Big Blue Logo (Source: Van Marcke Photostream Flickr)

On November 14^th, 2009 Big Blue – first CO2-neutral knowledge center of Belgium – opened its doors. The Van Marcke Group invested no less than 1.250.000 € in this industrial renovation. The focus of the renovation was to deal with energy and energy consumption in the most conscious possible way. By following this approach, the Van Marcke Group succeeded in fully renovating and refurnishing but especially in creating a CO2-neutral building!

On November 27, 2009, thanks to Brussels Girl Geek Dinner, I was given the opportunity to visit the building during an information session. What I remember most about Big Blue is the ease with which information is provided on heating and water but also how such a beautiful, open building deals with energy in such an efficient way.

Being Belgian, of course I knew the brand Van Marcke before I had visited Big Blue; but I was very impressed by how rational and passionately people think about water and heating over there. Having witnessed that, I think the information center sounds like a really good initiative, which can provide professionals and ordinary people alike with training in energy-efficient water and heating technologies.

Even if you don’t necessarily need information on these topics, a visit to Big Blue is a must if you’re in Brussels. The building complies with the latest standards for passive housing: neither fuel oil nor natural gas is used for heating the building. And even better: the electricity needed for heating, ventilation (an important concept that I had no knowledge of before I visited Big Blue!) and lighting is provided by solar energy while the water for sanitation comes from collected rainwater. Try to do better than that!

Garden Wall Big Blue (Source: Van Marcke Photostream Flickr)

What I found most amazing though is the living wall garden at the center of the building. This wall, covered with vegetation, is kept moist with an irrigation system connected to the rainwater collector. Thus, the indoor climate is kept in balance and regulated (with the assistance of a good ventilation).

During the info session I attended, several presentations where provided, including one by Serge De Gheldere, climate expert, Belgian Representative for climate crisis gourou Al Gore and head of FutureProofed. What impressed me the most, however, was the honest and to the point speech of Mrs. Caroline Van Marcke herself, member of the board of directors of the Van Marcke Group and creator of the Big Blue initiative. To paraphrase Mrs. Van Marcke:

“We (Belgian) consumers will have to learn to consume differently. That way, we will be able to make a difference!”

To state the obvious: this truth not only applies to Belgian consumers, but to all consumers around. That’s the message we should all understand and learn. And that is what Big Blue is all about. Make the Belgian public understand that 31% of their CO2 emissions are caused by home-based water and energy consumption and that no less than 52% of the drinking water used is not going down throats but instead is swallowed by toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, house cleaning practices and the maintenance of gardens! In the words of Caroline Van Marcke:

“These figures make it abundantly clear that every household can actively join in working towards protecting the climate. By opting for sustainable solutions in the areas of heating and water, their individual efforts are certain to make a big difference in due course. Which is exactly why it is of vital importance for us to provide consumers with correct, concrete and easily comprehensible information and guidance.

At Big Blue we are keen to make our know-how and expertise in efficient and energy-friendly technologies in the areas of heating and water available to all.”

Those of you who are in Belgium and want to learn more about the Van Marcke Group and Big Blue are invited to visit the Van Marcke Inspiration Store during the Batibouw fair held later this week in Brussels. A chance to discover Van Marcke’s new initiative, in partnership with Unicef .

Additional information can be found here:
Big Blue Belgium
Van Marcke op Twitter
Photostream on Flickr (with floor map of Batibouw to find the Van Marcke Inspiration Store easily)

By Murielle Ungricht