Ingenium supports University of Antwerp with commissioning of new-build sustainable chemistry lab

BlueApp is an open innovation platform of the University of Antwerp. It is housed in the port area on the Blue Gate Antwerp site, Belgium’s first water-bound business park that is also circular and eco-efficient. This hub connects the academic world with industry, with BlueApp set to collaborate intensively with the start-ups at BlueChem, Belgium’s first incubator focused on innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainable chemistry through multidisciplinary collaboration.

The BlueApp project consists of a new building with a ground floor with a two-storey demonstration hall, 3 lab floors with a separate office zone and a technical floor at the top. The total surface area is approximately 4,850 m².

Flexibility and sustainability are central to the concept, without sacrificing the safety requirements inherent in a chemistry laboratory building. Ingenium was responsible for the design and monitoring of the technical installations and played a central role in the EPB and BREEAM consulting.

At the request of the University of Antwerp, Ingenium will also accompany the entire commissioning process, based on:

• visual inspection of the installations
• functional operation tests
• documentation management.

First of all we prepare test scenarios following the ASHRAE Guideline: fire scenarios, blackbuilding test, building management system test and safety tests. Particular attention is paid here to the combined tests, which verify the interaction between the various technologies. We then accompany the contractor through the commissioning process (from individual component through to overall installation level) and verify the results. The ultimate product is a report with the results of the test procedures, after which the end user can safely move into the building and commence the lab activities. Client UAntwerp has full insight into the functioning of the installations. All necessary steps for BREEAM accreditation are included in this procedure.

For more information, please contact our project managers Koen Van Canneyt or Nico Vandewiele: 050 40 45 30 or via koen.vancanneyt@ingenium.be or nico.vandewiele@ingenium.be.