On August 23, 2024, the RETOUCH NEXUS Belgium case study hosted a stakeholder event at Tielt Noord Business Park, attracting 50 participants to explore ongoing construction and discover innovative sustainable water management solutions for industrial zones.
On August 23, 2024, a stakeholder engagement activity was held at the Tielt Noord Business Park in Belgium, where visitors explored the ongoing road and sewer construction works and learned about the innovative infrastructure being implemented. The half-day site visit attracted 50 participants, exceeding expectations and showcasing the significance of sustainable water management solutions for industrial zones.
An Innovative Approach to Rainwater Management
The Tielt Noord Business Park, home to over 100 companies, is pioneering a smarter approach to rainwater use. Central to this initiative is an infiltration buffer system installed beneath the newly redeveloped Kanegemstraat. This cutting-edge infrastructure is designed to collect and store rainwater for industrial reuse, marking a significant advancement in sustainable water practices.
The infiltration buffer, hidden beneath the road’s surface, features a storage capacity of 600 cubic meters. Over the course of a year, it is expected to capture and make available up to 20 million liters of rainwater for use in industrial processes. This project aligns with the goals of “Waterproof,” a Blue Deal initiative by the Flemish government to enhance water sustainability across the region.
Insights from the Site Visit
During the site visit, participants were given a guided tour of the construction works led by Wim Schiettecatte from VITO and Rik Debusschere from Aquafin. They highlighted the technical and operational features of the system, including:
- Rainwater Collection and Buffering: Rainwater is captured and stored in a large underground buffer. From there, it flows into a sump equipped with a valve system, where it can be held for reuse or released as needed.
- Innovative Filtration and Distribution: A pump system with an advanced filter ensures the collected rainwater is clean and distributed to companies via a pressurized pipeline, providing a sustainable alternative water source.
- Environmental Safeguards: The system includes sedimentation features to remove initial impurities from rainwater, ensuring only clean water enters the distribution network.
- Weather-Responsive Operation: Using precise weather data, the system dynamically adjusts storage volumes. It retains water as long as possible for reuse and preemptively releases excess storage capacity when heavy rainfall is forecasted.
Significance of the Visit
The high turnout underscored the interest in innovative and sustainable water solutions. Attendees, including representatives from local businesses and stakeholders, gained valuable insights into the hidden infrastructure beneath the road, which seamlessly integrates advanced water management into the industrial park’s operations.
The site visit emphasized how on-the-ground tours can provide a deeper understanding of complex systems, fostering appreciation and support for such initiatives.
A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
The rainwater buffering system in Tielt Noord is the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, including VITO, Aquafin, De Watergroep, and the Province of West Flanders. This project represents a shared commitment to creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
As the construction progresses, the innovative water management system at Tielt Noord will serve as a model for other industrial areas seeking to adopt sustainable practices. The success of this site visit highlights the value of engaging stakeholders directly through hands-on experiences, which can inspire broader support and implementation of eco-friendly solutions across the region.
The Tielt Noord Business Park is not only setting new standards for industrial water reuse but also demonstrating how partnerships and innovative thinking can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
