Earth g48fc4bd4d 1280

Model projects

On this page you will find some successful examples of projects and actions for biodiversity.
In this part we are highlighting existing initiatives in order to inspire anyone to take action.

Nature-based solutions
Pexels photo 531906 bb

Aquafin - Make stormwater runoff from service buildings more sustainable

There are also many service buildings within Aquafin's patrimony. With this project, we want to ensure that whenever one of our service buildings is up for renovation, the water management is critically reviewed and a cost-benefit analysis is carried out to consider whether it is opportune to implement green and blue measures such as wadis, infiltration basins, or infiltration trenches to locally infiltrate runoff rainwater.

View story
Nature-based solutions
Frog g85d1fa4be 1920

Aquafin - Enhancing local biodiversity

Aquafin has more than 200 wastewater treatment plants in Flanders. Since 2021, all these plants are being converted into fully biodiverse locations and maintained as such. This project involves 400 hectares, and we have achieved this through a global and uniform approach.

View story
Nature-based solutions
Aquafin projet 33

Aquafin - Zilverberkstraat en Leeuwerikstraat (Turnhout)

The streets Zilverberkstraat and Leeuwerikstraat form an existing part of the town, but were completely redone. An ideal opportunity to rethink the approach to stormwater. There were quite a few challenges: the area has a high water table and the soil is poorly permeable. However, for this project we aimed at complete infiltration of stormwater in a green way.

View story
Nature-based solutions
Pexels photo 12001366

Aquafin - Greening the wastewater pumping stations

Until now, the wastewater pumping stations we built, were merely fenced with 2m high Bekaert wire mesh panels in order to ensure the safety of the environment and our operators. A green screen was only installed, if requested by the permit-issuing authority.

View story
Nature-based solutions
Pexels photo 4320480522222222222222222

Aquafin - Solar panels and biodiversity

Aquafin is a large consumer of electricity and made the choice several years ago to use only green and renewable electricity.

View story
Crops and animal products
Nature-based solutions
Bb435mm

Bolhuis

Natuurboerderij Bolhuis is an organic livestock farm that works closely with two actors in nature management, the NGO Natuurpunt and the Agency for Nature and Forests of the Flemish Government, in managing 150 hectares of valley areas, natural grasslands, heathland and forest.

View story