Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is continuing to invest in energy-efficient, future-proof campuses. With support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Brussels-Capital Region, VUB is upgrading part of its ageing heating and ventilation infrastructure at its Etterbeek and Jette campuses between 2025 and 2028.
The renovations are being carried out as part of two projects under the 2021–2027 ERDF programme. The first project involves modernising ventilation systems at the Etterbeek and Jette campuses, while the second focuses on upgrading the substations of the district heating network at the Jette campus.
More energy-efficient ventilation
Many of the buildings at the Etterbeek and Jette campuses were constructed between 1970 and 1985. Much of their heating and ventilation infrastructure also dates from this period and is now outdated and energy-inefficient.
VUB is therefore replacing ageing ventilation systems with modern, energy-efficient installations equipped with heat recovery technology. Heat from extracted indoor air is recovered and used to preheat fresh air entering the buildings, significantly reducing the amount of energy required for heating.
The new installations are also designed to operate at lower temperatures, preparing the campuses for a future transition to heat pump technology.
A more efficient district heating network at the Jette campus
The substations and distribution systems of the district heating network at the Jette campus are also being upgraded. Outdated components are being replaced with more efficient heat exchangers, variable-speed pumps and modern control systems.
These upgrades will allow heat to be distributed more efficiently throughout the buildings and enable the network to operate at lower temperatures in the future. This is an important step towards making the heating system compatible with fossil-free heat generation using heat pumps.
Reducing energy consumption and COâ‚‚ emissions
Through these two renovation projects, VUB aims to further reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and prepare its infrastructure for the transition towards a more sustainable energy system.
The projects are expected to reduce primary energy consumption by approximately 8,070 MWh and cut COâ‚‚ emissions by an estimated 1,600 tonnes per year.
The total investment is estimated at approximately €8 million for the ventilation systems and €3 million for the heating substations. The projects will receive €3 million and €1 million respectively in investment funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Brussels-Capital Region.
These projects are co-funded by the European Union and the Brussels-Capital Region.
