PwC Amsterdam
PwC Amsterdam takes a step towards its Net Zero ambition with Kite Robotics’ window cleaning robot
PwC Netherlands, together with Quest Funds and NEW NRG Real Estate, is taking a new step towards the sustainability of its headquarters, Westgate II, located on Thomas R. Malthusstraat in Amsterdam. In line with its ambition to make its buildings Paris Proof, PwC is introducing an advanced cleaning robot from Kite Robotics for cleaning the facades and windows.
Paris proof building
Paris Proof means that the total actual energy consumption (gas, heat, and electricity) of a building must be reduced to below 70 kWh per square meter per year. Net Zero means that no net greenhouse gas emissions are produced. The sustainability measures at PwC Amsterdam include various initiatives, among them the large-scale installation of solar panels on the roof. As a result, there is no longer room for the three traditional window cleaning installations. To continue meeting high standards of transparency, comfort, and appearance, an innovative solution was chosen: the use of a robot that automatically cleans the windows.
Integral sustainability
“We’re not talking about adding a solar panel here or a LED light there — we create complete and integrated sustainability plans and work together with property owners towards a Paris Proof building stock,” says Jeroen Heunen, Corporate Real Estate Manager at PwC. “The Kite Robotics robot ensures that our facades remain clean without the use of conventional installations, which take up a lot of space and are less future-proof. This way, we make our building Paris Proof while simultaneously improving maintenance and safety.”
Van Zoelen, the contractor carrying out the work, also emphasizes the importance of this innovation:
“The choice for a window cleaning robot is a logical step within PwC’s sustainability plans,” says Leonard Kleerekooper. “By removing the old installations, space has been created for additional solar panels. This not only contributes to a Paris Proof building but also to a future-proof way of building and managing properties.”
The window cleaning robot offers several advantages:
- Space savings, as no large mechanical installations are needed
- Sustainability, thanks to the robot’s low water and energy consumption
- Safety, as the work is automated and remotely operated
- Continuity, since the robot can clean more frequently and efficiently
The use of the robot aligns with the broader transformation of PwC’s headquarters into a Paris Proof, future-proof, and circular building — a process being realized in collaboration with Van Zoelen, Kraaijvanger Architects, and other partners.
With this step, PwC underscores its ambition to be a leader in sustainability, innovation, and responsible entrepreneurship.