Belgium inaugurates first energy neutral embassy in Morocco

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib officially inaugurated Belgium's new embassy in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday evening. The new, energy-neutral building is the first of its kind for a Belgian embassy.

"This inauguration illustrates the purpose of my visit to Morocco: to further consolidate our relations,” the minister said, before formalising the inauguration by cutting the traditional ribbon.

“This embassy is an affirmation of our technological and architectural know-how and capabilities"

“The new embassy is a flagship of the Belgian commitment to energy transition as it is the first Belgian embassy to be energy neutral,” the Minister added. “The building produces all the necessary energy itself, based on a photovoltaic system, and can therefore operate completely off-grid."

Local materials with a low carbon footprint were chosen for the construction, which started in 2018. The energy consumption related to the construction of the equipment was also taken into account.

“This embassy is an affirmation of our technological and architectural know-how and capabilities. It is also part of a restructuring logic after the closure of the consulates in Tangier and Casablanca. Our staff are now gathered here in Rabat,” said the head of Belgian diplomacy.

The embassy hosts a wide range of works by Belgian and Moroccan artists, including Marc Rossignol, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Sahar Saadaoui, Mohamed Arejdal and Charif Benhelima, with Eric Van Hove's “Charbagh labyrinth diplomatic” and the “Place Houwaert” photograph by Randa Maroufi highlighting cultural crossovers, economic exchanges and women’s rights.

Belgium's new energy neutral embassy building in Rabat, Morocco © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM