VITOpolis in Mol - Exploring sustainability from every angle

Since 2017, thousands of students have visited the deep geothermal power plant in Mol, where they can explore various modules explaining sustainable initiatives. However, with Mol being home to both VITO and the geothermal plant, it isn’t always easy for schools to make the trip. To bridge that gap, VITO launched VITOpolis, an interactive sustainability exhibition that will travel across Flanders in two-month cycles over the coming years, offering inspiration and insights to people of all ages.

“With over a thousand registrations for VITOpolis already, it’s clear that sustainability and science are alive in our community,” says Wim Caeyers, Mayor of Mol. “Science has always played an important role here, and its significance will only grow. We’re proud to support science and sustainability as a municipality and put Mol on the map in this way—it really works and inspires.”

Students from Sint-Jan-Berchmans College, who joined the exhibition’s launch, showed that young people are not only interested in sustainability but also genuinely concerned about it.

'Sustainability' is more than just a buzzword; it’s the foundation for a healthier, longer-lasting planet. At VITOpolis, visitors can see firsthand how small actions can make a big difference. The interactive setup raises awareness and demonstrates how innovative technologies can help create a sustainable future.

“At VITO, we have a fantastic partnership with the municipality of Mol,” says Inge Neven, CEO of VITO. “Mol has a close connection to science, which provides local young people with promising job opportunities. Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, and VITOpolis brings that message to life.”

The exhibition is free to keep it accessible. Adults can gain insights into sustainable living, while schools and youth groups can either visit or follow up in class using lesson packages aligned with the curriculum. Additionally, organisations and businesses can visit VITOpolis, possibly combining it with meetings or networking events for a unique experience.

ResourCity

In conjunction with the Mol exhibition, VITO has also introduced ResourCity. Each city or region, often without us realising, contains chemical elements—from carbon and oxygen to tin and gold. Mol is no different, and with VITO’s ResourCity app, visitors can use their phones to hunt for these elements. Through augmented reality, elements spring to life, providing information and earning points—similar to Pokémon Go. The Mol route for ResourCity was created with Mol’s tourism department, and students from Campus Het Spoor helped distribute the virtual elements along the path. Even after VITOpolis moves on, ResourCity will remain as a city game in Mol.