VITO brings sustainable future to the city of Roeselare with unique expo and water experience container
After stops in Hasselt, Westerlo, and Mol, VITOpolis, VITO’s travelling sustainability expo, will arrive in Roeselare at the start of 2025. With VITOpolis, we showcase the path to sustainability in an interactive way. This travelling pop-up expo tours Flanders to demonstrate to the public what ‘sustainability’ means in our daily lives. At the same time, VITO’s water experience container will be set up in Roeselare to show companies and land managers how they can benefit from water management together.
VITOpolis – interactive sustainability expo
‘Sustainability’ is no longer just a buzzword but a guarantee of a healthy future for our planet. At VITOpolis, you’ll discover how even small steps can make a big difference. Through interactive displays, you’ll learn about the impact of your choices and see how innovative technologies contribute to a sustainable future.
The free exhibition is suitable for all ages and offers special programmes for schools. Schools can also combine their visit to VITOpolis with the interactive city game ResourCity or an educational workshop by GROW Talent at the Roeselare Business Centre.
Water Experience Container for businesses
VITO’s unique travelling water experience container will also make a stop in Roeselare, aiming to provide companies with new insights into water-related opportunities.
Francis Debruyne, Alderman for Water Management, said:
“Preventing and managing drought and flooding are two crucial challenges for the coming decades. The City of Roeselare is making significant efforts to address these, such as creating controlled flooding areas and retention basins, and promoting soil de-sealing.”
Inge Genné of VITO added:
“Businesses also play a key role, as they are not only dependent on water for production but also account for a significant portion of water consumption.”
The container offers an interactive and practical experience, showing how industrial parks can collaborate on water management. This initiative is part of the Flanders WaterProof programme within the Blue Deal, through which the Flemish Government is tackling drought structurally.
“With these tangible examples, we aim to inspire and motivate stakeholders to collaborate on water management,” VITO stated. “Participants can tailor a programme to their needs and, if desired, add a meeting or workshop specifically focused on their business site. Our water experts are ready to engage in open discussions and provide practical solutions.”
Michèle Hostekint, Alderman for Climate and Sustainability, City of Roeselare, said:
“As host city, we warmly welcome VITO with their innovative expo and water experience container. By showcasing technology and practical solutions, VITO makes sustainability tangible for our residents.”
Practical Information
- VITOpolis can be visited from 15 January to 23 March at the Roeselare Business Centre (Spanjestraat 141).
Opening hours:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: Reserved for schools
- Weekdays: Open for groups by appointment via vitopolis@vito.be
- Sunday 26 January and 9 March: Open to everyone from 10 am to 5 pm
The exhibition is suitable for all ages and anyone interested in learning more about sustainable choices in daily life. A visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is completely free!
- Join the Open Sundays!
On 26 January and 9 March, VITOpolis opens its doors to everyone from 10 am to 5 pm. Not only can you explore the interactive expo, but you’ll also discover inspiring local initiatives focused on social engagement, the circular economy, and knowledge-sharing, such as:- Repair Café
- Rewearcafé (open from 10:00–13:30)
- Food preservation workshops by community centre RSL op Post
- Garden Rangers
- Materials Bank
- VITO’s Water Experience Container can be visited by companies and local authorities on 22 and 30 January, 7 and 20 February, and 5 and 20 March at Rodenbach Brewery in Roeselare.
Visit options:
- Combine with a visit to the sustainability expo VITOpolis
- Organise a meeting or networking event at the Roeselare Business Centre
- Choose between two formats: with or without an exploratory workshop with VITO water experts
For more information and reservations, visit waterwinst.be/beleving/roeselare. The visit is free and specifically aimed at businesses and local authorities.
In collaboration with:
