Sustainable Neighbourhood Contracts
In 1993, the Brussels-Capital Region initiated a policy of targeted interventions to renovate and improve traditional Brussels neighbourhoods. Since 2009, this initiative bears the name “sustainable neighbourhood contracts.” Using a participatory approach, the regional authorities stimulate grassroots solutions to the environmental, social and economic challenges that are typical for Brussels’ old quarters. Residents and neighbourhood users come together to propose, design, and carry out initiatives that improve their living environment. Among the types of implemented projects are: construction of public parks, production of low energy housing, energy savings, waste reduction and air quality initiatives, rationalization of consumption, and promotion of the neighbourhood heritage.
The first sustainable neighbourhood was bought in 2004 and low-energy homes were built on it. It took 6 years to obtain all the right licenses. As a result of this experience, the authorities noticed two promoters in the Region who were really interested and believed in passive building. This was a stepping stone for launching the BatEx program 3 years later. Today, there is a large sustainable neighbourhood project underway, where 450 accommodation units will be built. Thanks to the experience authorities gathered with BatEx, they imposed maximum limits on urban and architectural requirements of construction projects.
Since 2010, over € 60 million per year have been invested in such contracts, whereby the terms of references impose passive standards for new buildings and low to very energy standards for renovated buildings.
At the same time, since 2008 Brussels Environment has been promoting “Sustainable Neighbourhoods” call for proposals, which are addressed to inhabitants, and aim to stimulate local sustainable improvement initiatives. Each year, the top five proposals are awarded € 15,000 each. The winners receive not only funds, but also a “basket of services” (e.g. nine training and awareness activities), an organiser (a specialist), and help with project follow-up and coordination. Brussels Environment also helps the winners promote their projects and raise awareness within the neighbourhood, as well as in the Region. By the end of 2012, the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Network will have 20 members.
To participate, neighbourhoods must respond to Brussels Environment’s “Sustainable Neighbourhoods” call for proposals, which the regional authorities have organized since 2008. Each year, the top five proposals are awarded € 15,000 each. Since 2010, over € 60 million per year have been invested in such contracts. The winners receive not only funds, but also a “basket of services” (e.g. nine training and awareness activities), an organiser (a specialist), and help with project follow-up and coordination. Brussels Environment also helps the winners promote their projects and raise awareness within the neighbourhood, as well as in the Region. By the end of 2012, the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Network will have 20 members.
To take the initiative even further, regional authorities also provide a “Sustainable Neighbourhoods Facilitator,” to support the construction of new neighbourhoods on vacant urban land.
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