Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels’ “The Forgotten Group of the Climate” project aims to renovate over 1,000 social housing units. Recently, 65 units were upgraded in three buildings, significantly reducing energy use and costs for residents.
The Brussels project called “The Forgotten Group of the Climate” aimed to make the social housing area more environmentally friendly. The aim was to develop over 1,000 flats. According to the authorities, this would allow for better heat insulation, more energy savings, and a lower cost of living for a person.
Recently, authorities from the City of Brussels along with the local Brussels Housing met to mark the completion of the initial phase of that project. This phase focused on three buildings: one on Huishoudensstraat, another on Sistervatstraat, and a third at Pieremanstraat and Gieterstraat in the Marollen district. These buildings now have 65 improved social housing units to help the residents.
How is Brussels renovating 1,000 social housing units for sustainability?
According to the city officials, the renovations aimed to make the buildings more energy-efficient and better for the environment. They mentioned that this makes the homes more comfortable and helps reduce energy use. Major changes included better insulation for the walls and roofs. This keeps the heat in during winter and keeps the homes cool in summer.
Officials highlight that the upgrades will lower energy bills, making social housing more affordable. The project also likely added new windows and improved heating systems. Environmentalists mentioned that by upgrading older social housing, the project helps low-income families and supports Brussels’ environmental goals. Future phases will continue to make more buildings in the city greener and cheaper for those who need them.
They mentioned that a renovation program to improve the environment of social housing while making it more energy-efficient is underway in the Brussels-Capital Region. This program forms part of the city’s Climate Plan. In this respect, more than 1,000 social housing units are being renovated in Marolles, Haren, and Neder-Over-Heembeek.
Authorities mentioned the project is updating electrical and fire safety systems. New ventilation systems are also being added to help with air circulation and indoor air quality. Heating use has dropped by up to 65%. On average, the energy performance rating of these homes has improved from EPB label E to EPB label B.
The renovation work has been done with little trouble for the residents. Officials said that people can still live in their homes while the work is happening. A special team was set up to keep issues to a minimum. The community has liked this plan. Because of the success of these renovations, the Brussels government will start work on 5 more housing projects in the Marolles area.
They will also keep building new social housing in Haren and Neder-Over-Heembeek. The government mentioned that these efforts aim to improve living conditions and help the city reach its long-term goals for sustainability. They said that this will lower the environmental impact of housing and help residents save money on energy bills.
Nawal Ben Hamou is a leader for housing in Brussels. She is proud of the work done to improve social housing. Soon, she will become the Brussels Alderman for Housing. She wants to keep the progress going.
Nawal Ben Hamou said,
Every renovated building is a victory for the environment, for solidarity, and for a fairer city.
She mentioned that this shows that the renovations help the environment and bring people together. Ben Hamou is focused on making housing more energy-efficient and accessible.
We are proud of what has been achieved,
said State Secretary for Housing Nawal Ben Hamou (PS).
With this plan, we are determined to continue the momentum.
Philippe Close is the Mayor of Brussels; he is pleased with the renovations of social housing. He said these changes will lower heating costs and improve living conditions. Close believes the renovations are a step toward a better future. They help the environment by making buildings more energy-efficient and better insulated.
He mentioned that this focus on insulation makes homes more comfortable and supports Brussels’ goal of being sustainable. Ben Hamou and Close want a fair city where people benefit from good housing policies.
Lower heating costs and the guarantee of living in good conditions. It is also a concrete step towards the future: by better insulating our social housing, we also reduce our impact on the environment.
Philippe Close say.
