Fluvius is building a new, energy-positive regional office in Lubbeek
Fluvius today officially launched the construction of a new regional building on Diestsesteenweg in Lubbeek. The site has been designed to maximise the use of locally generated energy, making it the network operator’s first energy-positive building.
Sustainable, future-focused site
The site utilises hydrogen fuel cells with a capacity of 600 kWh. Solar energy generated during the day via more than 1,200 solar panels can thus be stored for later use. Business sites with hydrogen storage are still rare in Belgium today. With this project, Fluvius is addressing key challenges such as further electrification and the growing need for flexibility in the energy system. In this way, the grid operator is taking a concrete step towards more efficient energy use and a future-oriented energy system.
“The energy transition is not just about robust grids, but also about using energy more intelligently,” says CEO Frank Vanbrabant. “With this site, we are taking the lead ourselves in future-oriented networks and systems, and putting them into practice.”
The new building achieves an E-level of -22, well below the statutory minimum requirement of E51 for new builds. Heating and cooling are provided entirely without fossil fuels, using geothermal energy and heat pumps, amongst other methods. Climate ceilings provide energy-efficient, passive cooling.
Easily accessible base
By the end of 2027, around 300 colleagues from the Hageland-Dijle region will be working in the new regional building in Lubbeek. Thanks to its central location, the teams will be able to serve the entire operational area – from Zaventem to Geetbets and from Herselt to Hoegaarden – quickly and efficiently. This makes a big difference, particularly when it comes to emergency call-outs.
The site is being designed as a modern and pleasant workplace. Open and flexible spaces are intended to encourage collaboration, whilst the green surroundings contribute to a comfortable working environment.
“With this new site, we are building a strong base for our staff,” says regional manager Raf Rosseels. “From here, we want to support our customers even better and build the networks of tomorrow.”
Davy Suffeleers, acting mayor of Lubbeek: “The fact that Fluvius is building its first energy-positive regional building in Lubbeek sends a strong signal. Our municipality is centrally located within the operational area, has excellent transport links and a long history of collaboration with Fluvius and its predecessors, PBE and Infrax. This investment confirms that Lubbeek is an attractive location for innovative and sustainable projects. Furthermore, the new site will create additional jobs and boost our municipality’s economic profile. I am convinced that, in choosing Lubbeek, Fluvius has made the best choice for the development of its networks of the future.”
Contractor Willemen Bouw, part of the Willemen Group, has been appointed to carry out the works. Bart Janssens, Managing Director of Construction at the Willemen Group: “We are proud to be building this building. It will be a model of sustainability, something to which we also attach great importance. With the necessary drive and teamwork – two of our GRINTA corporate values – we will strive to deliver the best possible result for this new regional office.”
Bart Wouters