A wind of change
The same applies within the service industry in the battle for the consumer: to stand still is to go backwards. To stand out from the competition, it is important to take a critical look at your services and see where the difference can be made.
Consumers have a better understanding of our consumer society and are demanding—louder by the day—that companies consciously and openly opt for corporate social responsibility. Luminus noticed this trend at a very early stage. Over the years, they adjusted their sustainability policies and went for growth within the company by adapting to the changing climate and customer demand. Encon has been part of this growth process since 2005. Together, they looked at opportunities for additional sustainable services, which makes Luminus a pioneering energy supplier.
The huge influx of competing energy suppliers in 2005 meant that consumers opted for 'the cheapest', a criterion Luminus was unable to meet at the time. They seized the opportunity for a specific additional service that moved away from supplying energy towards sustainability. For example, every B2B client was offered an energy audit, an additional service that was unheard of in the B2B market.
In 2010, Luminus once again looked for a way to generate business in a world where consumers are encouraged to change energy suppliers regularly.
Since then, Luminus has been moving towards a sustainable world with a focus on carbon-neutrality and, more specifically, the generation of wind energy. When you think of wind turbines, you think of Luminus. As the largest developer in onshore wind energy, they are always keen to find companies to cooperate with for the installation of wind turbines; with the focus on promoting a sustainable world in pursuit of the Kyoto Protocol agreements and the objectives of the European Union and, ultimately, carbon neutrality.
To make this happen, they are relying on Encon to put all the permits in order; a tremendous feat in today's climate. With the benefit of extensive knowledge and experience, a unique support programme was set up. From an extensive scan assessing all environmental factors up to a feasibility study and the effective permit application. Encon also follows up on all projects, from tendering to delivery.
Currently, the counter is on 212 turbines with an installed capacity of 516 MW. That means these wind turbines generate enough electricity for more than 283,400 families.
Encon's services also include support from A to Z during the installation of solar panels for each project. The first step in this is to first assess the most suitable solar installation to maximise efficiency, taking into account the specific characteristics of the roof and the power consumption of the building. We then draw up a detailed roadmap and look for the contractor best suited to the specific requirements of the project. Finally, we follow up on the installation in detail so that guaranteed yields are effectively achieved.
Sustainability will soon be a fixture in the service industry. Only 18.6% of the electricity produced in Belgium is currently green (Eurostat Report, 2019). However, Belgium has signed the 2020–2050 Climate Agreement, which commits us to supply 100% renewable (green) energy. That is why Luminus will continue to invest in this to actively help bring about this transition to 100% renewable energy, together with Encon.
Would you also like to have an objective look at your services to prepare yourself for the future?
