Edgar van Rijswijk

 Edgar van Rijswijk is proud of the impact he can make at Beekenkamp

After his previous job, Edgar was ready for a new challenge, one where no day would be the same. Through a recruitment agency, he came into contact with Beekenkamp and was introduced to the role of Energy Manager. It wasn’t a position he had specifically been looking for, but when he read the job description, he felt it might be a perfect fit. At his previous employer, Westland Infra, he had already gained experience in the energy sector, though not specifically in horticulture.

Now, Edgar has been working as Energy Manager at Beekenkamp Group for over two years. His work revolves around numbers, trading, and making smart decisions. ‘It sometimes feels like a game,” he says enthusiastically. “Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to run the CHP (combined heat and power) in the evening, other times in the morning. You’re constantly buying and selling electricity and other resources at the right moment. That puzzle keeps it fun.”

Edgar is also involved in many projects at Beekenkamp Group, such as integrating geothermal energy or installing LED luminaires to save energy at production sites. Sometimes he leads a project, other times he provides input on payback periods or energy savings. He does this work for all Beekenkamp Group locations in the Netherlands, which brings variety and broad involvement. “It’s great to work with different people at various locations. It really feels like we’re all working together toward the best result. That’s what makes my job so rewarding,” Edgar shares.

He also regularly visits other Beekenkamp sites to review the monthly energy performance. “We often brainstorm together about how we can improve things further, whether it’s projects in the boiler house or in the greenhouses. That variety makes my job even more interesting, alongside the office work.”

If Edgar could switch roles for a day, he would choose to work in cultivation. “I’d love to better understand how plant growth works and the role of light and heat in that process. After all, Beekenkamp Group is all about plants and flowers, so it would be valuable to learn more about that.”

Outside of work, Edgar loves to play sports. He plays field hockey in his free time and is an active member of the staff association. “The best event? A boat trip with the colleagues! The atmosphere and fun really make it special. And that great vibe isn’t just outside of work, it’s definitely something you feel in the workplace too.”