Alternative culture
GCommunity-focused
Zero waste
Alternative economy
Places
BENU Village
Benu Village is the first ecovillage in the Greater Region
BENU Village
An ecovillage built entirely from waste and local natural materials. Professionals work in it in the spirit of the socio-ecological circular economy. Creative. Artistic. Local. Socially committed. Cosequently ecological.
The BENU VILLAGE team is designing and building an innovative eco-village in Esch-sur-Alzette. The 1500 sqm plot of land was given to BENU Village Esch asbl by the city of Esch-sur Alzette to build the first ecovillage in Luxembourg and the Greater Region.
As a platform for the socio-ecological circular economy, the BENU VILLAGE ecovillage consistently relies on principles of upcycling, local production and collaboration, as well as social and ecological values.
The ecovillage is built with as few new materials as possible. There is almost no use of environmentally harmful materials such as concrete, bitumen, plaster or silicone. Almost exclusively used metal and wood are used for the construction. Straw from the region is also used in some cases. The façades are plastered with clay, which was obtained directly on site. In the interiors, hemp is used as acoustic and thermal insulation. The use of clay contributes positively to the indoor climate.
Numerous BENU activities take place here:
BENU ACADEMY : furniture design and upcycling. Further training in sustainable cooking, building and upcycling.
BENU COUTURE : Design and mass production of new UpCycling fashion with lifetime guarantee.
BENU FOOD : Catering with organic rescued food. Uniquely delicious. Paving the way for the first rescued food restaurant in the Greater Region.
BENU LaSA (Local and Social Art) : Modern shop for upcycling creations in fashion and art.
BENU METAMORPHOSE : Participatory transformation of BENU VILLAGE into a total UpCycling artwork.
BENU REUSE : Mediation of intact used objects. Socio-ecological background information.
You can find more information on benureuse.lu.
Common to all activities is the BENU Charter, based on the values of social engagement, ecological excellence, local production and transparency. Central guidelines can be derived from this, such as zero waste, promotion of partnerships and social cohesion.
Institution type/carrier
Non-profit organisation
How is your initiative financed?
The project receives financial support from the municipality of Esch-sur-Alzette, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Economy, the Oeuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte and the Fondation André Losch.
Are there any additional partners or funders connected to your initiative?
Many other associations, but also companies, are now among the BENU partners, such as abrisud, arcus, BioGros, Caritas, CELL, CIGL, Commission Européenne, Earthship, Executive Textile, Frei(Raum)Architekten, Mesa, Naturata, Patricia Lippert, Peintures Reckinger, Pharmacie Welschbillig, Rolfbau ...
Participation opportunities
There are various ways to get involved in the BENU Village.
You can volunteer to help with the organisation of the ecovillage, events or other activities.
The ecovillage also offers young adults the opportunity to complete a voluntary social year here.
On the other hand, you have the opportunity to set up an initiative or company that is socially and ecologically oriented in the ecovillage.
Furthermore, there is always the possibility to participate in workshops and activities or to visit BENU Sloow.
What’s needed
Artists Engaged citizen Full time volunteers Part time volunteers Strong arms Expertise/knowledge CustomersObjectives
The ecovillage has various goals. On the one hand, the BENU VILLAGE wants to give innovative impulses in various areas:
- Optimisation and innovation of energy and resource consumption.
- Creation of a pilot project for the circular economy
- Promoting social urban development
- Ensuring transparent communication
In addition, BENU VILLAGE aims to be a place where the environmental and social footprint is continuously improved and high-quality and creative products are produced that stand out for their sustainability.
Target audience
The ecovillage is aimed at everyone who is interested.
BENU VILLAGE is broadly positioned to offer background information on sustainability issues at home in the living room, issues that concern everyone in daily life. The activities invite everyone to participate, young and old alike. The guided tours are open to everyone.
Challenges and learning successes
Despite initial scepticism from the outside, the BENU Village team was able to create a professional space made of over 92% recyclable waste and local natural elements.
Their success is based on their willingness to try things, test things, discard things, do extensive research, communicate, network and never give up. They have proven, despite external and internal opposition, that a mixed team can work in an alternative economic environment.
Sustainability Targets
- Zero Hunger
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Life on Land
Locations
Organisation
- BENU Village
- benu@benuvillageesch.lu
- benu.lu
Address & geo, Contact person
- 32 Rue d'Audun
- Rue d'Audun 32
- 4018 Esch-sur-Alzette
- Georges Kiefer
- +352621188105
The initiative information was originally written in German
