Climate change is upon us; there’s no getting around it. Now that our economic reality must adapt to Mother Earth’s carrying capacity, it’s harder than ever for companies to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and professional growth. From the very beginning, MeetDistrict has focused on providing a sustainable work environment without compromising on quality. What’s more, our goal is to be climate-neutral by 2030. How? Here are a few concrete examples.

1. Biodegradable tableware and recycling partners

Aside from stainless steel cutlery and a Dopper bottle for every new member, MeetDistrict uses only biodegradable disposable tableware. And there’s a good reason for that, since cleaning enormous quantities of reusable tableware every day is by no means sustainable. Instead, MeetDistrict provides plates and cups made from sugarcane and PLA that fully decompose into compost 90 days after use, as long as they are properly disposed of with general waste. For paper towels and cups for hot beverages, MeetDistrict turns to Nespresso and Tork, which adhere to strict sustainability and recycling policies. At every location, MeetDistrict Members and their visitors are kindly asked to dispose of their paper towels and coffee and tea cups in the designated trash bins to ensure these products are properly recycled.

2. Green and non-nuclear electricity

MeetDistrict uses only green and non-nuclear electricity. MeetDistrict Diegem, in particular, is a location that runs almost entirely on 100% renewable electricity. Furthermore, at this location, electricity is generated using an underground magnetic field, which is a more sustainable way to generate energy than using external airflows. Meanwhile, studies have been initiated at the other locations to eventually make the switch to heat pumps instead of relying solely on natural gas.

3. Optimal Use of HVAC Systems

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and plays an extremely important role in your overall health. That’s why thousands of cubic meters of fresh air are pumped into all MeetDistrict locations every day, making HVAC the biggest energy consumer. To keep the environmental impact as low as possible, we make optimal use of the existing systems. First, by using condensing boilers, or—at MeetDistrict Ghent—by sourcing recycled energy from the soccer stadium’s ring main. Second, by avoiding excessive energy consumption.

4. To measure is to know

The combination of smart infrastructure and robust building management systems enables MeetDistrict to optimize the use of all energy-consuming devices. This system is continuously monitored and optimized, providing insight into the exact time and amount of energy required to bring a space to the desired temperature under the right conditions. This, in turn, paves the way for full automation of this process in the future.

5. ISO Certification

MeetDistrict has earned no fewer than three different ISO certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001. The first standard guarantees quality and demonstrates compliance with the legal framework governing environmental procedures. The second standard pertains to occupational health and safety, demonstrating that healthy working conditions are ensured. The third standard pertains to energy and energy management, demonstrating that energy consumption is both monitored and optimized, and minimized as much as possible.

Conclusion

Combining sustainability with quality, luxury, and comfort is no easy feat. Nevertheless, MeetDistrict ensures that one does not preclude the other. By collaborating with environmentally responsible suppliers, committing to various ISO standards, and continuously monitoring and optimizing its processes, MeetDistrict is well on its way to achieving its ultimate goal: to become a 100% sustainable and renewable player in today’s business world.