React, Act, Reduce: a Masterclass about Food Waste
At a joint EU-UN event held in Brussels to commemorate the International Day of Food Loss and Waste Awareness, around a hundred guests from multigenerational and diverse backgrounds convened at BIGH’s Aquaponic Farm.
United Nations
Regional Information Center for Western Europe
03/10/2023
Excerpt:
BIGH is at the forefront of these urban agricultural innovations, championing productive aquaponic farms. Leveraging a blend of aquaculture and hydroponics, BIGH farms employ sustainable practices at every juncture. Their infrastructures, partly made from plant fibres and recycled panels, underline a commitment to environmental responsibility. Their strategic placement atop the Foodmet building in Brussels facilitates the recycling of waste energy for heating greenhouses and cooling fish farms. Additionally, BIGH’s circular water system, encompassing well water, rainwater, and tomato drainage, is supplemented by fish water, introducing nutrient-rich irrigation to their crops.
BIGH’s dedication to sustainability is apparent in every aspect of their work. Their energy-efficient farms not only reduce urban greenhouse effects but also boost city biodiversity. Visitors were staggered to discover that this forward-thinking approach yields an impressive 12,000 kilos of fruits and vegetables, 20,000 kilos of salmon trout, and 180,000 pots of herbs. The Abattoir site in Anderlecht, a historic establishment from the late 19th century, has been conscientiously transformed over the years, reflecting modern environmental objectives. As the world advances into an urban-centric future, initiatives like BIGH’s provide a promising blueprint for sustainable city living.
