Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Eco

Jenny McNeely gets back to nature with Europe’s wild wonders and Brussels’ first green aparthotel

IMAGE ‘MATTERHORN’ BY VERENA POPP-HACKNER

Eco deco

Guilt-free elegance in the Belgian capital

Housed in an Albert Callewaert-designed art deco building, Housestories is a fusion of environmental awareness and cutting-edge design. The building’s listed status was a constant challenge for business duo Isabel Verstraete and Alexandre Picke, but they’ve managed to retain the house’s character while utilising the latest eco innovations. Solar paneling, a green electricity supplier and air-conditioning via a Canadian well have resulted in a 90% reduction in heating consumption, while 70% of the water comes from rainwater tanks.

From the marbled entrance hall to the quirky mix of antiques, this is a very special place to stay – and the penthouse suite is a luxury experience without the guilt. The design fuses old and new; a Smeg kitchen contrasts nicely with a retro record-player and other vintage – the original recycling – knick-knacks.

Already winning the ‘bâtiment exemplaire’ (outstanding building) award, Housestories is a short walk from the centre, catering for both tourists and business stays.

From €72, minimum four-night stay. www.housestories.be

Wind beneath my wings

On the ground and in the air, Brussels Airlines continuously strives to optimize operative measures

1 Measures operations & cockpit e.g. train pilots for the most fuel-efficient procedures, precise flight planning tools, operate optimized routes

2 Measures on board e.g. installation of light-weight seats on A319 fleet, reduce weight by removing excess equipment, …

3 Optimized utilization of aircraft capacities e.g. optimize the size of the aircraft corresponding to the demand

4 Maintenance measures e.g. regular engine washing to reduce emissions and optimize engine performance

5 Technological progress e.g. operation of more eco-friendly engines, reducing CO2 and NOx emissions

6 Technological innovations e.g. the first operator world wide to install winglets on the B737-300 reducing fuel consumption and thus emissions

7 Technological modifications e.g. modification of the B737-400 flaps to optimize the wing performance, reduce fuel consumption and thus emissions

8 Ground procedures e.g. limit the use of aircraft power generation equipment during aircraft parking at the gate and use alternative energy saving methods

Wild Wonders Of Europe illustrates what’s great about the great outdoors. This book features 69 top nature photographers, with snaps demonstrating the breathingtaking beauty and variety of European wildlife. From sperm whales in the Azores to buttercups in Umbria, the images serve as a timely reminder of the importance of conservation.

NEED TO KNOW

Wild Wonders of Europe by Peter Cairns, Florian Möllers, Staffan Widstrand and Bridget Wijnberg. www.wild-wonders.com

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