Leading by example

In 2022, Sibelga committed to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030

By working with Climact, Sibelga calculated its carbon footprint using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Most of Sibelga’s carbon footprint consists of indirect emissions relating to the energy being distributed to end customers (scope 3).

In order to reduce these scope 3 emissions, Sibelga is helping Brussels residents and public companies reduce their consumption and switch to green energy by means of Renolution, Energy communities, Smart metres, H2 Gridlab, Energuide, etc., among others.

There are also scope 1 emissions, which are mainly caused by grid losses on the gas grid, SF6 escapes, Sibelga’s gas consumption and emissions from leased and commercial vehicles.

Finally, scope 2 emissions are generated by the purchase of electricity. Not only for our own consumption, but also for public lighting and to compensate for network losses on the electricity grid.

A variety of actions are also being taken to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions. These include purchasing green electricity, LEDification and use of Smart Lighting in order to provide public lighting, the transition to electric cars, ecodriving training, the introduction of the mobility budget, telecommuting, etc. 

In 2022, Sibelga committed to reduce its scope 1 and scope 2 carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019.

Ever more sustainable mobility

Sibelga continues to gradually green up its fleet and reduce emissions associated with its movements.

In 2022, 10 additional electric vehicles were allocated to employees responsible for meter reading or customer work. “We already had electric vehicles in our fleet, but they were still few in number and for limited use,” comments Grégory Navet, Mobility Manager. “Since this year, the staff concerned have been making all their journeys in these vehicles and we will continue to systematically electrify our commercial fleet. “

In addition, during the summer, five Sibelga employees tested the use of an electric cargo bike for journeys related to gas and electricity meter readings. This mode of transport offers several advantages for getting around the streets of Brussels: it saves time by avoiding traffic jams and makes it easier to park, not to mention the benefits of physical activity for its users. “The staff who volunteered for this test were given special training and support. The result was positive and led to the ordering of four electric cargo bikes and the introduction of a company bike-sharing scheme from 2023. “

Company cars are also going green. “In 2022, the executives concerned who opted for a company car had the choice between a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle. In 2023, we will only offer electric vehicles. “

Finally, Sibelga staff as a whole are open to alternative modes of transport. Some thirty Sibelga employees took part in the “Off to work without my car” challenge organised by Brussels Environment and Brussels Mobility. Sibelga finished in first place in terms of the number of points collected. “This shows that our colleagues are aware of and open to testing alternatives to cars,” comments Grégory Navet.

Sibelga renews its CHP facility at Quai des Usines

Sibelga has had a CHP unit on its Quai des Usines site for over 20 years. As a reminder, CHP allows electricity to be produced and heat to be generated by means of an engine powered by a single fuel (in this case, gas).

“The facility at the Quai des Usines site is a bit special because the heat produced by CHP is used to preheat natural gas before being expanded in a turbine and injected into the network. The coupling of the expansion turbine to a generator also produces electricity. The facility’s electricity production can thus cover part of Sibelga’s electricity needs,” explains Sylvain Naudts, Green Production Manager.

In 2020, this cogeneration unit had reached the end of its certification period. “On this occasion, a study was carried out to re-analyse its functioning and to take stock of the experience of recent years. In view of the evolution of gas consumption in Brussels and on the basis of technical recommendations, we decided to renew certain technical elements and to reconfigure the facility in order to guarantee optimal energy recovery. “

The renewal of this unit will result in a significant environmental gain due to its very principle and to a more heat-efficient facility. This project, which was completed in December 2022, was particularly significant because of its scale and technical complexity.

Energy efficiency in times of crisis

At the beginning of September 2022, the Brussels Government drew up a circular on the energy efficiency of public authorities in the Brussels-Capital Region. This circular detailed the guidelines for managing non-residential public buildings in response to the energy crisis.

In order to set an example in this area, Sibelga has implemented the recommended measures to reduce its energy consumption.

In particular, the heating level was lowered to 19° during periods of occupation, ventilation was cut off during periods of non-occupation, hot water production was restricted to showers and the kitchen, and the façade lighting was completely switched off.

In addition, Sibelga encouraged its employees to work remotely on Fridays so that it can switch off the heating and air conditioning in part of its buildings on that day.

Finally, everyone was invited to pay more attention to limiting consumption, particularly with regard to printing and the standby consumption of appliances.