The first contracts have been awarded in Brussels’ plan to renovate social housing and make the buildings more climate-friendly, according to a press release.
The “Climate Plan” aims to renovate 1,057 social housing units in the Marolles, Haren and Neder-Over-Heembeek neighbourhoods, reducing the energy bills of social tenants, improving the living environment of residents, and boosting energy efficiency.
Once the work is finished, 75% of Brussels Housing’s buildings will meet environmental standards for being low-energy.
“We have decided to launch a major renovation programme during this legislature: nearly 37,000 social housing units on the territory of the Region will undergo renovation works, for a total budget of more than €500 million,” said Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels.
“Everyone has the right to a comfortable and quality home. It was high time for the City to renovate the social housing that was most in need.”
Renovations are ahead of schedule
The first permits of 25 that were submitted by the end of 2021 were approved in early February after a quick decision from the board.
“We emphasise the speed with which these two permits were obtained, which is due to the good cooperation between the bodies involved,” said Muriel Bettonville, Project Manager at Brussels Housing.
“Several visits and project meetings were organised to continue the work in unison. This allows us to move on to the next step with four months ahead of schedule.”
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These first permits concern two buildings on rue Montserrat in Marolles which require better insulation and more modern technical installations.
The start of those works is planned for the end of 2023. Because they’ll mainly concern the external shell of the buildings, the residents can continue to live in their homes.
“The renovation of the flats, and more specifically their energy renovation, is essential to allow the occupants to reduce their energy bills and improve their daily quality of life,” said Lydia Mutyebele, Alderman for Housing of the City of Brussels.
“This new step is fundamental for the implementation of the Climate Plan and, as its name indicates, for combating climate change.”
The renovations are funded through investments granted by the City of Brussels and the Brussels Regional Housing Company (BGHM).
