CircuS trajectory: Herselt on the floor

Today, we speak to Stijn Vanhulsel, head of Herselt's Department of Territory Affairs. They are currently exploring the possibility of moving the executive services to an existing building in an SME zone.

What is the main reason for moving your executive services to premises in the SME zone?

There are several reasons. First, we want to improve the safety of the school environment, as the current location of the enforcement services is close to a school. In addition, we are struggling with lack of space. Finally, this is a unique opportunity to move the services to their own location, which better suits our needs.

What advantages do you see in repurposing an existing industrial building instead of a new one?

A key advantage is that the existing building is already licensed, allowing us to reuse the existing structure. This allows us to be more sustainable with the materials that are already there. By being smart with what is there, we avoid unnecessary waste.

What will happen to the current executive services premises?

We want to recover as many materials as possible from the existing building and reuse them in the new premises. By doing so, we minimise waste and give materials a second life. The vacant site will be redeveloped later.

Did you already have ideas about sustainability and circularity before embarking on the CircuS project?

We certainly already had ideas and a kind of dream scenario in mind, but the CircuS trajectory helps us to stay realistic within the available budget. The guidance gives us valuable insights into how to apply circular principles in a feasible way.

What are the biggest challenges during realisation?

The budget is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges. In addition, project management requires a lot of attention because we have to take a long-term view. We need to start thinking now about how the building will still be functional and relevant in 30 to 50 years' time.

What challenges do you see in reusing the existing structure?

The building is already old and needs to be adapted to contemporary standards and regulations. That is not an easy task. At the same time, we want to create a pleasant, modern and functional workplace for our employees.

You are committed to renewable energy and water recovery. Why is that important for Herselt?

Sustainability is an absolute priority today. As a municipality, we want to set an example and show that renewable energy and water recuperation should be standard. In addition, we see this as an opportunity to set up an educational project involving farmers and residents.

Herselt is a smaller municipality. How does it feel to take on a pioneering role?

We are proud of what we are doing, but we want to remain realistic. Above all, we look forward to implementing the project and hope that the results can inspire other municipalities as well.

What are your expectations from the CircuS pathway?

Our biggest expectation was to receive guidance from Camp C throughout the entire process. After two sessions, we can say that this guidance even exceeds our expectations. We get step by step insights into how to translate our ambitions into concrete plans and how to use the right tools to create a strong brief.

Did the explanation about the GRO tool inspire you?

We were not yet familiar with the GRO tool, but it certainly provided interesting insights. It helps us discuss certain choices and think more deeply about the different sustainability aspects of our project.

Which themes from the tool stand out for you?

For us, reusing materials is an important theme, as is designing buildings that are future-proof. This long-term vision is crucial for our project.

Have you already gained insights by listening to other municipalities' projects?

Absolutely. It is inspiring to see how each municipality is working on a different project. By sharing experiences, we get new ideas and discover how certain solutions can also fit into our project.

During the session, you were given a tour of 't Centrum and a case by WEST Architecture. What are your main lessons?

't Centrum is one big source of inspiration. The layout, the use of materials and innovative techniques like the water treatment via the green facade give us a lot of food for thought. WEST Architecture's case underlined the importance of drawing up clear specifications and being transparent about budgets.

You are exploring the possibility of an energy cooperative. How do you see that role?

We don't have any concrete details yet, but given the available area of the building, we want to explore this further. An energy cooperative could be a way to make the building's energy supply more sustainable and give Herselt residents access to affordable energy.

How do you plan to green the site?

The site is in an SME zone, but we have asked the municipality to keep a large proportion of green space. Partly because the plot borders other zoning areas. The area we occupy is largely paved, so we are taking softening measures to reduce the impact. This is not obvious, but not impossible.

How do you ensure that the building is accessible and inclusive?

In an industrial building, this is not obvious. For us, inclusive means that we are digitally accessible, but we also need to guarantee our services for people who are not digitally literate. The physical aspect is also important: the building is accessible to less mobile people anyway. This is something we want to stand for as Herselt municipality.

What do you hope to learn in the rest of the process?

For us, it will now be important to be given methods with which we can make detailed cost calculations. This will help us present the project correctly to the board and integrate it into the new multi-year plan.