Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The N-VA party member Steven Vandeput initiated the stone-laying ceremony for the new scout centre at Kanaalkom in Hasselt. Building materials used for the Scouts Sint-Martinus premises are symbolic stone type because these buildings do not use traditional bricks.
Scout Sint-Martinus began an important project when Mayor Steven Vandeput (N-VA) placed the cornerstone at Kanaalkom for their new site in Hasselt. A unique structure makes its appearance since the project deviates from standard construction practices by incorporating sustainable materials for a circular design that aims to maintain a zero-carbon footprint. The project, which receives backing from the Limburg construction sector, uses innovative techniques and recycled materials to achieve minimal environmental impact.
Scouts will oversee the building process while receiving major backing from sponsors who support the project alongside community members. According to the current schedule, the new premises should begin operation during the year, replacing all four existing locations of the group.
With the support of the Limburg construction sector, we are constructing a CO2-neutral building here, fully circular and environmentally friendly. This means that the facade and roof can be completely dismantled and reused elsewhere,
say architects and former scout leaders Luk Santermans and Wim De Vos.
They therefore store net CO2 in the building instead of causing emissions as with traditional concrete blocks and bricks,
according to the scouts.
Even after construction, they continue to absorb CO2 from the environment, thus limiting our ecological footprint.
The roof panels also consist of recycled materials.
We would also like sustainable heating and ventilation and are still looking for partners for this,
the scout group adds.
We have already received the right of superficies for this land from the city council. We are extremely grateful for that. That made this necessary construction possible. Now we felt that we had to roll up our sleeves ourselves,
says Frederic Pexsters, chairman of VZW Scouts Sint-Martinus.
Only thanks to them and the help of everyone who is kind to our scout group, we can financially support this project independently.
The scouts of Sint-Martinus are of course known for their hands-on approach,
says mayor Vandeput.
They prove that again with this large-scale project. It is a credit to them that they want to build these premises with their own resources. As the city council, we will of course continue to support them where necessary, but this approach is a good example for any future projects.
What is the history behind the new scout premises in Hasselt?
Scouts Sint-Martinus in Hasselt maintains operations at four old facilities that require an up-to-date, sustainable solution. The Kanaalkom site serves to resolve current infrastructure requirements in a manner that supports global sustainability objectives. The construction sector leads with more than 35% of waste production across the EU territory, so eco-friendly building methods require immediate adoption, according to European Environment Agency data.
Recycled materials form the basis of this initiative thanks to the Limburg construction sector backing through the development of CO2-hardened bricks and structural walls made from residual waste. The innovation represents a nationwide shift in Belgium as circular construction takes root since the nation plans to lower CO2 emissions to 55% by 2030. The scouting initiative follows this transformation by developing an entirely circular structure that produces no CO2 emissions.
The project demonstrates how important it is for communities to participate through the support from local sponsors and the city council. The new premises demonstrate the group’s sustainable development approach, which establishes an example of future community-oriented construction in the area.
