The project responds to the Flemish objectives for public buildings and the requirements of the EPC-NR, with the ambition to eventually make the site completely fossil-free.

The study started with a detailed analysis of the existing facilities, energy consumption and heritage-related constraints. A broad scenario study was then conducted, comparing six potential preservation options technically, financially, energetically and spatially. Through a multi-criteria analysis, two preferred scenarios emerged:

- 100% geothermal via BEO fields

- Hybrid geothermal +air-water heat pumps

A phased roadmap to 2045 was developed for both scenarios, including concept designs, power and efficiency calculations, investment and operating costs, spatial integration and_{CO2 reduction potential}. Special attention was paid to integration in the protected historical context, acoustic and visual impact, archaeological preconditions, stability interventions and the necessary strengthening of part electricity supply.

Result

A concrete investment and implementation plan that guides the energy transition of the site, with:

- Phase 1(2027): Construction base infrastructure, BTES and drycoolers, renewing collectors, replacing gas boilers with lower power condensing boilers, preparing electrical connection

- Phase 2(2045): Phase out of natural gas, expansion of BEO fields or installation of air-water heat pumps, integration of booster heat pumps, provision of SWW via the central heating network

- _ExpectedCO2 reduction: Up to57% vs. 2024

- Preconditions: Heritage approvals, integration of works with other projects (sewerage, high voltage) and attention to maintenance accessibility and ride security

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