hub.brussels obtains the Ecodynamic Enterprise Label

If Brussels is to be guided effectively along the path of economic transition, we must set a good example. With this in mind, in 2019 hub.brussels launched a cross-functional project to reduce its environmental impact. Named green.hub, this work has earned it the Ecodynamic Enterprise Label (LEED)!

The Ecodynamic Enterprise Label rewards and encourages Brussels companies that take action to reduce the impact of their activity on the environment. This action is symbolised on a three-level scale: 1, 2 or 3 stars. 

What is an Ecodynamic Enterprise?

An ecodynamic enterprise is part of an eco-management approach. This approach aims to take into account the environmental impact of its activities, evaluate this impact and reduce it.

The label assesses this approach according to an objective and transparent reference framework that consists of a set of good practices grouped around nine themes: purchasing, green spaces, energy, water, mobility, waste, soil, noise and organization.

Leading by example: the actions implemented at hub.brussels

The green.hub project was created in the wake of the 2019 youth climate protests. To carry out this Agency-wide project, our teams focused on three key themes: mobility, energy and resource management.

Mobility: a plan to make it softer

This theme focuses on the mobility of its employees in the context of their professional travel on a national and international scale. A mobility action plan, also known as the Company Travel Plan (CTP), has been drawn up on the basis of surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021 among hubsters.

The objective is to promote multimodality and soft mobility in order to reduce road congestion and air pollution. The CTP is a legal obligation for all companies in Brussels with more than 100 employees.

In practice:

• Infrastructures: secure bike parking and shower
• Equipment: fleet of electric bikes & city bikes and accessories provided free of charge to staff
• Actions: green.hub has been organising several actions around mobility month since 2020: hub bike test, bike workshop, themed rides, etc.
• Benefits: mileage allowances and reimbursement of home/work travel expenses

Energy: a plan to make it more efficient

This theme focuses on the Agency’s energy consumption in the broadest sense, in relation to the building and digital infrastructures.

In terms of the work environment, the building occupied by the hub.brussels teams in Saint-Gilles obtained a B energy performance certificate for 2021.

hub.brussels has also set itself the task of supporting its logistics and IT departments in implementing good consumption practices. It aims to reduce energy consumption by 10% by 2023.

hub.brussels has been a member of the Belgian Institute for Sustainable IT (ISIT.be) since 2021. Through this institute, the Agency receives advice on how to reduce its digital impact. hub.brussels also participates in the BRIC’s “Responsible Digital” programme. This programme aims to deploy an operational action plan for the entire Brussels-Capital Region.

Resources: a plan to enhance them

This theme covers all aspects of the Agency’s material resources. The objective is to define all the assets and their life cycle from acquisition to end of life.

The goal is to reduce residual waste by 30% by the end of 2023 and plan for the recycling (75%) and/or reuse (90%) of what can be recycled or reused.

In practice:

• Waste sorting and recycling: sorting islands have been installed on all floors in the kitchens and strategic locations. There are five categories of waste. A compost bin has been located in the kitchen areas since 2019 and is collected by MCA.
• Purchasing policy for office supplies and IT equipment: in the interests of sustainable development, hub.brussels is a member of the Brussels Environment procurement office.  The majority of our office products are made of recycled materials and have a reduced ecological footprint: 80 g printing paper, certified 100% recycled, Staedtler dry highlighters and Blue Angel certified post-its.

Two stars, heading for a third

Companies that have implemented 50% of the good practices proposed by Brussels Environment get a star.

With 70% of the objectives met, hub.brussels has already obtained two stars and is continuing its efforts to obtain the 3-star label by the end of 2023!