From switching off indoor store lights overnight to turning off electronic billboards, four key measures to reduce the energy consumption of businesses will come into force in Brussels from next month.
On Tuesday the Brussels Regional Government, together with its social partners (Brupartners), announced several key crisis measures to reduce energy usage through their "Switches down, Brussels up" campaign. The aim is to call on businesses and employees to activate all solutions that will help reduce energy consumption in the workplace.
"In the face of the crisis, it is collective and solidarity-based solutions that will allow us to ease the pressure on everyone's bills," Alain Maron, Minister of Environment and Energy, said.
"With this campaign, we are supporting companies that engage with their employees and take concrete actions against energy waste. I am convinced that together we can make a difference, save our energy and reduce consumption in Brussels, which will benefit everyone."
Four concrete measures
After consultation with Brupartners and the Environment Council, the Brussels Regional Government adopted four measures will come into force in January next year and will help in the fight against energy waste.
The first measure refers to the the switching off of illuminated signs and interior lighting in shops and offices that are closed overnight. Between 23:00 and 06:00, all these lights have to be switched off unless employees are still at work (for example in night shops or pharmacies that are still on duty after 23:00).
As was announced earlier this month, outdoor heaters (both electric and gas) have been banned from public spaces, such as outside of cafes and bar terraces. A statement from the region stressed that such heaters "can easily be replaced by blankets." It added that these heaters are still permitted where heaters are necessary for the well-being of workers.
"Their use will also be allowed on enclosed terraces or in enclosed areas where temporary events with a valid permit are taking place, such as fairground activities, cultural or sports events."
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The closing of the doors of heated or air-conditioned buildings, unless they need to be opened for safety reasons, and the switching off of the lighting of advertising boards from 23:00 to 06:00 are also part of the plan.
"These are all simple and concrete actions that will help reduce businesses' energy bills and the capital's overall consumption. And reducing energy consumption is essential to reduce pressure on prices, which benefits everyone," the statement from Maron read.
Meanwhile, the campaign itself highlights "dynamic businesses and their employees" who are taking concrete actions to reduce their energy consumption, and reminds businesses of the support measures put in place by the government to enable them to make energy-saving investments.
