Equans plays a key role in the technical installations at Cebeo's new distribution centre
Cebeo, the leading distributor of electronic equipment in Belgium, is moving into a brand-new distribution centre in Tournai that will not just make its logistical processes more efficient, but will also make a significant contribution to the company reducing its environmental footprint. The new Cebeo Distribution Centre (CDC) will set a technological benchmark, with advanced applications for optimal insulation, airtightness, ventilation and climate control. Equans is stepping up to play an essential role in the installation of the electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems.
With an impressive surface area of 40,000 m² and a height of 18 metres, the CDC will offer double the volume compared to the company's current distribution centre in Mouscron. The lion's share of the building will be dedicated to logistical facilities, including a semi-automated warehouse that will enable Cebeo to serve all of its clients efficiently, both directly and via its extensive network of branches. Aside from administrative offices, the site will also host a logistics office and a gatehouse where HGVs and vans can sign in. The distribution centre is expected to be fully operational in the second half of 2023.
Sustainability as a core principle: BREEAM 'Excellent'
The new distribution centre will be equipped with advanced technologies in the field of energy saving and sustainability. State-of-the-art systems such as LED lighting, solar panels and heat pumps will all be incorporated. On top of that, Cebeo is investing in a rainwater harvesting system, which will result in reduced consumption of mains water. It will be possible to store no less than 200,000 litres of rainwater at the site, which can be used to flush the toilets, among other things.
This logistical distribution centre stands out for other reasons too. The building is taking a pioneering approach when it comes to the latest innovations in the field of smart buildings, which shouldn't come as a surprise, given Cebeo's leading role in this area. This approach will deliver significantly improved comfort for employees in the workplace, and will result a building with a BREEAM rating of 'Excellent' and an extremely low carbon footprint.
Technical systems and innovative solutions
Equans is stepping up to play an essential role in the installation of the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems at the distribution centre. We will be responsible for the installation of all traditional electrical installations at the site, including low and medium voltage systems, lighting and all systems relating to fire detection, access control and security. On top of that, Equans will also handle the wiring and fitout of the two data centres at the site.
Equans subsidiary Vandewalle will take on the installation of the HVAC and plumbing systems. "One major innovation is the use of geothermal energy, heat recovery from the air compressors and cooling towers to heat and cool the warehouses", Carl Van Belleghem, Project Leader at Vandewalle, comments. "Among other things, our task here includes the installation of a range of heat pumps, heat recovery systems, plate heat exchangers for passive cooling via the BTES system, a range of air conditioning systems, and the fitting of heating systems, such as underfloor heating and ceiling heating and cooling systems in the offices."
All systems will be automated and centralised as part of a Building Management System. This will enable Cebeo to digitally control and monitor the lighting systems and various HVAC systems, for example.
On top of that, Equans will also handle part of the fire protection system. Dennis Coeck, Fire Protection Project Manager at Equans, provides more detail: "We will be responsible for the design and full installation of the sprinkler system, including all connections for the fire service (such as hydrants) around the site. In total, we will be installing nearly 19,500, including 13,000 sprinklers amid the warehouse racking systems. To supply this sprinkler system with water, there will be a surface-level tank holding 1,700,000 litres of water, combined with two diesel pumps capable of handling 9,000 litres per minute."
More efficient logistical operations
The new Cebeo distribution centre will not just mean a significant stride forward in terms of sustainability, but in terms of logistical operations too. An automated warehouse management system and more storage space for goods are just some of the improvements. This will result in quicker and more efficient order handling — and that, in turn, will undoubtedly leave clients more satisfied.
