Energy and Emissions

Energy performance of the buildings

We believe that an investment policy that helps us lower the energy consumption of our buildings makes sense for Cofinimmo and for the wider world. Additionally, we strive to use sustainable materials for as much of our construction and renovation work as is feasible.

All the development projects that we have realised or initiated since 2008 have met or exceeded the stipulations of the European Directive 2002/91/EC, which governs the Energy Performance of Buildings standard. Some examples:

For all major future development projects we will systematically go for better energy performance than that imposed by Law and apply for BREEAM certification (see chapter Development).

Correspondingly, when setting our budgets, we routinely emphasise the improvement of the energy consumption of our property portfolio. Thanks to this particular environmental focus, we're proud to say that we have already ensured that Cofinimmo obtains several subsidies for the realisation of works we have undertaken in recent years.

Mobility

Concerned by the comfort of our clients and the urban mobility issue, Cofinimmo is proud to be an official partner in the 'MY MOVE' project initiated by the D'Ieteren Group. Under this project, Cofinimmo and D'Ieteren put an 'intelligent sharing' system of electric bicycles and electric or very low CO2 emission cars at the disposal of the tenants. The first office building in which this service has been introduced is the Omega Court office block.

Green energy

In 2007 already, Cofinimmo signed a green energy contract. This implies that all common office area benefit from electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources. This approach generates savings of around 15,000 tonnes of CO2/year, equivalent to the production generated by 8 wind turbines of average power.

Moreover, several properties - offices as well as care homes - are equiped with solar panels or green roofs, which offer great advantages in terms of natural and efficient energy production.

CO2 emissions

As a corollary to the energy management of its properties, Cofinimmo has pursued a reflection process on the CO2 emissions of its properties and its influence on climate change. An evaluation has been carried out at our headquarters in accordance with the ADEME standard. It has shown that, compared to the Brussels' average, Cofinimmo's results in terms of energy and waste management were 50% more efficient. Special attention, however, needs to be paid to transport, which will be the subject of an intensive action plan.