Belgium First large carbon net zero mall

The sustainable ecological approach is an integral part of the Docks Bruxsel architecture. The shopping centre has a natural ventilation system that replaces air conditioning and a 580 cubic metres rainwater recovery basin which, after filtration and treatment, can be used for many applications (sanitary facilities, cleaning processes, cooling systems, etc.). Docks Bruxsel is also equipped with a rainwater filtering method for watering the green walls. The shopping centre has 4,500 sqm of solar panels and the heat from a nearby incinerator is used as an energy source. On the roof, there are two beehives that house around 80,000 bees. The shopping centre has also obtained BREEAM 'Excellent' rating. This same sustainable infrastructure enables Docks Bruxsel to fill its Christmas ice rink with rainwater and power it with 100 pct green energy generated from solar panels. These panels can produce up to 520 Mwh per year, equivalent to the average consumption of 115 Brussels households.

Docks benefits from an exceptional design and has been built with low carbon emissions in mind; this was part of our rationale for investing in Docks. We have worked tirelessly to further reduce carbon emissions, to provide inclusive access, and on our ESG strategy. We are very pleased and proud to be the first large-scale shopping centre to have achieved CO2 neutral status and gold certification. We will continue working to further reduce carbon emissions; an environmental and socially inclusive strategy is essential to us, our investors, tenants and customers.
Peter Todd, the founder of Portus Retail and asset Mmanager/owner of Docks Bruxsel

Docks Bruxsel is a shopping and leisure destination on the banks of the Brussels canal. It comprises more than 100 retail outlets, 15 restaurants, an indoor adventure park and event space for up to 1,500 people. The complex was opened in 2016.