The Brussels Government is allocating more than €13 million to financially support the most exemplary renovation projects in terms of energy, circularity and sustainability in the Capital Region.
The projects cover over 45,000 m² of space and aim to reduce energy consumption by 70%.
In 2021, the Brussels Government launched the RenoClick project, part of the ‘Renolution’ strategy, to advise and guide regional, community and municipal institutions on the energy renovation of their buildings. Some 100 institutions have already called on that service from network operator Sibelga.
"After renovation, the energy consumption of these buildings will be three times lower," said Brussels Minister for Climate Transition and Energy Alain Maron in a press release, adding that the renovation of buildings is at the heart of the Brussels Government's priorities.
"The buildings renovated with the RenoClick premium are aiming for carbon neutrality. Better-insulated nurseries, schools, swimming pools and care homes that are well-heated and consume less energy are obviously good for the planet, but are also good for the residents and users of those places, who will have more comfort," he added.
Pioneering role
Renovating Brussels' buildings, which are particularly old and poorly insulated and account for more than half of the Region's energy consumption, is essential to make them energy efficient. Insulation, high-quality heating systems and the use of renewable energy are crucial ways of freeing Brussels from its dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring a healthy living environment for residents.
The Brussels Region owns a large number of public buildings, such as schools, nurseries, care homes, sports and cultural centres and swimming pools, among others. Maron's office stressed that the public authorities that own these buildings have a pioneering role to play and should "lead by example" in the energy efficiency of their buildings.
"By investing today, they significantly reduce their energy bills for the future, and therefore public spending funded by Brussels residents," he added. "Insulating a school, for example, protects students from overheated classrooms in summer and cold, damp classrooms in winter."
"By helping local authorities, such as municipalities, move forward in the energy transition, we are also helping them to reduce their energy bills. With the money saved, they can invest in other services for citizens or reduce taxes."
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Through the RenoClick premium, the Brussels Government has decided to financially support the most exemplary renovation projects. The premium, coordinated by Brussels Environment and financed under the Next Generation European Recovery Plan, covers up to 75% of the cost of the works.
For 2023, Brussels Environment has just selected 15 projects: between now and 2026, more than 45,000 m² of school, administrative, sports and cultural buildings will be renovated in an exemplary manner.
The winning projects are:
- the Vanderborght Building (City of Brussels);
- three CPAS office buildings;
- the headquarters of Brulocalis;
- Bruxelles Propreté depot in Neder-Over-Heembeek;
- the FGC secondary school on the CERIA campus;
- La Ribambelle crèche in Jette;
- two cultural spaces in Schaerbeek;
- the GOB administrative building (offices and studios);
- a secondary school in Uccle;
- the Poseidon swimming pool and Les Pléiades community centre in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert;
- the Calypso swimming pool in Watermael-Boitsfort.
