Nearly 900 solar panels installed on the roof of Building L at the ULB

Phase 1: energetic renovation

Built in 1924 and currently home to, amongst others, the École polytechnique de Bruxelles, the building is undergoing extensive renovation work. The first phase, launched in March 2025, focused mainly on the energy-efficiency refurbishment of the roof and the installation of the canopy. The works were largely funded by the European Recovery Plan, with support from around a hundred donors.

The canopy forms part of a network of around 10,000 photovoltaic panels spread across the ULB campuses. “Over the past ten years or so, we’ve seen an increase of more than 12,000 students. We need to transform and adapt not only to the numbers but also to the demands of our teaching and research missions,” emphasised Director-General Isabelle Mazzara.

The project also includes 32 bat boxes, cisterns capable of collecting 90 m³ of rainwater and three stormwater retention basins totalling 60 m³.

The next phases will focus on the façades and interior spaces, notably including a shared 450-seat lecture theatre and a cafeteria.

Bureau Bouwtechniek worked alongside V+ and HBAAT on the realisation of this bio-inclusive project.