MechCiCo: '“Mechelaars Circulair & Coöperatief”

Technical installations as-a-service for temporary buildings

In Mechelen, 1 in 10 commercial premises are empty and so outdated that renovation or new construction is required. In the meantime, the City of Mechelen and Mest vzw are looking for a temporary filling. But because of the temporary nature of the building, there is no incentive to invest in its sustainable use. Nobody invests in the temporary replacement of outdated lighting, the generation of sustainable energy or the recovery of rainwater.

With the MechCiCo project, the Klimaan citizens' cooperative, together with local players, will offer indoor comfort as a product-service to the users of such buildings. We adapt new or second-hand technical solutions to changing users and reuse them in other buildings. We apply this business model to two buildings in Mechelen: the old library and the fire station. Klimaan is thus the first practical example of a cooperative (citizen) CESCO (Circular Economy Service Company).