By 2026, the Greenbizz incubator, located at the heart of the Tivoli GreenCity district, which is already recognised as exemplary in terms of sustainable development, will be enhanced by a new multi-floor business park which aims to be 100% circular. The centre should also meet the 3M paradigm of modularity, mutuality and mobility! The challenge citydev.brussels has set for itself is significant and requires an integrated approach to the circular economy and eco-construction principles.
A Brussels need
For several years now the Region’s goal has been to reconcile the different functions of the city while maintaining a focus on productive activities, which play a capital role in Brussels’ momentum. In order to welcome and support these companies, citydev.brussels has already developed five business parks (Newton PME, Newton TPE, Magellan PME, Greenbizz and Cityline (two of which with support from the ERDF) and its goal to double this number within five years. The demand for this type of space is increasing in Brussels, notably for circular economy activities. Greenbizz II will provide a new solution for these innovative entrepreneurs by meeting the regional objectives of the Plan Industriel et de la Stratégie de Transition Economique (Industrial and Economic Transition Strategy Plan).
Greenbizz currently has 17 modules for production workshops and a 2,800m² incubator. Its sibling will extend this innovation ecosystem and will provide 33 workshops of 50 to 400 m² on several floors as well as a co-working space, a catering area and an urban farming project on the roof. The project is intended to consolidate the economic, social and environmental momentum of the neighbourhood created by the presence of Be-Here, Cityfab 1 and Greenbizz and promote the local and social economy as well as sustainable design.
Circular design in line with the 3M principle
The objective of this project is to provide production areas which can host small companies, or start-ups active in sustainable, circular and local production while providing them with a work environment in a well-planned, circular and innovative building.
Its exemplarity will be based both on the design of the building, which is very low energy and circular, and on its organisation around the 3M: Modularity, Mutuality and Mobility.
This paradigm will govern all of citydev.brussels’ new designs over the coming years. Modularity makes it possible to design the building based on its optimal integration in the neighbourhood, while remaining resilient to demand. It will enable easy disassembly of each space and the conversion of the property into offices, housing or cultural spaces. The workshops can be easily adapted for several types of uses. Mutuality requires that the spaces be designed to promote exchange and pooling. Natural synergies and circular logic will be able to emerge, notably among the projects hosted by Greenbizz. Lastly, mobility, at the heart of entrepreneurial concerns, is taken into account in terms of the types of companies present and the location of the business park in order to maximise the use of active, public and shared mobility
The circular economy will be highlighted throughout the Greenbizz II project and minimum requirements must be met with respect to:
- Reusable materials for new construction;
- Evaluation of the environmental impact with the obligation to propose alternatives to the solutions with the greatest impact;
- Space and technical reversibility;
- Sustainable development with a focus on mobility, well-being, urban agriculture, biodiversity, social impact, water and energy management, etc.
It will also complete and enhance the Tivoli Greencity complex alongside housing, local services and shared spaces.
citydev.brussels will surround itself with experts in order to achieve its goal of exemplarity, as well as systematise the strategy in the future for its other projects. Greenbizz II is already benefiting from the experience of Brussels Environment, the FCRBE programme (Facilitating the circulation of reclaimed building elements) and special and complete support for urban agriculture. In addition to the support provided, a call for tenders will be announced soon for support on the challenges to be set in terms of sustainable development and eco-construction. The specifications for a Design & Build contract are currently being developed and are expected to be published at the end of 2021. Work should start by the end of 2024.
Author: Laurie Verheyen, Circular Economy Coordinator at citydev.brussels
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