Belgian postal operator bpost has opened a ‘low-energy’ sorting centre in Thimister-Clermont,regrouping the activities of the different mail sorting facilities in the region while setting
environmental standards at the same time.Located in Wallonia, the French-speaking southern region of Belgium, this low-energy facility isthe first of its kind within the bpost network. The use of this building with low energyconsumption reflects the environmental objectives that bpost has set for itself, including thereduction of its CO2 emissions.
In an attempt to reorganise its logistics network and mail operations by 2017, bpost isgradually consolidating the work of the postmen in its 60 logistics centres, replacing over 300distribution offices currently deployed across Belgium. The current logistics platform is one ofthese 60 facilities.
The 2,500 sqm site is designed for up to 200 people and includes 191 parking spaces, two docksand a loading area for 22 vans. From August 13, it will gradually accommodate 135 servicedistributors serving the municipalities of Aubel, Baelen, Dison, Herve, Limburg, PepinsterPlombieres Thimister, Verviers and Welkenraedt in Belgium.
Located in the Les Plénesses industrial estate, the building has been designed to meetlow-energy standards equating to a maximum of 45 kWh / sqm per year in heating and a maximum of 100kWh / sqm per year in primary energy. The facility is equipped with 18 sqm of solar panels,skylights to reduce electricity consumption for lighting, reinforced insulation and two airlocks toreduce heat losses. By entrusting these works to a contractor and tradespeople in the local area,bpost said it had also limited its environmental footprint.
This low-energy building is part of bpost’s Social Responsibility project, launched with thesupport from WWF in 2009. With this programme, bpost aims to become ‘greener’ and moreenvironmentally friendly. It has committed itself to reducing its CO2 emissions by 35% and itsenergy consumption by 15% by 2012, compared with 2005 levels.
