🌊 Achieving Water Benefits at Business Parks – A RETOUCH NEXUS Belgian Case Study Event

On 20th June 2025, VITO, together with the City of Ghent, North Sea Port and VLAIO organized an interactive event at the North Sea Port Visitor Centre in Ghent. The event, titled “Achieving water benefits at (greyfield and brownfield) business parks”, was designed to bring together project developers, engineering firms, construction companies, and public authorities to exchange knowledge and practical solutions for improving water management in business parks.

The challenge: balancing legislation and sustainability

In Flanders, project developers face increasingly strict rainwater management legislation, requiring innovative strategies to handle stormwater, reduce flooding risk, and promote water reuse. At the same time, there is growing interest in implementing blue-green measures that improve heat management, water resilience, and the quality of the working environment in business parks. 

The event provided a forum for sharing experiences, showcasing best practices, and exploring the technical and economic feasibility of integrating water-neutral and nature-based solutions into business park developments – whether on greyfield, or brownfield sites. 

What was discussed

The afternoon programme combined presentations, technical insights, and an interactive demonstration: 

• The City of Ghent presented its urban water policy. 
• Aquafin shared advice on water and environmental management, highlighting a reference case that illustrates successful practices. 
• VITO introduced its Guideline for Water Neutrality at Business Parks, providing developers with actionable recommendations for achieving water-neutral design. 
• A guided tour of the Water Experience Container offered participants a hands-on look at decentralised water solutions and how they can be applied in business park settings. 
• REVIVE, a project promoter, discussed a reference case where water was given a meaningful purpose on a brownfield bunsiness park.
• VITO also presented the cost-benefit analysis and business model developed within the RETOUCH NEXUS Belgian case study, specifically focusing on decentralised water networks in Keiberg-Vossem and Tielt. 

Building connections for future action

The event successfully fostered dialogue between research centres, project developers, and engineering firms. One-on-one discussions during the closing networking session allowed participants to explore collaboration opportunities and reflect on how innovative water strategies could be applied in upcoming business park projects. 

The event strengthened the foundation for future partnerships and highlighted the growing importance of having a solid business plan for implementing blue-green measures. As sustainability expectations and regulatory requirements evolve, such business plans will be essential for turning ambitions into reality.

Want to know more? 

The insights and exchanges from this event reflect the core of RETOUCH NEXUS: connecting local challenges with integrated, sustainable solutions. Don’t hesitate to dive deeper into our Belgian case study and to explore how we’re supporting water-smart business parks.