ETHIAS has signed an agreement with BPI Real Estate for the acquisition of the WOOD HUB building

WOOD HUB can be considered to be one of the most sustainable buildings in the Benelux. Its mixed bearing structure in wood and concrete, its "fossil free" and "smart building" energy management, based on the VMANAGER technology, as well as its BREAAM® Outstanding and WELL® Platinum certifications, allow WOOD HUB to set a new standard in terms of sustainable and innovative construction.

WOOD HUB has already been fully let and delivery date is foreseen for end 2023.

New standard in sustainability

WOOD HUB, a 7,300m² office building, uses the innovative CREE® prefab technology which combines a PEFC-certified wooden bearing structure, exclusively sourced from sustainably managed forests, with concrete. The state-of-the-art technology makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions linked to building structures by almost 30%, while creating a perfectly insulated envelope.

Heated and cooled by geothermal energy and heat pumps, in combination with nearby 400 solar panels, which makes it possible to make WOOD HUB almost energy self-sufficient (Near Zero Emission Building) with a primary energy requirement that does not exceed 8.59 kWh per m2, a record on the market.

Its remarkably sustainability performance will see WOOD HUB obtain the BREAAM® Outstanding certification, placing it in the highest achievable category. The building will also obtain the WELL® Platinum certification guaranteeing an exceptional working environment designed in function of its occupants’ wellbeing.

A new acquisition for Ethias on the Brussels market

Isabelle Vanderkelen, Head of Real Estate at Ethias: "WOOD HUB fits perfectly with the sustainable and responsible investment policy that Ethias intends to develop in the future. The acquisition of WOOD HUB is part of the diversification of our real estate portfolio and perfectly meets our requirements in terms of quality, comfort for its future occupants and ecological sustainability."

Another CFE Group achievement

WOOD HUB is another addition to CFE’s portfolio of projects realized in partnership by multiple of the group’s subsidiaries. The project is being developed by BPI Real Estate, a leading developer active in Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland. Construction is being done by BPC Group, with WOOD SHAPERS bringing its expertise in large-scale wood construction. VMA is fitting the building with all multitechnics including the VMANAGER platform which centralizes all building technologies into a single platform.

Jacques Lefevre, CEO of BPI Real Estate : "We are thrilled to sell WOOD HUB to Ethias, a company that shares our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to have played a leading role in creating this healthy and inspiring workplace, and we look forward to seeing it thrive under Ethias' ownership."