Solsoc
Solsoc
Solsoc is an association for development cooperation. It runs projects in 8 countries in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Its objective is to enable the poorest and most vulnerable populations to become aware of the social inequalities of which they are victims and of their rights. In Belgium, the NGO carries out public information and mobilization activities in partnership with other progressive organizations that share its political and philosophical values of solidarity and social justice.
Field of activity
Development cooperation
Work team
19 employees
City
Brussels
Website / Social media
https://www.solsoc.be/
Good ecological practices
On the energy flows and building aspects within the premises housing the association’s offices, the actions were to:
carry out a joint reflection with the associative partners, co-owners of the office building, to save energy
invest in the insulation of the roofs
install photovoltaic panels on the roofs to provide partial self-sufficiency in energy
install thermostatic valves on the radiators in all the offices to improve heating efficiency
What was the trigger?
The decision to reduce energy consumption was made with two other co-owners of the building who are the association POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ-PLS and Smart cooperative.
Running the project
The building’s condominium was tasked with implementing the construction work, using industry subcontractors selected through tender bids. The decision was made in the spring of 2022.
Internally at Solsoc, there was a reflection prior to the construction work, under the impulse of the management, with the collaborators and the administrators.
Keys of success
- collaborate with the associations and structures of the condominium, and mutualize the financing of the global works of the whole condominium
- entrust the work to specialized subcontractors
- own the associative premises. Solsoc is one of the co-owners of the building, which makes it easier for it to invest in major transformation works of the building that also increase the value of its real estate.
- highlight the initiative to public authorities, in activity reports
Financial support
Solsoc covered the cost of the construction work relative to its share of ownership in the building. The association co-financed the work with its own funds. The resources of the association are multiple: subsidies, private donations. The Brussels-Capital Region also supports the initiative.
Encountered barriers
The association had to finance this work with its own funds. However, the investment is self-reimbursed over a few years.
Measures of change
The thermostatic valves are appreciated by the employees of the association, who are themselves motivated by ecology, thanks to the improvement of thermal comfort and the contribution to the reduction of the consumption of energy resources.
