Five More Green Spaces in Brussels

Parc de Woluwe
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The sun is shining in Brussels, so it’s a good opportunity to present a follow-up to our Five Green Spaces in Brussels blog post from last year.

My First Month In Brussels

Grand Place at night

It’s hard to believe that it was over a month ago that I arrived in Brussels and started working at Sustainability Consult.  My placement is part of the EU’s Leonardo Mobility Programme, administered by Change Agents UK.  The last month has been both busy and educational, as I have taken up the position of Personal Assistant and Community Manager.

Five More Cafés To Work From In Brussels

Last year, we wrote about Five Cafés To Work From in Brussels.  It seems to have struck a chord with those looking for a decent cup, comfy seats and – crucially – a good internet connection.  It has become our most popular blog post.

So here are five more cafés that we like to work from in Brussels when we get the opportunity.

My First Month With Sustainability Consult

After a busy and exciting first month with Sustainability Consult, I’d like to share

A light show at the City Hall

my first experiences of living and working in the Belgian capital.

Hello Brussels: My First Week at Sustainability Consult

My first day

I had never been to Brussels before last week.  So some of my friends quietly questioned my decision to move here and join the Team at Sustainability Consult.  I began work on Monday.  Did I know what I was getting myself into?  Would Brussels and the role match my expectations?

How To Create A Successful Web Series: 5 Tips From The Eurobubble Creators

Yacine Kouhen and Charly Jourdan shared their tips at
the latest Sustainability Communications Lunch

Our latest Sustainability Communications Lunch guests, Eurobubble writer Yacine Kouhen and director Charlélie (Charly) Jourdan, have become something of a phenomenon over the past year - they’re the creators of the hugely popular Eurobubble series which made its debut earlier this year and has since gained popularity by depicting the rise of the Brussels-based Eurocrat. 

Save The Date: Big Swap And Launch Of Good Library on Wednesday 27 November

This month, Sustainability Consult is commemorating its five-year anniversary and we are in the midst of our celebratory community events. 

Having Fun At Green Drinks Brussels

Enjoying good conversation at Green Drinks

The October edition of Green Drinks Brussels took place last Wednesday.  We were happy to see some familiar faces and to welcome a great deal of new ones.  In total, we were around 30 people from NGOs, trade and business associations, EU institutions and companies.  We were happy to be joined by some trainees that needed advice about life in Brussels.

It seemed that quite a few people had had a tough September with a heavy workload after the summer, so having a relaxing drink and unwinding after work was well-received. 

Successful Exhibition At EFIB 2013

Sustainability Consult Team members
ready to discuss communications in the bioeconomy

After BIO World Congress in Montreal in June, Sustainability Consult exhibited at The European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Biobased Economy (EFIB) last week on our home turf in Brussels.  EFIB is the largest bioeconomy conference in Europe.  

Green Drinks Brussels Kicks Off The Season

The first Green Drinks Brussels of the season was held last night.  We were happy to see some familiar faces and also to welcome a great deal of new ones.

Adventures In Brussels And Beyond: My First Week

I’m now entering my second week at Sustainability Consult and wanted to share my experience so far. 

Hayley Coristine

I moved to Brussels from Birmingham in late August to join the Sustainability Consult Team after having worked on the scientific side of sustainability and environmental management for the past two years.  I loved the work I was doing in England but really missed the creative input and communications work that I’d enjoyed in previous jobs.  As the newest member of the Sustainability Consult Team, I’ve been able to merge my two interests, which has been really satisfying so far. 

Five Cafés to Work From in Brussels

Karsmakers' cosy interior

There are many great cafés in Brussels, but the main criteria for this post is that they must have free Wi-Fi and be comfortable enough to work in.

Five Good Reasons to Cycle to Work

Reiner cycling on a very snowy Brussels road

Spring is just around the corner, so there are fewer excuses to delay your good intentions.  Instead of spending lots of money on going to the gym, why not cycle to work?  Here are five good reasons for taking your bike out of storage and getting fit!

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. 

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!