EASYFAIRS Belgium Takes Another Step towards Carbon Neutrality

Alain D’Haese, COO & Head of Venues, Easyfairs Belgium, comments: “By choosing NieuweStroom we’re taking a major step towards a greener future and contributing to the broader energy transition in Belgium. It’s one of many initiatives here in Belgium and across the entire Easyfairs group, which we described in detail in our first annual sustainability report, published earlier in the year.”

Dynamic energy contract

Easyfairs selected NieuweStroom based on its unique and innovative approach. Kim Van Houdt, Partner Manager at NieuweStroom, explains: “We do things differently from traditional suppliers. We are transforming the unwieldy energy market, making it 100% fair and transparent. Everyone understands what sustainable generation means, but for the energy transition, the term ‘sustainable consumption’ is equally important, and enterprises can save significantly in this area. With our approach, Easyfairs has the freedom to benefit from the most favourable energy prices while contributing to a more sustainable future by reducing its CO2 emissions.”

Impact on the Belgian Energy Transition

“I hope that this collaboration between Easyfairs and NieuweStroom will be beneficial not just for our two companies but will also have broader implications for the Belgian energy market, providing inspiration for others,” D’Haese adds. “By choosing green energy and promoting sustainable energy consumption, Easyfairs is playing an active role in the energy transition. This contributes to lower national energy consumption and a more sustainable energy market.”

A constant focus to reduce energy consumption

Other initiatives already undertaken by Easyfairs Belgium to reduce its overall energy consumption and accelerate the transition to green energy include investment in LEDs at its venues and the installation of solar panels on their roofs. Solar power currently supplies 80 per cent of Antwerp Expo’s electricity and 45 per cent of Flanders Expo’s. The rest will be supplied by NieuweStroom, which will also supply 100 per cent of the electricity to Namur Expo and Mechelen-Brussels North. 

“We’ve carried out energy audits at all our venues and put the recommendations into action. This also resulted in Flanders Expo saving 100,000 cubic metres in gas in a single year, for example,” says D’Haese. 

Easyfairs Belgium is taking action on the environment across a very broad front, reducing wastage and offering more sustainable options in catering facilities. Easyfairs also encourages visitors to minimise their carbon footprint when travelling to its venues. It has already installed 120 charging stations for electric vehicles.