Brussels Airport supports sustainable projects

For the second year in a row, the Brussels Airport Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, selected and funded 13 sustainable and social projects in the area surrounding the airport. From 41 applications received, an independent jury chose the initiatives that will have a positive impact on the environment, energy, mobility and nature. The funding granted varies between 1,000 and 10,000 euros, for a total of 114,000 euros for the selected organizations.

 

Established in 2023, the Brussels Airport Fund aims to support projects that strengthen the link between the local community and the environment. Nonprofits, youth groups, and schools can apply, presenting initiatives with a clear financial plan and a long-term vision.

 

Among the projects selected in 2025, many focus on the enhancement of urban greenery. For example, the Nieuwland primary school in Brussels will transform part of its courtyard into a green area rich in biodiversity, which will also be a meeting point for families in the area. In Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, the De Plek project will create a 3,000 m² gathering space, with a greenhouse, orchard and chicken coop.

 

Other initiatives aim at environmental protection and ecological education. In Melsbroek, the Passiewijk project will make a currently uncultivated recreational forest area usable, transforming it into an adventurous space for young people. In Grimbergen, the Wat(er) is initiative will raise awareness among schools and businesses about responsible water consumption. In Kortenberg, the Groene Vallei Visitor Center will create a natural play area in the Silsombos forest, using sustainable materials to bring children closer to nature.

 

The Repair Café d'Evere will incentivize the circular economy by encouraging the repair of damaged objects, reducing waste. Also in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, the Du Haut de mon Potager project will open a bicycle repair workshop, where young unaccompanied migrants will learn how to fix their bikes independently.

 

Several initiatives promote sustainable mobility through the use of bicycles. The VELO association of Leuven, in collaboration with the municipality of Machelen, will organize cycling courses for adults, promoting social inclusion. In Grimbergen, the Museum of Ancient Techniques (MOT) will build a bicycle rack made of local wood.

 

In the renewable energy sector, the most innovative project is that of Molen van Rotselaar, which will convert its heating system to aquatherm: instead of natural gas, the building will exploit the heat of the Dyle River, with the installation of heat exchangers and heat pumps.

 

New funding opportunity in 2026: Brussels Airport Fund will continue to support environmental and social projects, with a new call for 2026 scheduled for May 2025.

 

Edited by the Editorial Board, Avion Tourism Magazine

Text source: Brussels Airport Company NV/SA Press Office

Visual photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Photo Brussels: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock

---