RENOVATION OF THE KURTH AND WILMOTTE LECTURE THEATRES: COMFORT, SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY AT THE HEART OF THE 20-AOÛT SITE In early 2025, the Godefroid Kurth and Maurice Wilmotte lecture theatres, emblematic of the 20-Août complex, were completely renovated thanks to support from the European recovery plan NextGeneration EU. Built in 1959 and each seating 310 people, these two educational spaces have been completely modernised, combining comfort, accessibility, energy efficiency and the latest technology. The work, which began in autumn 2023, has resulted in an estimated 35.8% reduction in primary energy consumption through the installation of triple glazing, reinforced insulation, complete relighting of the halls and an efficient ventilation system with heat recovery and efficient control. The furniture has been completely replaced, the audiovisual equipment modernised, and the spaces made accessible to people with mobility issues. This project, financed to the tune of €2.7 million (including €1.35 million via NextGeneration EU), is the first phase of a vast 'Learning Centre' project on the 20-Août site, which will eventually house work and relaxation areas for up to 1,000 students. This project is part of a comprehensive programme to renovate five ULiège buildings, each aiming for at least 30% primary energy savings. The work is being carried out in compliance with DNSH and social criteria, with a focus on sustainable materials and short supply chains. Cellule coordination de projets de l’ARI FIND OUT MORE SOFT MOBILITY: THE UNIVERSITY OF LIÈGE MAINTAINS THE EXCELLENCE OF THE VÉLO LABEL In 2025, ULiège retained its 5-star rating under the "Tous vélo-actifs" label, a distinction it has held for several years as part of its participation in this initiative launched in 2012. Supported by the Wallonia Public Service and implemented by the Mobility Unit of the Walloon Business Union, this initiative aims to encourage cycling to work in Walloon companies. Following an audit conducted by the TRAJET office and the Mobility Unit, only 9 out of 31 establishments obtained or retained this maximum rating. The assessment is based on various criteria: awareness-raising actions, integration of a cycling policy into the institutional strategy, organisation of activities, infrastructure, and actual proportion of cyclists within the organisation. ULiège has also been praised for the involvement of its users. This recognition reinforces the data collected by the HR department, which shows a steady increase in the number of staff members cycling to campus: the number has tripled since 2017 (from 95 employees who submitted a claim for reimbursement for bicycle travel to 303 in 2024). In addition, the University received an award at the Construction Acier 2024 competition for its modular secure bicycle parking facilities made of weathering steel at Sart Tilman, recognised for their ingenious, minimalist and replicable design, created in collaboration with SEA+Partners. The jury praised the project's modularity and the versatile use of each structural element. Véronique Loiseau (V.Loiseau@uliege.be); Patrick Jacquemin (Patrick.Jacquemin@uliege.be) FIND OUT MORE Lecture theatres before renovation Lecture theatres after renovation 43 | REPORT SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSITION AT ULIÈGE | 2024 – 2025
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