From waste to energy: accelerating the transition together

Organization

HVC believes in a future where energy is generated sustainably and raw materials are recycled. They support 52 municipalities and 8 water boards in making their waste management more sustainable and are transforming themselves into a sustainable energy company.

Challenge

In the Netherlands, we agree: future generations deserve a clean world. This requires action now. The behavior of residents is crucial: the better they separate waste, the more effectively HVC recovers raw materials.

Solution

We manage HVC's main website, mobile app and campaign sites. Through these platforms, HVC communicates with residents about waste issues on behalf of the municipalities. By encouraging behavioral change and applying gamification, we provide residents with increasing knowledge and action perspectives so they can better separate their waste. These initiatives support HVC's 2026 goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy transition.

Self-service is crucial to allow users to get their affairs done easily and quickly. By integrating tools such as the waste calendar, a notification function for bulky waste, a waste guide and the ability to sign up for heat, we have created a central place where residents can easily access all the information and services they need. This increases residents' self-reliance and strengthens their commitment to HVC's sustainability mission.

In addition to collecting and recycling waste, HVC also generates renewable energy. VGF is converted into green gas, heat from the plants and geothermal heat are used in heat networks. In addition, HVC invests in wind and solar farms and allows residents to participate in them. As with the separation of waste, we are going to help residents make their energy use more sustainable in the coming period. This is how we keep coming up with new solutions for a sustainable future. Or as the down-to-earth HVC puts it, "A clean world, we just do it."

To allow all residents, including those with disabilities, to fully use the site and app, we reviewed each design choice against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. This led to modifications such as higher contrast for better readability and disabling animations. The platforms can be operated even without a mouse.

To ensure consistency across all environments, we developed a Design System based on the existing corporate identity. This system includes guidelines for corporate identity elements and interface designs. By centrally managing the Design System, we reduce duplication of code and testing and ensure a uniform user experience. Automatic testing ensures the correct operation of all components, and adjustments only need to be made once. All components are fully reusable, promoting efficiency and collaboration within HVC.

In addition to collecting and recycling waste, HVC generates renewable energy. Vegetable waste is converted into green gas, and heat from plants and geothermal heat are used in heat networks. HVC invests in wind and solar farms and allows residents to participate. As with waste separation, HVC helps residents make their energy use more sustainable, and we support communication with stakeholders.

This is how we keep coming up with new solutions for a sustainable future. Or as the down-to-earth HVC puts it, "A clean world, we just do it."