Servaco Product Testing Proceeds with Vito Technology Working Towards a Sustainable Health System

VISION

Vision on technology for a better world

SERVACO PRODUCT TESTING PROCEEDS WITH VITO TECHNOLOGY WORKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE HEALTH SYSTEM

ATMOSYS CONQUERS EUROPE (AND THE WORLD)

CIRCULAR CONSTRUCTION GETS OFF TO A SPEEDY START

VITO VISION / Volume 2019 / Issue May CONTENT SUSTAINABLE | ENTREPRENEURIAL | INSPIRING | CREATIVE VITO IN FIGURES Dear reader,

03 VITO IN FIGURES With a budget of 185 million euro in 2018 VITO confirms the positive trend of the previous years. These means are the result of the efforts of the Flemish government for VITO and of the dedication of our employees and reflects the important position that VITO holds in the scientific world and the Flemish economy. On page 3 you can find an overview of the VITO results 2018 in figures.

When we think of sustainability we do not only think about our energy system or the impact of our economy and society on the environment and the climate. Also in our healthcare there is an ongoing transition towards a more sustainable model. In this model sustainable equals quality, accessible and affordable. Our business unit VITO Health is guiding this transition. You can read all about it in our extensive article about the way towards a sustainable healthcare system. COVER STORY At the same time we are also evolving towards a healthier society. 04 SERVACO PRODUCT This is illustrated by measures taken by governments and companies TESTING PROCEEDS to closely monitor the impact of materials and products on our WITH VITO health. Our cover story, where we show the close cooperation with TECHNOLOGY the Flemish ‘testing company’ Servaco, is a good example of this. In another article our contribution to the ambition of Flanders to be ‘free of asbestos’ by 2040 is explained.

Who says sustainable today also - more often - says circular. In this 06 WORKING TOWARDS A edition we zoom in on the aspirations of Flemish companies and SUSTAINABLE HEALTH SYSTEM organisations to close their loops (raw materials, materials, products). In this transition towards a circular economy VITO is more and more 10 CIRCULAR BUSINESS: taking the role of facilitator and even accelerator, a role that we wish to RECONCILING PROFITABILITY enforce in the next years. WITH SUSTAINABILITY Together we are moving towards a sustainable society. Enjoy reading this issue of VITO VISION! 12 ATMOSYS CONQUERS EUROPE (AND THE WORLD)

14 GROWING EXPERTISE IN THE FIELD Dirk Fransaer OF BATTERY TECHNOLOGY Managing Director of VITO

15 VITO EMPLOYEE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

16 A PHD AT VITO COLOPHON

FOLLOW VITO ON: More info: [email protected] - www.vito.be/en

18 CIRCULAR CONSTRUCTION GETS Publisher OFF TO A SPEEDY START On Friday 5th April 2019, the Flemish government has approved the new VITO covenant. facebook.com/VITObelgium Dirk Fransaer, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol The covenant offers VITO a stable framework for its operation until the end of 2023.

Text twitter.com/VITObelgium The covenant holds 5 strategic objectives: 20 SPOTTING ASBESTOS FROM THE AIR sciencejournalist.be 1 To be an internationally renowned re- 3 Strengthening the Flemish economy, to 5 Creating an open innovation environ-

vimeo.com/vitovideo Lay-out search organisation, to be measured by be measured by the income from priva- ment in Flanders. For this objective Phobos & Actor the amount of external, competitively te customers and the turnover of VITO’s we need to work closely with the six acquired research resources. young Flemish spin-offs. spearhead clusters and we have annual linkedin.com/company/vito Printing 2 Contribution to the training of highly 4 Supporting the Flemish sustainability access to 5 million euros earmarked Drukkerij Antilope De Bie skilled employees, to be measured by policy, to be measured by the revenues resources for concrete projects. the number of doctoral students and from government customers.

TRANSFER OF VITO EXPERTISE IN PRODUCT EMISSION TESTING TO SERVACO SERVACO PRODUCT TESTING was ready for transfer to the market. environment and technical building tomers have a cross-border business. PROCEEDS WITH VITO The decision was therefore reached to research) are spread over the sites in “Take the automotive industry, for transfer the expertise and know-how Wevelgem, Puurs and Hasselt. “Our example, which is hoping to establish TECHNOLOGY to an independent company. A joint activities can be very generally summa- which substances are being released venture with an existing private compa- rised under the headings of inspection, for increasing numbers of materials ny (with similar activities) was the best certification, compliance and testing”, and products – artificial leather, dash- option here. VITO found an excellent explains Nico Van Landuyt, CEO of the boards, car mats.” VITO’s mission is to bring expertise and technological innovation industrial partner in Servaco. The new Servaco Group. “We therefore carry to the market. The transfer of the business around emission company Servaco Product Testing out independent and objective analy- This cooperation shows how VITO is testing for products and (building) materials is a textbook was founded on 22 March 2019. VITO ses on behalf of our customers. Within increasingly focusing on the start of example of this valorisation. The integration within Servaco employee Marc Lor immediately trans- Belgium, this includes companies and innovative industrial activities, with the strengthens the assets that the Flemish company has, including ferred to the new company to work authorities from virtually all sectors. intention of being able to split them a view towards foreign activities. as operational director. VITO itself is With the expansion of expertise on in due course. “At VITO, we usually becoming a minority shareholder. product emissions, we are hoping work at lab and pilot level. Scaling to strengthen ourselves in this niche up and commercialising an activity “This is a good example of how we market and also play a more important is better carried out outside VITO”, at VITO support the Flemish economy role on a European level.” Servaco has explains Swaelens. “This could be in It is not something that is often men- Full service provision to comply with legislation and other with technological innovation”, explains also been part of the Dutch Normec a spin-off that remains strongly linked tioned, but we even inhale harmful regulations in other countries, both Bart Swaelens, Head of the Tech Group since last year, which means that to VITO by patents, or, as in this case, substances, so-called VOCs or volatile In order to comply with government within and outside Europe. “If a com- Transfer and Venture Development De- the focus on Europe will definitely be a joint venture with a private Flemish organic compounds indoors, at home, standards or commercial labels and pany wants to know the emission levels partment at VITO. “The maturity and stronger.” company.” in the office and in the car. And al- certificates, manufacturers must, of of a specific hazardous substance, it routine nature of the product emission though the focus today is still primarily course, first be fully aware of product also wants to know whether it complies testing meant that the time was ripe Servaco has already accrued many on air quality outdoors, attention is emissions. In order to guarantee this, with the regulations in the countries to to transform it into an independent years of experience in emission meas- slowly but surely also being paid to manufacturers call upon a service which it exports,” explains Marc Lor of company. We have approached several urements for various substances in flue improving air quality indoors. Manufac- provider that specialises in measuring, VITO. “We monitor this closely at VITO. private operators for this. The advan- gases. The VITO project to measure turers of building materials, furniture, analysing and interpreting emissions. Moreover, we are also well aware of tage of Servaco is that the analysis of emissions from products immediately household appliances and other In recent years, many of them have all legislation and product labels that product emissions is very closely linked attracted our interest because of its interior products must comply with worked with VITO, where the expertise exist, both domestically and abroad. to the company’s own activities. What compatibility with the services we national and European guidelines for and technology for an operational This is all too complicated for most is more, the CEO will personally super- currently offer. “We have seen that VOCs. In an average household, there service for product testing was devel- companies, and we have noticed that vise the integration of our expertise.” story grow and today it seems only is a vast array of VOCs floating around, oped. VITO has been conducting re- this is another reason why they are logical that we should expand our approximately 180 of which are on the search into product emissions for years, keen to turn to us.” European niche market activities in that direction”, explains European LCI list and should therefore on behalf of both the government and Jan Goossens, Commercial Director at be closely monitored. These substanc- companies. It therefore saw its custom- Joint venture The new company will be located at the Servaco Group. “The integration es escape from building materials such er portfolio expand significantly, thanks the Servaco site in Wetteren, which not only gives us an important level of as adhesive, processed wood and lino- to the full range of services it offers. Due to the success of the VITO service also houses the Servaco Food Control in-house expertise all at once, but also leum, or from interior objects such as After all, VITO has not only developed and the commercial and industrial fo- Department (food, water and animal the opportunity to immediately roll furniture and even (scented) candles. the most adequate measurement cus of the activities – more routine, less More info feed analyses). Servaco’s other activ- out these activities on an international [email protected] methodology, it also helps customers innovative research – this VITO activity ities (which are more focussed on the level.” After all, many of Servaco’s cus- productemissiontesting.vito.be

4 5 WORKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE HEALTH SYSTEM

It is the role of VITO’s business unit Health to keep the flywheel of ments such as immunocell therapy genome) to the genetic analysis of the transition to sustainable healthcare turning while maintaining are so expensive is also a conse- the intestinal bacteria (the microbi- the high quality of the system. Together with the many other quence of the market logic in which ome) and mapping of the proteins in stakeholders in this complex ecosystem, the unit is working on the healthcare is trapped. In any case, the cell (the proteome). healthcare of the future. the sustainable health system of the future will have a different logic. This so-called omics revolution is also linked to a working framework Complex ecosystem that is becoming increasingly accept- If there is one thing on which almost Changing medical practice ed in the development of a sustain- everyone agrees, it is that we can en- It is not only the people of VITO able health system, namely that of joy a solid healthcare system in Bel- In many other economic and societal that are convinced that things need the four Ps: predictive, preventive, gium. A system that not only excels sectors, technological solutions are to change. All stakeholders in the personalized and participatory. In ‘4P in terms of quality, but that is also often intensively sought when facing sector agree that the healthcare medicine’, the emphasis is shifted easily accessible thanks to far-reach- problems. The irony is that techno- system must be (thoroughly) rede- from healing to prevention. At VITO tive actions and tailor-made services. ing reimbursements from consulta- logical innovation is at the heart of signed. Or perhaps we should think Health, we cherish the combination The latter can also be offered by the tions, treatments and medicines. A the greatest challenge facing health- about a complex ecosystem: a dense of technological developments with local authorities. This is important large majority of Belgians would like care, along with other factors of network in which many stakeholders a data-driven approach. As a result, because, of all the authorities, the lo- to keep it that way. However, this course, and that is driving up costs, each have their own specific role to we are shifting the focus from dis- cal level of government is closest to is a major challenge, because our giving us a more expensive system play. In recent years, similar initia- ease to health. healthcare system will no longer be that is no longer sustainable. tives have emerged from different the citizen. The aim is for citizens to feel involved and, with the support affordable in the long term because levels and niches of this network, as Predicting and anticipating of its current design. At VITO Health, around one hundred demonstrated by the ‘vision paper’ of these authorities, to play an active role in the preventive improvement employees reflect and work on the published earlier this year by some of In essence, we can say that at VITO of their health. Costs are rising faster than gross na- healthcare of the future. This needs these stakeholders. In this paper, a Health, we try to predict how the tional product and healthcare reve- to become a system that is inherently number of concrete reform measures healthcare system will change as well Keeping the flywheel turning nues. Increasing life expectancy, the sustainable and therefore resistant were already proposed with the aim as possible, in order to anticipate this ageing population, the increase in to constantly changing medical prac- of making the transition towards as accurately as possible. On the one The concrete initiative of the digital the number of chronic diseases and tice. An example of such a change high-quality and affordable health- hand, we do this by using ground- health guide illustrates how we at the high cost of innovative therapies that is currently posing major chal- care. All in all, this strengthens our breaking research to chase up new VITO Health map out the way to a are all factors that put our model lenges to the system is personalised conviction that we all share the same insights. A good example is the I AM sustainable healthcare system. That – and actually most healthcare sys- medicine. Take immunocell therapy, common goal: a sustainable health Frontier study that we have launched system is up and running: it is active tems in the Western world – under for example; a new and promising system. (see inset). On the other hand, we and constantly changing due to pressure. If we do not intervene, we cancer treatment. This therapy launch concrete initiatives and pro- developments that simply cannot be risk evolving into a model that either focuses on the patient’s individual 4P medicine jects based on existing insights. In avoided. It is therefore not a ques- offers less quality or is much less characteristics. The price is therefore both cases, we focus on studies and tion of developing a new system accessible. high, and in the current context, this But how can we achieve this? The initiatives that are complementary from scratch, but of pushing the cannot remain affordable for society. role of VITO Health is not only to and closely aligned. The fact that personalised treat- identify problem areas and develop existing system in the right direction, and of ensuring that the transition solutions, but also to identify and One of these initiatives is the digiti- doesn’t falter or stall. In other words, create opportunities and then con- sation of an existing health guide of we must keep the flywheel of the vert them into something that works Domus Medica, a medical associa- transition turning. in society. It should come as no sur- tion with more than three thousand prise that it is precisely this new tech- general practitioners. With this pre- VITO Health does this by working nological innovation that opens the vention guide, citizens can, together closely with as many ecosystem door to these new possibilities. The with their general practitioner, draw stakeholders as possible (such as spectacularly improved availability of up an individual risk profile based Domus Medica), by making small but analysis and diagnostic equipment on validated questionnaires. By significant and medically validated is a good example of this. After all, transforming the paper guide into adjustments (such as the digitisation it enables a much better insight into a digital, well-secured platform, we of the health guide), and by ensuring how diseases occur. This ranges from are hoping to make it more usable that the system as a whole moves sequencing of the entire DNA (the and, above all, more accessible to forward. It is therefore a realistic the public. This platform can also be approach that also puts an end to used to integrate medical data from the utopian nature of a brand new the GP’s office. What is more, the sustainable health system. digitised guide is linked to a personal prevention plan: a range of preven-

6 7 A UNIQUE STUDY

VITO Health has recently launched a In this sense, it is a pilot study that to person. The participants in our liberately chosen own VITO employ- groundbreaking study in which thirty starts with ‘only’ thirty participants, study undergo a thorough exami- ees, because they understand the employees are turned inside out, which of course means that it is not nation every month for a period of importance of such groundbreaking figuratively speaking: a cohort study representative of the general popula- one and a half years. Whether this research. What is more, they also called I AM Frontier. The health of tion. However we do this in order to results in sufficient measurements to receive feedback from a collaborat- the participants is screened for a study the methodology behind it in find disturbances to the ‘norm’ at the ing doctor who interprets the data year and a half, together with an detail now, with a view to scaling it various screened levels remains to be together with us. The ethical aspects extensive range of biological param- up later. seen in our evaluation research. of the study are also scientifically eters. This is carried out by taking researched and the study design regular blood, urine, stool and even When seeking participants, we Our cohort study is unique, even in has been approved by the Ethics hair samples. We then use these look for ‘disturbances’ at different Europe. For the first time, we look Committee of Antwerp University samples to identify cells, DNA, pro- biological levels. If, for example, we longitudinally at the changes at Hospital. teins and other molecules. In short, find something in the gene expres- protein level (the proteome) with- the complete biological complexity sion, we will look to see whether it in individuals. This distribution in Although the cohort study is unique is mapped out and, more important- persists at other levels, such as in fluctuations has only been studied at to VITO, the design and execution of More info ly, monitored over time. proteins. If that is the case, then this population level to date and usually this type of research is in our DNA. [email protected] means that we have found a distur- concerned a snapshot. What is more, VITO Health can build on more than The I AM Frontier study is a first bance that is not coincidental. But the study may signify a breakthrough twenty years of experience in molec- step in the I AM My Health research in order to identify disturbances, we in the way in which data-driven ular measurements, as well as in envi- programme by VITO Health. In that do, of course, need natural refer- health studies are organised. After ronmental and health studies among programme, we are hoping to focus ence points. In contrast to extensive all, it will generate a rich dataset and the general population that examine on preventive health care, based on studies, we work with an individual thus show the way to upscaling and a the effect of chemicals on health. a personalised approach. With this version of ‘normal’. For example, we long-term vision on the collection of cohort study, VITO Health is hoping can compare this with our body tem- health data. to gain new insights into the relation- perature which is 37 degrees Celsius ship between physical health, under- on average, but can differ significant- There are many challenges associ- lying biological processes, lifestyle ly in different individuals. In some ated with this upscaling, not least and environment. In our cohort study people, the ‘normal’ temperature in terms of logistics and ethics. The we work longitudinally. This means is higher or lower. The same can be thirty participants provide research- that we search for correlations and said for normal glucose levels in the ers with an insight into their personal More info deviations in time within individuals. blood, which also vary from person health data. That is why we have de- [email protected]

8 9 CIRCULAR BUSINESS: RECONCILING PROFITABILITY WITH SUSTAINABILITY

More and more companies want circular model”. The business quartet his colleagues primarily supervised the to contribute to the transition to a that took part in the project is diverse: small company More, i.e. a start-up, in sustainable, circular economy. But two SMEs, one medium-sized com- the Expedition Circular! project. They in order to succeed, they must be pany and also one start-up. This also also organised a session on business able to link the ecological added applies to both their main activity and pitching, and a discussion with KBC value of a circular business model their circular plans (see inset). “The experts on financing circular business to economic added value. participants differed in size, sector and models. All four companies, as well as concrete case, making this a very good the other supporters, were invited to Circular business operations involve opportunity to look at circular business attend this. much more than simply making a from different perspectives of the busi- More info sustainable product – such as de- ness world. What is more, this diversity More is hoping to collect and pro- [email protected] signer handbags made from recycled allowed us to bring the companies cess plaster waste from plastering circulator.eu plastic waste – and then selling it on to together around the table so that they works into interior products (including environmentally conscious consumers. could learn from one another – after designer lights). With the help of the After all, most consumers have differ- all, they are not competitors.” VITO experts, this start-up quickly ent needs other than buying a circular gained a first insight into the sustaina- product. In order to prompt compa- Circular business models bility value of their case. “Recovering Entrepreneurs who wish to gain inspira- nies in the direction of the circular plaster waste by using it to make valua- tion in advance can rely on the Circula- economy, it is therefore important to VITO has extensive in-house expertise ble products can result in added value tor web tool, which was co-developed link sustainable innovation to business in sustainability and circular econo- in terms of sustainability”, explains to allow further development. Com- by VITO. Here they can find informa- innovation. my, in terms of technology, business Gillabel. “After all, it does not end panies can now learn lessons from the tion regarding circular strategies and strategy and business models. Gillabel up on the landfill or construction site steps that they themselves have taken business models, and how they can be Expedition Circular! explains: “We can answer some of the together with the other site waste. On forward.” This also applies to the four concretely applied. questions from companies regarding the other hand, the sustainability ben- supporters. “Thanks to this project, we “It is crucial that we convince compa- circular business ourselves, such as efits strongly depend on the transport have a better insight into the needs of nies of the economic added value of what needs to be done to create the of the residues to the More process- entrepreneurs in the field of circular THE FOUR PARTICIPANTS IN EXPEDITION CIRCULAR! circular business, but that they also greatest added value in terms of sus- ing plant. As a solution, we therefore business, and the role that VITO and do not lose sight of the sustainability tainability. But that is only part of the proposed organising the activities other players can play in this. We are value”, explains Jeroen Gillabel of challenge. After all, the transition to locally and decentrally, for example by now elaborating on this further.” HaTwee ETAP VITO. How exactly this should be ap- circular business involves a lot of work. providing a microfactory, alongside Activity: distributor of powder coating Activity: designer, manufacturer and proached was the subject of a project Strategic and operational manage- the construction site.” Interested companies can contact products. distributor of lighting for industrial supported by the Flemish government ment need to be redefined and there VITO for guidance in mapping out the Case: setting up a new value chain buildings. (under the flag of Flanders Circular) are also implications at the legal and Companies wanted way to a circular business model. From (and business model) to ‘rent’ surface Case: operational roll-out of a circular that ran from the end of 2017 until the financial level, for example. Together a first exploration of circular opportu- treatment, instead of simply supplying LAAS (Light As A Service) model. end of 2018. In ‘Expedition Circular!’, with Agoria, Sirris and Start it@KBC, Expedition Circular! only lasted one nities tailored to the company, to the coating powder. VITO’s role: insight into the added four Flemish companies with concrete we were able to offer the four entre- year, and it was not the intention to development of a vision and strategy VITO’s role: assisting in focusing on value in terms of sustainability of a cases were matched with four ‘support- preneurs a very wide range of substan- make the four participating compa- and the monitoring of added value in the value proposition. longer life span and repair/reuse of ers’ with expertise in different areas tive support.” nies fully circular in that time. “The terms of sustainability. VITO links its light fittings. that are important in circular business: transition to a circular business model sustainability expertise to its role as More Agoria, Sirris, Start it@KBC and VITO. Start it@KBC, for example, supports is a long and complex process that is an integrator here. “We can draw on Activity: none (due to the fact it is still Out of Use start-ups with mentoring and coach- also dependent on a large number a great deal of knowledge regarding in the start-up phase) Activity: provider of business solutions “In this project, we looked at both an ing. “This is indispensable, especially if of external factors”, explains Gillabel. linking sustainability with economic Case: collecting plastering waste and for the recycling of ICT, electrical and economic and a sustainability impact, you have the ambition to start a circu- “For example, just think of legislation added value. But we are also in a very recycling it into interior products. electronic waste. at the level of the four companies lar business”, explains Dirk Lievens of or consumption behaviour. We wanted strong network. We are therefore a VITO’s role: assisting in developing a Case: structurally increasing the per- behind the cases”, Gillabel continues. Start it@KBC. “You can’t do this alone, to have them force a breakthrough point of contact for companies that business case and providing insight centage of reuse of collected ‘waste’. “We did this by reaching a tipping as circular business models don’t actu- (that they had proposed themselves) want to make the transition to circular into the conditions for sustainability point in the acceleration of their ally exist yet in practice.” Lievens and and give them the insights and tools business”, explains Gillabel. benefits.

10 11 ATMOSYS CONQUERS EUROPE (AND THE WORLD)

Mapping air quality at regional Specific tools forecasting (to send warnings) and, level but especially at local level of course, improvement (through the – from cities to districts to individ- This is carried out using a wide implementation of concrete actions). ual streets – and all in real time. range of techniques such as remote “These tools were first developed, This is the core of the ATMOSYS sensing, ground-based measuring tested and then validated for Flan- air quality management system. stations and complex computer ders within the project”, explains Now that the tools of the compre- models – in which all measurement Blyth. “Nevertheless, we were hensive system have been tested data are processed. VITO has been already taking into account possi- and validated in Flanders, they are working on this type of air quality ble application in other hotspots in now making their way abroad. model since the beginning of this Europe at that time.” century. In 2010, this work led to the The quality of air in work, home and launch of ATMOSYS, a three-year And the latter has proven to be living environment is high on the project funded by the European LIFE effective. Almost ten years after the Lesser Poland agenda in an increasing number of programme for environment-related project was launched, ATMOSYS has often contain errors and uncertain- “But we’ve also recently become industrialised countries. This is espe- research. “We had already complet- developed into a ‘strong brand’ with- ties. We have already seen that same involved in assessment and mapping cially the case in Flanders; an exam- ed the majority of the modelling in the world of air quality manage- There is a high level of interest in complex problem in Flanders. This campaigns, for example to identify ple of which is the CurieuzeNeuzen research by that point”, explains Lisa ment – especially in Europe. Blyth ATMOSYS (and its tools) in Europe enables us to propose a well founded sources of pollution and then tackle project, in which the concentrations Blyth of VITO. “In the project, we explains: “We have therefore chosen today. Especially in some traditional approach, combined with our tools, of them”, explains Blyth. industrial areas in Eastern Europe, course.” of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at street used our modelling expertise as a to continue to fully operate under level were mapped last year (2018). basis for developing specific tools.” the ATMOSYS flag. As a result, VITO, such as Lesser Poland (the region Last but not least, VITO has two pilot Good business relations But the subject is also affecting more The tools were designed based on which has consciously followed a around Krakow), Hungary, Slovakia projects in India: one on predicting and more people in other densely four pillars of modern air quality more commercial path over the past and Croatia. “It also helps that the air pollution in Delhi. “We are carry- populated and highly industrialised management: air quality monitoring two decades, now plays the role of a European Commission, which was one The ball has really started rolling for ing this out for the national environ- European regions – so-called air (in real time), assessment or mapping company that has put a strong brand of the founders of ATMOSYS due to the ATMOSYS team at VITO since mental agency, the Central Pollution pollution hotspots. However, before (detailed mapping and visualisation on the market.” its LIFE programme funding, has en- the project was launched in Poland in Control Board. We hope that this effective action can be taken, air of air pollution down to street level), dorsed and promoted our tools”, adds 2016. So much so, that Hungary has will be a stepping stone for similar quality must first be sufficiently Blyth. “We have therefore managed also asked for advice and expertise in work in other cities. Another project mapped. to penetrate the highly industrialised the field of air quality modelling and focuses on mapping the air quality in region of Lesser Poland, where the monitoring. Countries such as Croatia Bengaluru. The latter is being carried government is making great efforts and Slovakia are now busy setting out in collaboration with the Europe- to persuade citizens to replace their up their own air quality management an Earth Observation Programme, old-fashioned, polluting (steam) services. VITO has won public tenders Copernicus”, explains Blyth. boilers, again with the support of the in both countries. LIFE programme. With our expertise and ATMOSYS tools, we help to Blyth believes that the recipe for the monitor air quality in real time. And in success of ATMOSYS lies in a number the urban area in and around Krakow, of vital ingredients. “First of all, VITO we are simulating the impact of the holds a solid reputation in Europe, construction of new bypasses and a thanks to our scientific expertise, but low-emission zone on air quality. We also thanks to our extensive business already previously used this tool to network. However, it is important to evaluate the impact of a number of remember that these strong relation- traffic measures in Flanders, such as ships are not formed overnight. We the Oosterweel scenarios.” have invested a great deal of time and effort in the case of Croatia and One of the most important factors Slovakia.” in the success story of ATMOSYS is

3 3 capacity building, according to Blyth: And the ball keeps on rolling. VITO’s NO2 annual average (µg/m ) NO2 annual average (µg/m ) improving and expanding our own expertise in air quality management expertise and technology in order to has now also become known in China achieve a significant impact on a larg- and India, two emerging economic More info er or different scale. “In a country like countries that have made improving [email protected] atmosys.eu Poland, there is no shortage of small air quality a top priority. Until recently, companies manufacturing measuring VITO’s contribution to China was limit- In the framework of ‘Over De Ring’ 6 design teams have drawn up strategic quality of life projects for the Antwerp ring road zone. Map 1 shows equipment and sensors. But all sen- ed to providing forecasting models so the expected air quality situation in 2030 with regards to the annual average of nitrogen dioxide concentrations when all these projects will be sors are different, and you also need that authorities can warn their citizens executed. This includes among other things partial covering and wildlife crossings, shoulders and screens next to the development of station to know exactly what you are meas- in time about smog peaks – via LIBO- environments and actions to realize the modal shift. This map clearly shows an improvement of the air quality compared to the situation in 2016 uring. What is more, measurements VITO, VITO’s department in China. (Map 2).

12 13 Source: ‘Over De Ring” 2018, VITO as assigned by MOW, ORG Urbanism and the team of the intendant. Model: ATMO-Street by ATMOSYS GROWING EXPERTISE IN THE FIELD OF VITO EMPLOYEE BATTERY TECHNOLOGY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The R&D on battery Very complementary the Master’s students and PhD stu- technology – and everything dents who specifically work around related to it – is running at full VITO/EnergyVille closely follows energy-related subjects and electri- speed and requires qualified the activities within the EBA (which cal storage. They are therefore the employees, not only in research has existed since autumn 2017). In researchers of tomorrow, who can Inge Genné, Programme centres and knowledge addition to stimulating industrial (most importantly) start working for manager at VITO, together institutions, but also in the development, the initiative also has us. On the other hand, we are seeing with a group of (internal) growing industry. That is why an educational mission. “From VITO/ that the industry is in the process water technologists, made VITO/EnergyVille is developing EnergyVille, we are perfectly placed of making the switch to sustainable the internal switch from and organising specially to help shape and further develop energy systems and electrification. the Sustainable Chemistry (these temporary contracts have now tailored courses and training this assignment”, explains Jeroen Current employees can also benefit Department to the Water been replaced by the scholarship sessions (in collaboration with Büscher of VITO/EnergyVille. “Due from our training courses. This allows Management & Technology system). My PhD was therefore one EIT InnoEnergy), which are to our organisational structure, we people to develop an advantage that Department (WMT) at the of the very first VITO PhDs. freely accessible via an online are very complementary – especially will benefit them in their future ca- beginning of 2016. At the platform and also physically with regard to electrical storage: reers. In short, you could say that our same time, the Flemish You started researching mem- And as a Programme manager, you accessible in the VITO/ whilst the University of Hasselt and main aim is to build up expertise.” Knowledge Centre Water brane technology and you are now ensure that VITO takes on the role EnergyVille battery labs. imec primarily focus on new battery (Vlakwa) was also incorporated the Water Programme Manager of ‘accelerator’ in the management and transition of the Flemish materials, VITO works from cell to Hands-on training sessions in VITO. “We monitor the today. How have you seen your water system. The courses will be offered on the package level (testing, modelling Flemish water system under working environment change over learning platform of InnoEnergy, part and management systems of batte- The online courses will cover all as- the VITO umbrella. We the last 28 years? There is a lot of movement in the of the European Institute of Innovati- ries) and the Catholic University of pects of battery technology, divided do this by listening to the field of Flemish water, not just at on & Technology. The online training Leuven [KU Leuven] works on the into separate modules, each consis- needs of stakeholders and In the early nineties, the focus was VITO but also in (drinking water) on offer forms part of the assignment integration of the various compo- ting of up to five lessons. One lesson by accelerating innovation on membrane development, both companies, cities and innovation of the European Battery Alliance nents into a storage system. We would last no longer than seven in the water domain based for electrochemical and filtration policy. Cooperation is obviously very (EBA), an initiative of the European are therefore able to provide both minutes. When a student is ready, on an integrated approach. applications. At that time, there was important. During the recent periods Commission to boost the develop- introductory know-how and technical he/she can opt to undertake a prac- We are now seeing that our no mention of water purification or of water stress (for example the ment and research of storage depth from various angles.” tice-based follow-up course. “This water experts have a strong contract research for membrane extreme drought in the summer of technologies in Europe. then includes intensive hands-on reputation.” filtration. However, pressure on Who is the target audience? Büscher training sessions, which make wor- groundwater reserves led to growing 2018), we have seen how important explains: “The target audience is king with battery tests or manage- The start of your career in Decem- industrial interest in water saving and it is to look at the bigger picture and diverse. On the one hand, there are ment systems (VITO’s speciality) very ber 1991 is closely linked to the reuse. I then began focusing on the work from this. tangible”, explains Büscher. birth of VITO. In fact, you might field of process optimisation, ranging have been the very first newly from water audits to the implementa- The reorganisation of VITO in 2016 This therefore concerns very specific hired VITO employee! tion of reuse scenarios. came at just the right time. VITO knowledge and skills, especially in resolutely opted for the develop- the follow-up course. “We think it (laughs) I’m not sure whether I really In the last almost three decades, ment of a multidisciplinary water is important that we can offer this was the first one – perhaps HR could VITO has also changed a lot as an team and united hydrology, data for the industry, and on European look into that. But it is true that when organisation. What initially started as and IT specialists with experts in the level. Not only will it benefit people, I applied in the Summer of 1991, a rather academic research organisa- field of technology, economy and but also companies in the battery VITO did not yet officially exist. I was tion, quickly evolved into a custom- policy. This cross-pollination has had sector. After all, they do not have to recruited by the HR Director of SCK, er-oriented innovation organisation a stimulating effect. A colleague invest as much in their own training”, after which I had to wait until VITO that was more readily responsive. We recently described it as follows: explains Büscher. was officially established before I then began to organise ourselves “Looking beyond the boundaries of could get to work. more strictly as a modern company, your own expertise forces you to be with a focus on targeted training for more focussed.” And that’s exactly You also combined two roles in commercial and management posi- what we need! your first position: that of VITO re- tions. In the third and final wave, the searcher and that of PhD student. focus was firmly placed on the social impact. As far as the availability of sufficient water is concerned, this More info That’s right. After completing my [email protected] studies in chemistry (University of impact is, of course, evident. Hasselt and the Catholic Universi- ty of Leuven), I wanted to start an application-oriented PhD in polymer chemistry. At VITO, I was given the More info [email protected] opportunity to combine the PhD ise.innoenergy.com research with a role as a researcher 14 15 A PHD AT VITO

One of VITO’s strategic objectives is to train young people in applied scientific research so that they can add value to the Flemish economy and industry. Around 80 PhD students are currently working as researchers at VITO. Half of them come from abroad.

One of VITO’s main tasks is to accelerate the Knowledge and innovation from abroad transition from scientific research to genuinely applicable technologies that can be incorporated Some 80 researchers are currently working on a into the Flemish economy and thus offer added PhD at VITO. And one interesting finding is that value to it. “This is our response to an urgent de- approximately half of them come from abroad. mand from the industry”, explains Walter Eevers, “Some technological innovations are already R&D Director at VITO. “Among other things, we much more developed abroad”, explains Karen are very adept at carrying out techno-economic Vercammen of VITO. “In that case, it would be analyses, including when studying their applica- silly to keep searching within your own biotope. tion in an economic sense. Does it make sense to Our PhD programme therefore also brings knowl- continue with a technology? When can we expect edge and innovation to Flanders in the interest of a breakthrough? With this approach, we quickly the future of the Flemish economic fabric.” familiarise young researchers who often still have an academic mentality from when they were at A good example here is the expertise in “Concrete“CONCRETE toepassing APPLICATION in de nabije IN THE toekomst” NEAR FUTURE” Photo 2018 university. By doing so, we help bridge the gap fourth-generation heating networks. “These are between basic research and industrial needs.” very well developed in the Scandinavian coun- The applications for a PhD at VITO are assessed by an independent “CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL REALITY” tries”, explains Eevers. “That is why we have a jury consisting of about ten academics, which convenes a few times “Dichtbij de industriële realiteit” More research efficiency number of collaboration projects running with a year, depending on the number of applications and the needs of knowledge institutions there (DTU in Denmark VITO. It is chaired by Luc Sterckx, guest professor of Chemical Engi- Lies Eykens obtained her PhD on research into VITO is collaborating with all Flemish universities and the University of Lund in Sweden). It is there- neering at the Catholic University of Leuven and ex-top executive of membrane technology at VITO in 2017. Mem- (umbrella organisations) on its PhD programme. fore possible for a Flemish PhD student to carry various industrial players, such as Indaver, Oleon and EDF/Luminus. brane distillation allows aqueous solutions with In its collaboration with the Leuven association, out research under our umbrella with a supervisor high salt concentrations to be purified. In her the focus is primarily on energy-related subjects, in Sweden.” “Our jury includes people with purely an industrial and technologi- research, she primarily studied how the technol- whilst in the collaboration with the University of cal background, as well as academics from the Flemish universities”, ogy can be brought closer to the market. After Antwerp, chemistry and the environment form Continuous innovation explains Sterckx. “As a guest professor and industrialist, I am some- her PhD, she worked as a researcher at VITO the focus. The terms and conditions of a PhD at where in between.” Every application is thoroughly assessed by the with the Chem² team for two more years. She VITO are also comparable to those of ‘conven- Can foreign researchers easily find their way to jury on the basis of ten criteria that show the different aspects of the has now been working at Umicore in Olen for a tional’ PhDs: a mandate lasts four years and the Mol? Vercammen explains: “We strongly promote PhD candidate and his/her research. “With regard to the latter, we few months. remuneration is also (almost) the same. Not all the available positions on an international level as look, for example, at the originality and feasibility of the research, as PhD students work full-time at VITO. Some have well, for example through Euraxess (a European well as at its strategic importance for our economy. What is more, we “At Umicore, I work on environmental technol- their office at the university and come to Mol for platform for research mobility). We also find that also check whether the candidate has sufficient scientific knowledge, ogy, with a strong focus on water treatment”, specific training courses or infrastructure. researchers often come to us specifically because is able to work independently and whether good supervision is availa- says Eykens. “Not specifically for the Olen site, they want to work on a particular subject, such ble (both at the collaborating university and at VITO).” but for all sites worldwide.” How did she find the The collaboration with universities offers advan- as sustainable technology. They then come to transition to industry? “The major advantage of tages in terms of research efficiency. “By joining us with the conviction to work towards a better According to Sterckx, one of the major differences between this and carrying out a PhD at VITO is that the research forces with us, not only is more funding available world. And they are right to do so, as sustainabili- a PhD at a university is the concrete applicability of the research ties in closely with the industrial reality – al- for academic departments, but they can also ty is the core of our mission.” in the near future. “It is therefore not purely though this ofcourse depends on the specific make use of our research infrastructure, and vice scientific research, the application of which is not subject area. The transition from lab to pilot versa”, explains Eevers. “It also prevents us from Finally, the PhD programme also contributes to immediately evident. I am personally seriously scale was of particular added value.” investing in the same thing in different locations the rejuvenation of VITO. After all, PhD students concerned about the applicability in our own in Flanders.” make up ten percent of the entire workforce. industry. Does the research meet an industrial The two years at VITO after her PhD were of ex- “PhD students are among our youngest research- need and is there an economic basis? Nowadays, tra added value. “During that period, I worked ers. They are able to cast a fresh eye over a I supervise and coach a large number of start- on a wide variety of projects instead of one discipline, and this helps our permanent employ- ups and I see the problems that arise when trans- specific topic, in which a few large companies ees to stay focused. Moreover, there is continu- lating new technology into an industrial reality were also involved. That was very informative”, ous innovation as a result of their comings and there. I try to communicate this experience.” explains Eykens. goings”, explains Eevers. More info [email protected]

16 17 lar partnership). This is important hoping to create a solution for the ing, from contractors, architects The BAMB project was action-driven, because construction waste also legacy of the existing building herit- and builders to building managers just like much of VITO’s research. CIRCULAR contains a considerable amount of age. We can reduce the large amount and demolishers (or ‘dismantlers’). Work was thus carried out on a plastics”, explains Mouligneau. of construction and demolition waste Debacker explains: “Now we are number of pilot projects, such as the CONSTRUCTION GETS by consciously finding useful applica- seeing that although small clusters of design of a transformable build- Based on the Green Deal, OVAM tions for this waste.” architects, contractors and consul- ing based on a steel skeleton or a OFF TO A SPEEDY START and VITO have initiated a partner- tancy agencies are working together renovation strategy for prefabricated ship around an experimental and Building As Material Banks more, little account is taken of other student accommodation. learning environment, in which expe- players who are active in the later riences are exchanged. “The aim is In the meantime, the European Build- stages of the building’s life cycle. A for partners to implement concrete ing As Material Banks (BAMB) project circular model requires cooperation innovative circular projects”, explains came to an end at the end of Feb- throughout the entire chain, for ex- The importance of a circular econ- Together with the Public Waste Mouligneau. “This can range from ruary 2019, when the Green Deal on ample by sharing data and informa- omy should not be underestimated Agency of Flanders (OVAM), including the use of new sustainable materials Circular Construction was launched. tion regarding products, components when making the transition to a the Flanders Circular team, VITO is to eco-design and change-oriented This project studied bottlenecks – and buildings. The development of low-carbon society. More than half strongly committed to encouraging construction. We work with an open ‘systemic barriers’ – that stand in the material passports plays an important

of our CO2 emissions come (direct- circular construction in Flanders. Both mind here: everything that can fur- way of the development of a circu- role here. This digital tool can be ly or indirectly) from the materials organisations are involving as many ther help us close the construction lar construction model. Within the used to bring all information about a we use. The production of building partners as possible from the exten- loop is taken into consideration.” project, which involved fifteen other specific product in a specific building materials is particularly notorious sive construction sector: from small European organisations in addition together and share it. The passport for the major impact it has on the and large construction companies to The end of February 2019 marked to VITO/EnergyVille, the focus was not only contains traditional param- climate. Earlier this year, VITO consultants and facilitating organi- the official starting point for this. on three system changes. “First of eters such as density or technical signed the Green Deal on Circular sations to research and even educa- Since then, more than 290 partici- all, the focus was on a different way performance, but also information Construction, a commitment to tional institutions. “We have noticed pants have signed up. By doing so, of designing buildings, materials and regarding assembly or disassembly. support the transition to a world that there is a great deal of interest they enter into a commitment to products”, explains Debacker. “To- This instrument can help builders and of circular construction in Flanders. in circular construction”, explains More info realise at least one project that they day, buildings are primarily designed contractors to carry out construction [email protected] Brigitte Mouligneau, Circular Econo- can choose and devise themselves. for one set function. This is prob- work in a reversible and change- bamb2020.org Circular construction means much my Transition Manager at OVAM. “Of Participants will then be able to lematic, as needs change faster than oriented manner.” vlaanderen-circulair.be more than simply reusing and recy- the more than 130 current projects in exchange their experiences with one buildings. In the BAMB project, we cling building materials. By focussing the field of circular economy, over 40 another during so-called inspira- studied how we can already integrate Thirdly, there is still the challenge of on change-oriented construction, are construction related. That speaks tion sessions. Mouligneau explains: several functions into the building creating different value for build- architects and product develop- for itself.” “We are hoping to organise these plans during the design phase and ings than is the case today. “It is no ers can allow the buildings and sessions four times a year. What is ensure that buildings can be pur- longer a matter of simply carrying out their components to evolve along Experimental and learning environ- more, we are developing an online posefully and easily dismantled. After building work as cheaply as possible. with usage requirements. And new ment platform to share knowledge and all, when the function of a building “We need to evolve towards business business models can encourage experiences even more easily.” changes, we do not only want to models that take into account the contractors and product and service The Green Deal on Circular Construc- recover materials, but also, and more costs and benefits over the entire providers to fulfil the planned life tion is a new initiative of the Flemish Beyond the low hanging fruit importantly, entire components.” life cycle – and these models must cycle of a building project differently: Ministry of Environment, Nature and also be social and environmental”, performance-oriented, adaptable in Agriculture, OVAM and the Flemish In addition to this initiative, OVAM The second system change involves explains Debacker. More info accordance with the needs and/or the Construction Confederation. “The and VITO/EnergyVille, in collabo- the entire value network of a build- [email protected] recovery of valuable materials. plastics federation essenscia is also ration with the Scientific Technical involved via the latter (as a member of Centre for the Construction Industry the public-private Flanders Circu- (WTCB), the University of Hasselt and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, have launched an additional (research) project, in the form of a living lab. This looks beyond the low hanging fruit – call it circular construction for advanced users. “This project deals with obstacles in circular construction, such as regulations, legal matters relating to contracts or labour taxation”, explains Wim Debacker of VITO/EnergyVille. “Our researchers provide their expertise in this living lab.”

The living lab consists of two subtasks: during the first eighteen months, the focus will be on urban mining, whilst over the next 24 months, the emphasis will be on change-oriented building. Debacker 18 explains: “With urban mining, we are 19 SPOTTING ASBESTOS FROM THE AIR

Flanders is hoping to put an end to the historical asbestos pollution in its building heritage and is therefore calling on remote sensing expertise of VITO and the Flanders Information Agency (AIV) for the inventarisation process.

Belgium was once a country that was highly contaminated by asbestos, and we still carry this historical legacy Detection (transparant red) of old slates by the AI-algorithm with us in our building heritage. According to estimates by the Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM), there are still about 2.3 million tonnes of asbestos in homes, schools, busi- nesses and other buildings today. A Archive images cannot be deduced form an image, large part of that asbestos can be but in a later phase, combined with found in corrugated roofs and slates. “We began by looking at which data historical photographs, the year of This not only poses a risk during is available and to what extent we construction can be determined demolition work, but there is also a can use this data to identify asbes- more accurately and by doing so, we threat to the local environment (as tos roofs from the air”, explains Jan can better assess whether the roofing well as health) as a result of weath- Biesemans of VITO. “During that ex- contains asbestos or not. If there is ering of the roofing due to exposure ercise, we learned that multispectral still any doubt in a specific case, an to natural elements and the ability aerial images (RGB) with a resolu- expert will need to visit the site”, of the released asbestos fibres to tion of ten centimetres or more are explains Biesemans. spread easily. sufficient for recognising corrugated sheets and slates to an acceptable According to Astrid Verheyen of the Asbestos plan level of accuracy. The major benefit OVAM asbestos phase out team, the here is that, thanks to the Informa- remote sensing approach also pro- The Flemish government has asked tion Agency we already have these vides a useful tool for raising citizens’ OVAM to devise an ambitious ‘asbes- images for the whole of Flanders, the awareness and informing them about tos plan’, with the aim of making our result of an intensive measurement actions that support asbestos remo- region asbestos-safe in the long term campaign that ran from 2013 to 2015 val. “With a possible combination of – which means that during normal within the framework of the Flanders the solar map and the information on use of a building there should be no II Digital Altitude Model .” asbestos removal we could give more more risks from the present asbestos targeted advice about the locations materials. One of the key actions of VITO and the Information Agency are where asbestos removal followed the plan is the gradual removal of now compiling the first aerial map by the installation of solar panels is asbestos cement roofs, facades and based on these images. Biesemans profitable and for which locations the cable insulation by 2034. By 2040 all explains: “Just to be clear, this is a (target) milestone of 2034 is applica- other hazardous asbestos materials map of potential occurrence. It there- ble.” should be removed. fore indicates where asbestos roofs could be located.” VITO researchers, Unfortunately, there is hardly any together with AIV and Passwerk are geographic information available on also responsible for processing the the spread of asbestos in the con- images and thus detecting roofing struction industry in recent decades. containing asbestos. They are using That is why OVAM has called upon new technology from the field of ar- VITO and the Information Agency to tificial intelligence in order to achieve use its remote sensing techniques to this. Together with the AIV, VITO de- support the asbestos inventory for veloped a number of deep learning Flanders. models that were then specifically trained for this task.

How can the researchers use their More info images to establish when a building [email protected] was erected or a roof was laid or [email protected] renewed? “The year of construction [email protected]