Imec participates in ELENA L.E.U.V.E.N. project and is committed to the evolution towards a climate neutral Leuven

Not all organizations have the knowledge needed to renovate their buildings sustainably. What if we could convince large building owners to join forces with smaller organizations with sustainable ambitions?

This vision formed the basis from which the ELENA L.E.U.V.E.N. project emerged in late 2017. As an organization that attaches great importance to sustainability, imec joined the project, as an important step forward within the roadmap to a climate-neutral Leuven.

Joining forces

Under the guidance of vzw Leuven 2030, 24 building owners, including imec, ultimately found each other and joined their forces and investment budgets. In addition, a subsidy from the European Investment Bank worth 1.5 million euro was granted to finance preparatory studies.

Infrastructure assessment

Imec commissioned the following 2 studies:
 

• An audit of the boiler room used for heat production in 2 of our buildings. The control strategy of the boilers was modified, resulting in:
   
  • More stable boiler operation
  • Avoid condensation damage to the boilers, resulting in a longer service life
  • Lower energy consumption (both gas and electricity)
     
• A potential scan related to the overheating of some of the buildings. Thanks to the study, it was decided to implement climate ceilings in several buildings to connect them to a sustainable way of producing heat and cold in the future
   

In addition to the study, it was also decided not to continue with the renovation of our 'imec 2/3' building and to opt for a sustainable new construction project instead.

Result

To date, the ELENA L.E.U.V.E.N. project has led to 100 renovated buildings, 150,000 renovated square meters and 1,000 kilowatt-peak of generated renewable energy in Leuven. Imec is pleased with the adjustments to the infrastructure and its contribution to the common vision of a climate-neutral Leuven.