Belfius Bank and the "Secrétariat Général de l'Enseignement Catholique" (SeGEC) have announced an expansive investment program to equip over 1,000 schools in Brussels and Wallonia with solar panels. This collaborative effort, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the ELENA mechanism, aims to enhance sustainability and reduce CO2 emissions in educational buildings, benefiting approximately 475,000 pupils over the next four years.
The comprehensive investment program, realized through European subsidies from the ELENA mechanism, managed by the EIB, enables Belfius Bank and SeGEC to provide solar panels to most Catholic free schools in Brussels and Wallonia. These subsidies support projects focused on improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy use in buildings. This initiative will benefit a wide range of educational institutions, including kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools, ultimately fostering sustainability in the French and German-speaking Communities.
The primary objective of this ambitious four-year program is to make school buildings more sustainable, effectively reducing CO2 emissions and lowering the energy bills of approximately 800 Catholic education organizations. To facilitate the implementation of this initiative, SeGEC and Belfius Bank have enlisted expert consultancy offices to draft specifications for a framework contract encompassing all schools in Wallonia and Brussels. Furthermore, they are developing a digital platform that will enable schools to simulate the optimal size of their solar panel installation, assess the financial impact of their investment, and place direct orders with the awarded supplier.
To ensure a seamless execution of the installations, SeGEC will oversee the entire operation, managing the process from start to finish. Belfius Bank will continue to provide ongoing support as a financial partner, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable initiatives and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout Belgium.
Dirk Gyselinck, Executive Director Wealth, Enterprises & Public of Belfius Bank, expresses the bank's dedication to reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to a sustainable future. This partnership aligns with Belfius Bank's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives and supports their ambition to drive positive change for people, the environment, and society as a whole.
Etienne Michel, Secretary General of SeGEC, emphasizes the importance of this large-scale project in building a more sustainable society and passing on these values to future generations. By assisting member schools in reducing their energy consumption and ecological footprint, SeGEC aims to address the pressing need for green energy production. The recent energy crisis and soaring prices have significantly impacted schools, making the transition to sustainable energy production urgent. SeGEC is proud to make this project a reality, benefiting over a thousand schools in the French and German-speaking Communities.
This initiative marks a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable educational infrastructure in Belgium. The installation of solar panels in schools not only contributes to environmental conservation but also educates and inspires future generations about the importance of renewable energy and sustainability. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, Belfius Bank and SeGEC are leading the way in driving positive change and promoting a more sustainable society.
