ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVES In addition to the objectives set by the EU, ULiège wants each renovation to maximise the re-use of materials. «The buildings selected are representative of the modernist architecture of the 1960s and 1970s, so certain renovation techniques will be common to the various structures,» adds Anne-Françoise Marique. And as sustainable development is not just about using energy, the University also wants the renovations to be rooted in a local area that respects both people and the environment. «This involves two things,» explains Rudi Cloots. «Firstly, all contractors working with ULiège must comply with social anti-dumping criteria. Secondly, their specifications must include the use of sustainable materials, in short circuits whenever possible.» Finally, ULiège has also set itself innovation targets, calling on the University’s researchers. «These are self-imposed challenges that are not included in the EU criteria,» points out Rudi Cloots. «One example would be electrochromic glazing in buildings that are sensitive to overheating, i.e., glazing that filters infrared rays in summer and lets them through in winter. Of course, all this is complex, and will no doubt take the form of small prototypes, integrated into existing infrastructures, with a view to future development.» THE BUILDINGS CONCERNED BY THE RENOVATION The first building to be constructed on the campus, the bookshop designed by architect Vandenhove (B34 building) is finally set to benefit from a facelift. «The challenge of this renovation is to achieve ambitious energy performance without betraying the original architecture,» explains Anne-Françoise Marique. «Unfortunately, the building is very remote and cannot be connected to the heating network. We are therefore going to replace the oil-fired boiler with a wood pellet boiler, which should considerably improve its energy performance.» Renovations of the Faculty of Sciences’ library and Dean’s Office (B6b building), as well as the offices of the Nuclear Physics building (B15 building), are also well under way. «One of the major challenges of the project will be to carry out the renovations while guaranteeing access for students and members of the University,» notes Anne-Françoise Marique. «This is a major challenge, because the plan is to change the way the building is organised in order to rationalise and optimise the spaces, particularly the meeting rooms, to improve energy efficiency.» The amphitheatres on the 20-Août site are also part of the project: «As well as the energy renovations, the amphitheatres must be fitted with a ventilation system that complies with the new standards of the General Regulation on Protection at Work, guaranteeing the students spaces with good air quality.» Finally, the experimental farm at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is to be completely renovated to house an aquaculture centre. «Ultimately, the building will become an inter-university and interdisciplinary platform focusing on freshwater aquatic organisms,» explains Anne-Françoise Marique. With a total budget of €27 million, the overall renovation project began with the first works in September 2023. 9 | ACTIVITY REPORT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT ULIÈGE | 2022 – 2023
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