In 2013, edibo constructed the very first BREEAM-certified building in Belgium. Ten years later, this BREEAM-certificate is the ultimate reference when it comes to sustainable and ecological construction. That we were able to build our largest project ever – the new Logistics Capital Partners warehouses and offices in Bilzen – within this class-leading reference frame, is the provisional cherry on the cake. And, there is more to come.
What does the BREEAM-certificate stand for?
The BREEAM-certificate is an objectively established quality assurance for a sustainable construction process and building – for the building’s entire service life.
Restricting the ecological footprint and pollution is only one of the nine factors that contribute to a high BREEAM-score. These other domains also determine the final scoring:
- Management
- Health & Wellbeing
- Energy
- Transport
- Water
- Materials & Resources
- Waste
- Land use & Ecology
Why has BREEAM become so important?
This certification is the sustainability degree as it were, of the building project and the actual building. The higher the BREEAM-end result, the higher the value of the building in the eyes of potential owners or tenants.
A sustainable building guarantees a healthy (work) environment, materials with above-average lifespan and naturally, a lower energy-consumption. Finally, these projects are more eligible for certain grants and funding.
Belgian BREEAM-pioneers
In 2013, we delivered a newly constructed logistics facility for H. Essers in the Walloon city of Courcelles. It became the very first BREEAM-certified project ever in Belgium, accounting for 40.000m² of sustainable industrial construction ingenuity.
Ever since then, the demand for BREEAM has only increased, including from the commissioners in our rolodex. With the construction of over 45.000m² of warehouses and offices for Logistics Capital Partners in Bilzen, we realised our largest BREEAM-certified project – and largest project overall – yet; within a construction timeframe of nearly 1 year.
For this project, we are headed to achieving the second-highest certificate: Excellent. How we got there?
- The complete supply for the earthworks was delivered by boat: 70.000m³ of rubble, resulting in 3.500 fewer trucks on the roads;
- Instead of soil drainage, we treated it on site in view of reusing it right there on site;
- Detailed monitoring of the water usage on and around the construction site;
- Noise measurements on the construction site to maximally limit nuisance for people and animals;
- For the birds and the bees of the neighbourhood, we restored the flora by planting trees and installing apiaries;
- …
Maximum points for D’Ieteren
For D’Ieteren Group we are also headed to end up in the BREEAM-history books. Our constructive challengers are almost at play for the demolition, new construction and renovation of five buildings on their Kortenberg site – including 70.000m² of outdoor construction.
The objective: maximum points, resulting in: the Outstanding certification. An assignment of about 30 million euro, but an investment that completely fits this client’s circular and sustainable body of thought.
Are you also aiming for a BREEAM-certificate for your future project?
In ten years’ time, the shift towards certified sustainable construction can no longer be denied. Being a BREEAM-construction company from the very beginning here in Belgium, our expertise and knowledge have been able to grow and expand.
We know enough to understand that everything will depend on a comprehensive preparation and organisation. With edibo by your side, you can count on our dedicated and experienced BREEAM-project team from day one. That way, we are able to monitor your certification course from the design all the way to the audit.
Share your sustainable construction plans with us and we’ll convincingly take on the challenge!