A revolution at home: transforming everyday living through energy communities

Imagine this: a resident sitting comfortably in their living room, enjoying a book, a cold beer, or a football match. Meanwhile, every lightbulb is switched on, every gadget plugged in, and every electric appliance contributes not only to their comfort but also to a communal reserve fund dedicated to improving their building. This is the reality at the Marius Renard building in Anderlecht, in the Brussels Region, where an ambitious energy community has turned sustainability into a way of life.

Constructed in 1967, the Haemelinckx building, home to 450 apartments, has become an extraordinary example of urban energy transformation in Anderlecht. Known for its imposing structure, this high-rise has redefined its identity by spearheading one of the most ambitious energy community projects in Brussels.

A self-sufficient urban giant

Standing tall with 27 storeys and housing 450 apartments, this high-rise, built in 1967, has become a beacon of sustainable urban living. Thanks to the installation of a cogeneration system, the building generates a staggering 1.2 GWh of energy annually, transforming it into a self-sufficient powerhouse.

Beyond powering shared spaces like lifts and lighting, the system produces far more electricity than the communal areas require. This surplus has opened up incredible possibilities for the building’s residents and management.

Transforming everyday energy into financial resilience

The energy community, launched in January 2022, goes beyond reducing carbon emissions—it creates financial opportunities for its residents, generating significant annual revenues reinvested into maintenance and renovation projects that directly benefit the entire building community.

A vision for the future

The energy community’s success is only the beginning. Plans are underway to install over 500 square metres of solar panels and wind turbines on the rooftop, aiming to increase local energy production by 20%. Recently, a 121 kWh battery, repurposed from old car batteries, was installed to store the self-produced energy. Regardless of sunlight or wind conditions, every kWh produced is utilized efficiently. This expansion not only boosts energy efficiency but also strengthens the building’s financial ecosystem. As Vincent, the manager of this multi-apartment block, puts it: “Energy Communities are a real solution for driving the energy transition within co-owned buildings“.

A blueprint for urban transformation

The Marius Renard energy community demonstrates how collective action and innovation can reimagine urban living. By turning everyday activities into sources of financial and environmental sustainability, it offers a blueprint for other cities to follow.

This is more than just a story about energy; it’s about empowering communities, creating financial resilience, and proving that sustainability is not a luxury but a necessity.

Contact

Vincent Spruytte, Administrateur, Managimm Homeland (vspruytte@homeland.immo)

Written by Emmanuelle Causse, UIPI – International Union of Property Owners.