Opening of Net-Zero Lidl Capelle aan den IJssel: olivine closes the circle

On July 2, 2026, we had the privilege of attending a special event: the official opening of Lidl's Net-Zero branch in Capelle aan den IJssel. A building designed from start to finish with sustainability as its core principle — energy-neutral, and with greenSand olivine as the crowning touch of its CO₂ strategy.

The olivine as a symbol

During the tour, the last of the olivine was spread on the premises — a moment that was more than a practical action. Alderman Sjoerd Geissler and Jurgen van den Berg, Head of Real Estate South Holland region at Lidl, jointly scooped the olivine from a wheelbarrow. A gesture that symbolized the closing of the circle: everything that could not be directly reduced is compensated by CO₂ removal via greenSand olivine.

A sustainable building in operation

The branch is now fully operational. The afternoon concluded with a festive reception — a fitting end to a project into which much care and ambition had been invested.

For greenSand, this is concrete proof that olivine deserves its place in sustainable building practices. We are proud of this collaboration with Lidl and look forward to more projects of this kind.

Curious about the run-up to this project? Read our previous article: Lidl opens Net-Zero branch with greenSand olivine.