Some encounters change lives, others can change cities. Such was the meeting between Sunita van Heers and Filip Grillet. She, a driven engineer-architect, he, a passionate industrial engineer. Together, they shared an ambition: to change the status-quo of the construction sector, globally one of the most polluting industries. In August 2019, they combined their expertise and vision in SuReal, a consultancy and research firm specializing in sustainable construction.
Sustainable building without extra cost
As a consultancy, SuReal helps companies and governments make buildings, urban projects, and enterprises more sustainable without losing sight of user well-being. From design to delivery, their specialists offer advice and support in sustainability, circularity, and ESG. "We have seen a huge spike in inquiries following the European Green Deal," says Sunita van Heers.
What is the goal? To lead the way towards a more sustainable built environment and have a long-term impact on the way we live, plan and build.
A sustainable home for the company itself
In 2023, SuReal found its ideal spot on the 5th floor of Victoria Tower, home to the famous Hoxton Hotel in Sint-Joost-ten-Node. Here, they created a space that reflects their philosophy: sustainable materials (including wood from Sonian Wood Coop) and recycled furniture adorn the offices. A 'nap room' and modular panels ensure optimal comfort and tranquillity for the staff.
The staff, the cornerstone of the company, was involved at every step. "A happy employee is more motivated, efficient, and engaged," says the management. And candidates? They're lining up: "SuReal's mission is appealing. No greenwashing here, but real ambitious projects, including abroad."
Knowledge as a foundation
Because education is crucial for a sustainable future, Sunita and Filip launched the SuReal Academy in 2019. It caters to customers, partners, and employees. "Sustainability is a niche sector. You don't learn this in school, so we train our staff ourselves," the duo explains.
At SuReal, experts take turns sharing the latest developments: from sustainability certificates and circular economy to carbon accounting, ESG strategies, and portfolio analyses. Interested clients can follow these courses online or on-site.
Welcome support for international expansion
SuReal's philosophy has, since its establishment, extended far beyond external national borders. Tpday, the company is active in various countries, including France, Luxembourg, Poland, Japan, Italy, Spain, Cape Verde, the Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
Its founders are nevertheless keen to keep travel to a minimum, in line with the values they uphold: "It is with this in mind that we have managed projects in New York and San Francisco: almost exclusively remotely." Contacts had been made in advance thanks to the economic mission organised by hub.brussels and its partners in the Big Apple.
The company nevertheless decided to open an office in Milan, where numerous projects are carried out. It was able to count on the support of hub.brussels and our local attaché, via our Brussels House. A series of meetings with local contacts quickly led to initial contracts. "It is in the beautiful setting of Brussels House that we inaugurated our Milan office in the presence of Stefano Boeri, architect of the Bosco Verticale eco-sustainable complex. This helped us to attract a significant number of players in Italian construction." T
SuReal benefited from various regional support measures for their international expansion: they received a subsidy from Brussels Economy & Employment for a stand at the MIPIM fair in Cannes, obtained a grant for producing an information medium, as well as a grant to prospect in New York and London.
Words of wisdom
"Change requires courage, initiative, and perseverance. Be the pioneer of your own sustainable vision," both founders advise.
More information at https://sureal.be/