For a forward-thinking company like ICN this kind of change provides an opportunity to showcase our adaptability, our capacity for learning and our building expertise.

In the 2010 Directive, a building can be defined as NZEB when its energy requirements are close to zero, and when the little energy required for functions such as heating, ventilation or cooling is supplied on-site or from nearby renewable sources.

Member States were called upon to define a range of attainable performance levels based on its climatic and economic conditions. In Flanders, Belgium the adopted standard, at E30, was as ambitious as any. This target has just been achieved for the first time by ICN and its business partners in one of its newest residential projects: De Witte Lelie located in Westmalle, near Antwerpen (pictured).

How did ICN do it?

The architect, here AIDarchitecten, designed for compacity, reducing the volume-to-surface ratio and optimising insulation requirements. The building is totally air-tight and the apartments mechanically ventilated with a system targeting 84% heat recovery and equipped with CO2-sensors designed to activate the system only when strictly necessary to ensure air quality. The apartments will be heated using highly efficient gas condensing boilers bearing the “ecodesign” label. Solar panels are fitted on the roof to provide direct, green energy for the building. The result: current calculations show a consumption of just 65,07 kWh/m².

“We are very proud of our first NZEB project. On the one hand, this kind of performance is a must-have for our portfolio and for our position in the real estate market. This goes beyond compliance with legislative requirements and shows that we mean it when we say we aim to be a future-proof developer.

“On the other hand, a product like this provides increased added value to our customers – above even our usual high-end quality buildings. Our clients can choose to invest in a green property and reap the economic benefits. This is of course a win-win for all concerned.

“And we are working on others. Building the future starts now.” said Brita Van Rossum, Head of Project Belgium at ICN.

ICN will build on its Flemish NZEB experience with a second project located in Meerle and is aiming to pursue the development of high-performance sustainable projects elsewhere, shaping the conversation and proving again to be a valuable partner for cities and urban planners as they face the challenges of reshaping the urban landscape for the 21st century. The aim is to help them and us progress towards more sustainable urban lifestyles.