delaware’s new flagship office embodies the future of work

Feb 04, 2025
  • press release

delaware Belux recently moved to a newly constructed flagship office in Ghent, Belgium. The building, nestled in the vibrant Upoffiz Loop5 and developed by Upgrade Estate, harbors task-specific workplaces, cutting-edge showrooms, plenty of charging spots for electric vehicles, and an innovative geothermic heating system among other innovations.

“Despite the trend of many companies reducing office space due to the COVID crisis and a shift towards remote work, we have chosen to expand our office in Ghent by over 8,400 square meters. We recognize the demand from our #peopleofdelaware to cultivate a welcoming office culture that encourages connections among colleagues. This aligns seamlessly with our delaware values, including team spirit and care,” explains Jan De Bock, Managing Director at delaware Belux. “Upoffiz Loop5 was an ideal fit for our needs because it enables us to accommodate our sustainable employee growth.” 

In line with delaware’s sustainability vision, the new Ghent office is powered entirely by renewable energy: “Upoffiz Loop5 features 450 solar panels on-site and a state-of-the-art geothermic heating system. Additionally, plans are in place to connect the site with a nearby solar farm that boasts 10,000 panels by the first quarter of 2025,” explains Koenraad Belsack, co-CEO at Upgrade Estate. Moreover, delaware chose for 100% cradle-to-cradle flooring, but also for the reuse of furniture and walls from the previous location. 

“We’re making sure that every aspect of our operations reflects our dedication to sustainability,” explains Jan De Bock. "With facilities capable of supplying more than 75% of our energy needs with clean power, this new flagship office is well-prepared to meet and exceed our future energy demands. It also offers the possibility to charge our fleet, of which over 70% of vehicles are fully electric." 

from left to right: Koenraad Belsack (Upgrade Estate), Nele Van Damme (Upgrade Estate), Jan De Bock (delaware Belux)

A greener (and easier) commute

Besides saving energy, the office also supports eco-friendly commuting options. By adopting the STOEP mobility principle, delaware actively encourages walking, biking, public transport, electric vehicle use, and smart parking management. The new location is within cycling distance from Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station and directly linked to a bike-friendly road. This reduces commute times, as well as carbon emissions. 

Pieter Sanders, Fleet and Facility Manager at delaware, adds: “Our commitment to sustainable mobility and flexible workspace options forms the core of our approach to the future of work, ensuring our team not only works efficiently but also happily and healthily. Having satellite offices all over Belgium means that our employees have shorter commute times and less traffic on non-customer facing days.” 

Designed to inspire

delaware’s new office goes beyond functionality; it’s designed to inspire. From various working zones tailored for concentration, collaboration, and relaxation to innovation labs featuring the latest in VR and smart technology, the space invites creativity and innovation. 

“We’re thrilled to offer the #peopleofdelaware and our clients a space that truly reflects our values of innovation, teamwork, and sustainability,” adds Jan De Bock. “This office is designed not just for work, but for well-being and inspiration as well.” 

Upgrading the future of work

Nele Van Damme, co-CEO at Upgrade Estate comments on the collaboration: "The fact that delaware opts for an office campus that strongly focuses on ecological sustainability and human connection, emphasizes that the company strives for a future-oriented and inspiring work environment. This vision strongly aligns with the vision of Upgrade Estate and takes the job satisfaction of all employees to a higher level."

“We are excited about this new chapter in Ghent and look forward to continuing to serve our clients and community from our innovative new home,” Jan De Bock concludes.

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