Luminus Solutions has recently signed a contract with the Province of Namur for the energy renovation of seven provincial welfare centers. This partnership falls under the RenoWatt program of Wallonie Entreprendre and marks an important step in the climate ambitions of the Province of Namur. The work will commence shortly—a promising outlook for the staff, users… and the planet.
To become (almost) climate-neutral by 2030, the province has decided to improve the energy performance of its buildings, including investing in the renovation of seven welfare centers. In February 2023, the RenoWatt purchasing body was appointed to initiate and manage the contract. This involved preparing the tender documents and finalizing an energy performance contract, which was awarded to Luminus Solutions.
Ambitious Renovations for More Comfort and Well-being
As part of this contract, Luminus Solutions will undertake significant work on the buildings’ envelopes (facade insulation, roofing, window frames) as well as upgrades to lighting, ventilation, acoustic, and heating systems. Sustainable solutions such as biomass boilers (pellets), heat pumps, and solar panels will also be implemented to minimize the ecological footprint of the welfare centers and improve their energy efficiency.
The renovations will begin at the Auvelais site. This building will be unoccupied during the works, allowing all energy-saving measures to be executed without restrictions. The other renovations, for the centers in Andenne, Beauraing, Ciney, Couvin, Dinant, and Florennes, will take place at sites that remain in use. Therefore, the work will be conducted in phases starting from March-April 2025, with minimal impact on service delivery. Thanks to the new systems, the buildings will provide pleasant temperatures in both summer and winter and offer greater acoustic comfort—an essential aspect in spaces and professions where confidentiality is paramount.
Guaranteed Performance and Savings
Luminus Solutions’ commitment goes beyond the execution of the works. They will also be responsible for maintaining the HVAC systems for a period of four years after the renovations are completed, ensuring the energy performance of the installations.
As a result, the province will reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the buildings by 60% and 80%, respectively. These reductions could even reach 96% and 100%, respectively, when considering the electricity fed into the grid by the solar panels. Effectively, these buildings will be almost energy- and carbon-neutral!
The works will be carried out with local partners who also actively supported the design phase, including the architectural firm AAEG and two Luminus Group subsidiaries, Newelec and Dauvister, with extensive expertise in electrical engineering, HVAC, and photovoltaic systems.
With this energy-saving project, estimated to cost €18 million in total—of which €5 million is subsidized—Luminus Solutions and the Province of Namur demonstrate their joint commitment to a more environmentally friendly future. The renovations are expected to be completed by early 2026. The renovated buildings will provide more comfortable and environmentally friendly work and living spaces for employees and visitors alike.