A success story
A success story
In 2000, several European renewable energy associations decided to share a common office building in order to make use of synergies – the Renewable Energy House concept was born. This concept proved to be successful and the number of staff in the house grew rapidly so that the original premises soon became too small.
Phase 1 – 2005-2006
When looking for new premises, EREC teamed up with HRH Prince Laurent of Belgium. The Prince proposed to EREC and its members the creation of a living renewable energy and energy efficiency showcase in the heart of Brussels, accessible to the people of Europe and beyond. The challenge that lay ahead was how to preserve the 140 year-old building structure whilst integrating a series of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
The excellent collaboration between all parties involved made the impossible come true - in less than one year a concept was developed and implemented, realizing a truly spectacular sustainable energy showcase in the heart of Europe’s capital, demonstrating both significant reduction of energy consumption for heating, lighting, cooling and ventilation through the application of energy efficiency measures, as well as providing as much renewable energy as possible for the remaining energy demand.
In January 2006, 11 renewable energy associations and their 45 staff moved to the new Renewable Energy House, located in Rue d’Arlon 63-65.
Phase 2 - 2007-2008
In 2007, following ever increasing activities, EREC in collaboration with GRECT, the Global Renewable Energy & Conservation Trust, the private Foundation created and chaired by HRH Prince Laurent of Belgium, projected to extend the Renewable Energy House to the adjoining building Rue d’Arlon 67 so as to answer the need for additional office space.
In January 2008, EREC and its members settled into the enlarged Renewable Energy House, now composed of 2.800 m2 in total. A series of adaptations have been realized, valorizing the concept of a 100% renewable energy building and still featuring the latest renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
The Renewable Energy House is much more than just an office for the leading renewable energy industry, trade and research associations hosting currently 100 staff. This showcase on how to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies into an old listed building has already attracted around 15.000 visitors from all over Europe and world-wide who want to learn more on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
