Sustainability Consult Newcomer’s Guide to Brussels: Part #5

Source: thegreensamaritan.com

Learning Languages and Other Useful Information

We hoped you have enjoyed our five-part guide to Brussels.  In our final instalment, we provide a few tips on where to hone your language skills and links to other Brussels information networks.

Sustainability Consult Newcomer's Guide to Brussels: Part #4

Painting from Magritte's Bottle Series
Source: oliviateh.tumblr.com 

Culture and Leisure

This multicultural city boasts a diverse and plentiful cultural offering, as well as many different sporting associations and centres.  Below are our picks of the best in entertainment and exercising.

Sustainability Consult Newcomer's Guide to Brussels: Part #3

Source: indhiranuralifah.blogspot.be

Food – Where to Buy It, Where to Eat Out

Belgium is famous for its food, so newcomers should make the most of the available offerings - from Brussels supermarkets, to cafés, restaurants, markets and specialist shops. 

·       Supermarkets

a.     Carrefour

b.     Delhaize  

Cheaper options:

a.     LIDL

b.     ALDI

c.     Colruyt

The Controversial Debate on Shale Gas in Europe Continues

Source: Student Think Tank 

Energy poverty and the economic crisis, hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’, climate change, water contamination and earthquakes all add to the confusion around the topic of whether shale gas exploration should be allowed in Europe.  Fear and uncertainty seem to be used by different stakeholders - NGOs, politicians and industry - to try to convince the public about their different positions.

Sustainability Consult Newcomer’s Guide to Brussels: Part #2

Source: sanluisobispocaliforniahomes.com

Settling Down?  Setting Up and Travel Essentials

The second in our five-part series, today's post provides you with some further tips on settling down, setting up and getting around town - now that you know the Brussels basics.

   ·       Health Insurance

Once you have your national number from the Commune, you need to apply for social security.  Employees, employers and self-employed people must contribute to a health insurance fund (mutualité/ziekenfonds) as part of the normal enrolment process.  For most medical services, the bills are paid upfront and receipts must then be submitted for reimbursement.  Further information can be found here.

Sustainability Consult Newcomer’s Guide to Brussels: Part #1

Source: wallpaperswiki.org

The Basics

Welcome to Brussels!

If you are new to the city, chances are you are wondering how things work around here.  We hope the Sustainability Consult Newcomer’s Guide to Brussels will help you settle in. 

Ecovillages Popping Up Like Mushrooms

Source: ecohouseagent

The concept of ecovillages began in the 60s and 70s when cohousing and eco-communities became increasingly popular. Recently, these communities have seen a huge revival, driven by the economic crisis and a desire to live closer to nature in a more sustainable way.

Five Tips for a Green Valentine’s Day

Source: greendailygrind.com

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so for those of you celebrating but still in need of a special gift, here are our top five ideas for a more environmentally-responsible Valentine’s.

Tussles in Brussels? Thankfully Not…My First Week at Sustainability Consult

At a Team lunch eating a delicious 

Massaman tofu curry

This week, I began my new role as Communications Assistant at Sustainability Consult.  It is a fairly fast-paced environment and I’ve already had a number of tasks to undertake, such as proofreading, media monitoring and generating ideas for blog posts.  Nevertheless, as the photos from our Team raclette evening testify, my colleagues also know how to let their hair down!

Embedding Sustainability in the Corporate Strategy

Source: GACSO

The UK-based Global Association of Corporate Sustainability Officers (GACSO) held its first event in Brussels last week.  Hosted by Coca-Cola, the “Who will embed sustainability at the heart of corporate strategy?” event brought together sustainability professionals to share their experiences.

Five Tips to Improve Air Quality in Your City

Source:  euobserver.com

In the same month as the launch of the European Year of Air, cities such as Brussels or the massive city of Beijing faced major air pollution problems, registering alarming levels of particulate matter (PM).  It might seems like limiting exposure to pollutants is beyond the control of individuals.  But can citizens do anything to improve the air quality of their cities? 

Identify the Multipliers for Wider Media Coverage

Metrics are really important in any communications campaign.  Did hits on the website increase during the campaign?  How many new followers came in on Facebook or twitter?   How many were lost?  How many press clippings were generated?  Metrics help chart progress and benchmark a campaign against other actions.  But while numbers are important (especially for consultants who need to justify their existence), there is more to a good campaign than just numbers.