Sibelga supports the public authorities in achieving the objectives of sustainable development and reducing the carbon footprint set by the Brussels-Capital Region.

Public charging stations for all

Remember: in 2020, Sibelga was commissioned by the Brussels Government to organize the deployment of a network of charging points for electric vehicles in Brussels. The aim is for Brussels to have 11,000 charging points available to motorists by 2035, i.e. around 10,000 more than at present.

However, it is not just a question of agreeing on the number of points to be installed, but also on their geographical location. In 2021, Sibelga has drawn up a deployment plan for a first batch of 246 charging stations (492 points) in partnership with the VUB and the Region.

The aim? To ensure that every inhabitant of Brussels has access to a recharging point within a radius of 250 metres of their home. This plan was submitted to each of the municipalities concerned. The finalized version served as the basis for the call for tenders launched in September 2021 to choose the concessionaire responsible for installing this first batch.

“The preparatory work carried out upstream by Sibelga in consultation with the municipalities is essential. The regional vision is based on theoretical criteria that do not necessarily take account of local realities. It was therefore essential for the local authorities to be able to challenge our proposal,” says Nicolas Spilleboudt, who is responsible for the ChargyClick project at Sibelga.

An accelerator to decarbonize the Brussels car fleet

The Brussels Region has decided that, as of 2025, the Brussels public authorities will only be able to purchase or lease “zero emission” vehicles. They are thus called upon to adopt an exemplary role in the desire to make Brussels a zero-carbon city by 2035. Road transport accounts for no less than 60% of carbon dioxide emissions and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. This goal will significantly improve air quality for all and reduce CO2 emissions in Brussels.

To help public authorities achieve these objectives and green their fleets, Sibelga has set up the MobiClick purchasing centre. Through it, local authorities (municipalities, CPAS, inter-municipalities, etc.) and regional authorities can purchase electric or CNG commercial vehicles and electric charging stations.

This way, public authorities save time (they do not have to manage a public contract), money (prices are negotiated for grouped purchases) and they have the assurance of ordering vehicles that meet the standards in force. In addition, they benefit from professional market monitoring by Sibelga.

By 2021, 46 public authorities had already signed up. 16 batches of electric and CNG vehicles are available and updated every year. In addition, the first 10 charging points have been installed.

A comprehensive sustainable energy renovation program for public authorities

For several years now, Sibelga has been supporting public authorities in targeted energy renovation work with the NRClick programme: renovation of boiler rooms or ventilation systems, optimisation of the heating control system, etc.

With the RenoClick programme, the ambition is to go further by targeting in-depth and sustainable renovation work on public buildings. That is, work on both the envelope of these buildings (roof insulation, facades, replacement of windows …) and equipment (heating, ventilation, lighting, rainwater recovery …).

“Our ambition is to adopt a more systemic approach and to motivate public authorities to undertake work that will lead to even greater energy savings and efficiency in the long term,” comments Thomas Raes, program manager.

The year 2021 has been used to prepare the launch of this program, to define its operation and its terms. In addition, the RenoClick Purchasing Centre has been set up: it will enable the beneficiary public authorities to easily and quickly call on competent partners to carry out studies, execute works and other necessary services. Membership in this center has been available since January 17, 2022.

The first studies should be able to be launched at the beginning of 2023. The first construction sites could start in mid-2024.

The RenoClick program is part of the Brussels government’s major plan to help and support the renovation of buildings, RENOLUTION, which aims to make public buildings carbon neutral by 2040. This strategy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brussels, improve living and working comfort and reduce energy costs.