Aertssen is transforming sustainable investments into a future-proof office

Bringing Sustainable Initiatives Together in a Single Strategic Construction Project

Aertssen Logistics is a leading family-owned company in the logistics sector. Sustainability has been part of its values for many years, but the ambition to become fully climate-neutral by 2050 called for the next visible and structural step. Although the company had already invested in wind energy, solar panels and electric mobility, the question remained how these efforts could be brought together in a single tangible project that combines comfort, future-proofing and credible sustainability.

At the same time, Aertssen recognised a clear shift in the market. Customers increasingly demanded demonstrable and certified sustainability, while new and ever more stringent standards made it difficult to determine which investments would deliver the greatest impact. The organisation also needed a healthy, modern and energy-efficient office building that reflected its long-term vision. With rising energy prices, energy efficiency became a strategic priority.

The key challenge was therefore to combine comfort, economic value and environmental performance without compromising on quality or budget. Aertssen needed clarity, structure and a sustainability project capable of delivering long-term value.

From Sustainability Ambition to an Integrated, Future-Proof Office

To achieve this, Encon guided Aertssen in the development of a strategic sustainability project: a BREEAM-certified office building in Verrebroek that brings together sustainability, comfort and profitability.

The process started with strategic alignment and prioritisation. Together, we identified the measures that would deliver the greatest financial, environmental and operational impact. This ensured that investments were not only sustainable but also demonstrably cost-effective. Every BREEAM credit was evaluated based on its added value, ensuring that certification contributed directly to the building’s functionality, comfort and performance.

We then integrated targeted sustainable technologies, including solar panels, wind energy, electric mobility solutions, energy-efficient systems and circular materials. By optimising comfort and well-being criteria such as acoustics, indoor air quality and lighting quality, we created a working environment that supports employee well-being and productivity.

The building was designed as a future-proof asset that meets sustainability requirements well into 2050, with a low total cost of ownership and an energy profile that delivers long-term cost savings.

Lower Costs, Greater Comfort and a Future-Proof Organisation

The result is a sustainable building that creates value both today and in the future. Energy costs have been significantly reduced through efficient technologies and renewable energy generation, while operational costs remain predictable and under control.

At the same time, employees benefit from a quiet, healthy and comfortable workplace that enhances well-being and supports productivity. The BREEAM certification serves as internationally recognised proof of sustainability performance and provides tangible added value for clients facing increasingly stringent ESG requirements.

Beyond the building itself, the project has strengthened Aertssen’s strategic position as a sustainability leader within the logistics sector. The company’s carbon footprint has been significantly reduced, investment decisions are now systematically evaluated through a sustainability lens, and future projects are approached with a broader climate-conscious perspective.

Thanks to Encon’s strategic guidance, technical expertise and clear decision-making framework, Aertssen now has not only a future-proof office building but also a solid foundation for achieving its long-term climate neutrality ambitions.