Building future-proof city centers

In 2015, the UN established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals focus on the economic, social, and ecological aspects of sustainability. We now know that sustainable business practices are not only good for the planet and society but also have a positive business impact. At Urbicoon, we use ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) indicators as a guide for all our sustainability initiatives. This way, we strive for quality living, working, and life within our own organization as well as for every real estate project we build.

The ESG indicators: the foundation for sustainable business practices

ENVIRONMENT

We believe in creating pleasant living environments with a small ecological footprint. We take a broader approach than just focusing on the experience within the apartments of our projects, aiming to create better and more beautiful urban environments. This includes, for example, green neighborhoods with an emphasis on soft mobility and proximity to public transportation.

We build in an environmentally friendly way through:

• Optimal insulation of our Nearly Energy Neutral (BEN) buildings
• Energy-efficient heat pumps and underfloor heating
• A collective energy concept, including solar panels, ensuring low EPC values
• Charging stations for electric cars and e-bikes
• Interiors equipped with smart devices
• High-quality materials with a long lifespan

SOCIAL

Sustainability and environmental friendliness are often mentioned in the same breath, but sustainability goes much further. At Urbicoon, we actively focus on the social aspects of business. Whether it’s with employees, customers, or the network we’re part of, we always choose respect and equality.

For us, doing business with care for people means:

• Opting for inclusive design wherever possible
• Ensuring a horizontal company culture with room for personal initiative
• Focusing on the health of our employees by offering inspiring sessions, providing healthy drinks and food, and participating in sports events together. Our nutrition coach offers healthy, energy-boosting meals every week.
• Taking care of our clients and building a relationship of trust; personal contact in their own language is key, and our customized rental service makes their lives even more enjoyable
• Inclusive and transparent communication (including through a customer platform)
• Cultivating loyalty and long-term collaborations, with employees, customers, and suppliers alike

GOVERNANCE

• Effective governance forms the foundation for creating long-term value and promoting sustainable growth. Our structure is set up to fulfill our ambitions as creative, sustainable developers. Urbicoon is a part of Group Machiels and follows the strategy where ecology and economy go hand in hand.

  Urbicoon stands for:

  • Years of experience that we apply in everything we do
  • Reliability and financial stability
  • Collaborations with renowned construction partners
  • Meeting future standards today
  • Choosing innovation and renewal
  
  
  

Continuing to build on our sustainable ambitions

Just as we raise the bar for every real estate project, we aim to do the same for a more sustainable business model. We strive to continue our efforts in sustainability with initiatives focused on:

• Even better energy efficiency
• Renewable energy sources
• Reduced ecological footprint

In the coming period, we will work on refining our goals and developing specific actions to create a positive impact on people, the environment, and society.