) or check this page.