SuReal is built with a very clear purpose
We strive to help save our planet. How? By leading the way towards a more sustainable built environment and having a lasting impact on the way that we live, plan and build. Everybody at SuReal lives and breathes an ever-present sense of urgency and purpose, which is what makes our company’s environment thrilling and nurturing. Every decision we make serves our purpose and follows the values we set forth with the team: Value-co-creation, Excellence, Independence, Dedication and One-Step-Ahead. ‘The learning curve is off the charts, I think it's really rare’ - SuReal consultant Making sustainability quantifiable is at the heart of SuReal’s objectives. It aims to put a stop to greenwashing and the many marketing slogans that support this prominent business practice. By making sustainability, and circular economy quantifiable, we put a stop to the bluffing, the cherry-picking and the greenwashing. Therefore we use internationally renowned certifications, perform detailed studies, do benchmarking and make in-depth analyses. In the absence of existing measuring tools, we create our own: the Circularity Index, or Sustainability Due Diligence. We believe that another way of achieving our purpose is through the principles of co-creation, education and raising awareness. That is why we created the SuReal Academy for Clients and Colleagues, and also by giving lectures at various universities and speaking at numerous conferences. We all need to work towards the same goal, learn from each other and continuously keep on improving our practices. Therefore one of the other objectives of SuReal is the internationalization of our services and projects.
SuReal was created in Brussels, with a team that together speaks over 10 languages, and has working experience in over 15 countries. SuReal has worked on projects in Belgium, France, Luxemburg, Poland, Japan, Italy, Spain, Cabo Verde, and the Netherlands. Sustainability does not have borders and our hunger for knowledge and co-creation is unstoppable. Our approach is not based on gimmicks or greenwashing but on truly realistic and future-proof actions with one sole aim: having an impact on society. We are not just a consultancy company, we are an international family, a family of like-minded people who teach, challenge and improve each other. SuReal’s team has grown at an incredible pace. We are a team of highly motivated, bright and dynamic people. We are engineers, engineer-architects, architects, economists, psychologists and policy analysts. We collaborate as a strong team and we offer an integrated approach that puts us a step ahead of the competition. And we don’t forget to have fun along the way: team buildings, anniversaries, running team,… People at SuReal love working here because everybody feels they can thrive at the company, learn at a fast pace, feel respected, listened to, empowered. We walk the talk, we are more than advocates of a more sustainable future, we actually live and breathe it: no company cars, healthy food, flexible working hours, composting bin at the office, professional running training, team picked charity,….
The partners
Sunita Van Heers
Managing Director I Civil Engineer Architect
Sunita has a master’s degree in engineering-architecture at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and Universidad Politecnico de Madrid, and she holds a master's degree in Executive Management from the Solvay Business School. She is driven and passionate about having a sustainable impact on our society. Rich in international experiences on different scales and typologies, she can provide advice on social, ecological and economic sustainability. Her experience with more than 100 (inter) national real estate projects gives her a broad sustainability perspective. Thanks to her academic combination of Engineering and Management she is also an ESG expert in Real Estate. She feels that education is one of the backbones of our society and the sustainability transition. Therefore she is a guest lecturer at several Universities (KUL, Saint-Louis, …) and she is Programme Director Sustainability at the University of Sain-Louis. She is a well-known sustainability expert with extensive experience in public speaking. Sunita is the founder of SuReal and has been nominated as Young Entrepreneur of the Year (region Brussels/Vlaams-Brabant). She likes a good electro party, jogging, yoga, cooking for friends and enjoying life.
Filip Grillet
Operations Manager I Industrial Engineer & Environmental Scientist
Filip has a master’s degree in industrial engineering and environmental sciences from the University of Antwerp. During these environmental studies, they went to the cinema with the students to watch Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth'. This touched him so much that from that moment on, his focus was contributing to the fight against global warming. He started his career in an engineering office in Belgium, then he worked in consultancy and finally arrived at this SuReal adventure to reach his personal goal: "leaving the world a better place than how we found it". Filip is SuReal’s Operational Manager and expert on the technical details of Sustainability (technical installations, Total Cost of Ownership, Energy concepts, Geothermal systems, …). He would like to conclude with some trivia: his favourite hobby is kitesurfing. A fantastic sport where you can feel and use the power of nature in all its facets.
SuReal releases first book
SuReal, specialized in providing advice on integrated sustainability and circular construction for large-scale real estate projects, has published its first book. 'The SuReal guide towards net zero carbon buildings, a focus on Embodied Carbon' is an experience-based guide about life cycle assessments and how we can reduce the contribution of building materials to greenhouse gas emissions.
As independent sustainability experts, we establish a future proof built environment.
The dreamteam
Florence Pierard
Team Manager
Florence Pierard has a background as an architect, EPB expert, and stability engineer, which gives her a very complete palmar. She enjoys working in a team, both internally and externally. Like the rest of SuReal, she likes to challenge the team, always aiming for more sustainability and innovation.
Virginie Terlinden
Consultant
Virginie graduated as a bioengineer from UCL in 2009, driven by a lifelong awareness of environmental issues and solutions to address them, while placing great importance on human development. Her career has been built on these two core values, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable society with and for future generations. After years of consulting in product sustainability and circularity, Virginie now applies her expertise within SuReal’s team. In her free time, she enjoys playing music and spending time chasing after her children.
Nicolas Lambilliotte
Consultant
After doing his bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering at Free University of Brussels, Nicolas studied nanotechnology at KUL and did his thesis at IMEC about a photonic magnetometer. He started working at SuReal because he wants to work towards a more sustainable world. Nicolas loves cycling, doing triathlons, playing field hockey, traveling, and skiing.
Flaminia Borelli
ESG Consultant
Flaminia graduated as an Economist at the Toulouse School of Economics. She has several years of experience in ESG. She has worked for real estate sector associations and for a major Belgian real estate company. At SuReal, she advises clients in their ESG journey. Flaminia likes to write theatre and poetry, which she performs in public occasionally.
Carole Merceron
Consultant
Carole was raised in France and obtained a double degree in architecture (ENSA in Nantes) and engineering (ECN). She developed an interest in sustainability during her studies by learning about climate change and its impact on our world. She focuses on DGNB certification and sustainable materials. In her free time, she likes to read, crochet and discover the places of art and architecture in Brussels.
Monica Delgado
Consultant
Monica graduated as an architect in Colombia. She holds a master's degree from KU Leuven and a postgraduate degree from Howest. She has experience in architectural design, circular construction, and systems thinking. She enjoys long walks with her dog, cooking, and practicing yoga.
Elise Erard
Consultant
Elise is a civil engineer-architect. She has experience in circular building and in site management for restoration and renovation projects. At SuReal, she focuses on BREEAM In-Use and material guidance. Elise enjoys long hikes in the mountains, running and is a real foodie, art, and design lover.
Albanela Dulaj
Consultant
Graduated with a master's degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Trento, she spent four years as a researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology, specializing in construction materials and 3D printed concrete. After gaining valuable experience in research, she joined the SuReal Experts team as a Junior Sustainability Consultant, where she applies her technical skills to thermal modeling and sustainable design solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, practicing Pilates, and watching Sci-fi movies.
Ana Katarina Avila De Langhe
Consultant
Ana Katarina was born in Costa Rica and has also lived in the Middle East and Africa. She graduated with a master’s degree in Business Management, focusing on ESG. She developed a keen interest in sustainability throughout her life and is now a member of the ESG team, where she will help companies develop their sustainability strategies. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, running, singing, and writing songs.
Astrid Mattelaer
Consultant
Astrid graduated as an architect at KU Leuven. After that, she left for Barcelona and obtained another master's degree at EADA Business School, this time in Sustainable Business and Innovation. Astrid focuses on master planning and sustainability certifications. She likes to play field hockey and padel.
Bastien Muyldermans
Consultant
Graduated from UCLouvain with a master’s in electromechanical engineering, he focused on linking the Belgian energy system to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He now continues to apply his technical skills at SuReal and reconnects with energy modeling in sustainable construction. In his free time, he enjoys cooking Chinese dishes, playing basketball, hiking, and sailing.
Ayagoz Gabdulina
Consultant
Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Ayagoz pursued a bachelor’s degree in Architecture in Turkey before advancing to a master’s program in Italy. While working in construction, she discovered a deep interest in sustainability, leading her to specialize in WELL certification. She enjoys reading, creating video content and working out.
Bieke Aerts
HR Officer
Bieke is a highly motivated HR professional who is passionate about people. She has a lot of experience, having worked for both multinationals and start-ups. Her mission is to create a strong and innovative HR backbone in the company. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and practicing yoga.
Alexandre Chaudron
Consultant
Alexandre graduated as Energy Engineer for smart cities. During his double degree at KULeuven and UPC Barcelona, he wrote a master's thesis about self-sufficient living boats. At SuReal, his expertise is energy as well as finding holistic approaches to sustainable construction. In his spare time, he enjoys kitesurfing in the ocean or skiing in the mountains.
Chris Lee
Consultant
Chris trained as an architect and has worked in real estate since the 1990s as a designer, construction and project manager, developer, director, and business founder. He served on the Board of ecobuild.brussels, headed UPSI's Technical Commission, and has worked as a licensed MRICS Expert. He is passionate about work, sport, health, cinema, music and family.
Noémie de Crombrugghe
Consultant
Graduating from Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (ULB), she has built a diverse career spanning the hotel industry and real estate innovation. She is interested in the evolution of cities and the need for real estate and people to adapt in innovative ways, aligning with ESG criteria. She is a lecturer in the Executive Master’s program in Future-Proof Real Estate. She joined SuReal to help companies develop and implement their ESG strategies.
Outside of work, she is an avid sports enthusiast, with a special love for trail running.
Tonia Dalle
Consultant
Tonia is an architect with several years of experience in Parametric Environmental Design and a passion for Wood. She is an expert in Sustainability Certification Schemes and Dynamic simulations. In her free time, she likes listening to and playing music or climbing like a real spider(wo)man.
Lenne Palmers
Consultant
Lenne is a civil engineer specialised in building science. Before joining SuReal, he worked as a building auditor for buildings all over Europe. At SuReal he mainly works on certification and urban studies. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, travelling and sports such as running, swimming and ice hockey.
Hadrien Cruyt
Consultant
Hadrien is a double graduate in Industrial Construction Engineering and Commercial Engineering. At SuReal, he works mainly on LCA, comfort simulations, and urban studies. He also acts as our resident plant manager and is a big advocate for biophilia. In his spare time, Hadrien enjoys cooking, brewing, gardening, and playing music.
Louis Crijns
Consultant
Louis graduated as an Architect at KUL. His passion for sustainable design has been growing during his studies. His interest in the technical aspects of buildings lead to him to this job. He works mainly on studies for BREEAM and LCA. In his free time, Louis loves to meet up with friends for either practicing sports or going to events. Furthermore, he likes to organize events himself.
Anton Vervoort
Consultant
Anton is a civil engineer architect. During his studies, he took up a large interest in sustainable and alternative construction methods. At SuReal, he will help the team with multiple sustainability studies and certifications. In his spare time, Anton enjoys hiking, mountain biking and playing the banjo.
Amber Vanlerberghe
Management Assistant
Amber graduated as a trilingual paralegal with a double degree at UCLL Leuven and HELMo Liège. She has experience in different environments, having worked previously for a major bank and a legal tech start up. At SuReal she mostly assists our managing director Sunita. She also provides support to the day-to-day running of the business in all its aspects. In her spare time, Amber likes to spend the day reading or getting together with friends and family.
Youssef Fam
Sustainability Consultant
Youssef was born and raised in Egypt. He graduated as an Energy Engineer for Smart Cities at KU Leuven and KTH Stockholm. He has a special interest in innovative urban planning and joined SuReal to make a positive impact on our future cities. He enjoys cooking and scuba diving.
Michèle Gillent
Consultant
Michèle has a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. She has worked for for architecture studios across Europe, bringing solid project management skills. At home she loves cooking, walking her dog and DIY projects.
And several other freelance sustainability experts to complete our team.
SuReal academy
Sureal believes in knowledge sharing.
That is why in 2019 SuReal has created the “SuReal Academy”. This Academy serves all the SuReal experts within the company, boosting the learning curve. But the Academy also serves our clients and partners. SuReal’s experts address a certain topic of sustainability in the built environment and explain in detail the findings of certain projects and studies. Clients, and others interested, can follow these courses online or on-site. Previous topics were; TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), Circular Economy, Wind and Sun studies, Building Certifications Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to assist in one of the future SuReal Academies or would like to become one of the SuReal sustainability experts to boost your learning curve.
We show our clients the way towards the most SUstainable and REAListic real estate based on our integrated studies and pragmatic certificates.
Values
Excellence
Do not give the customer what he asks for, but give what he needs. This is, first and foremost, "unburdening". Overdeliver: give the customer more than what he expected.
We believe it is important to deliver high quality. SuReal's reputation is linked one-on-one with the deliverables that are sent out. The review process is of great importance to guarantee our top quality. Clear, applicable and project-specific conclusions of our analyses are closely related to this.
Dedication
When you are dedicated to your job, your own goals align with those of the company. You have strategies to stay motivated during the workday, attempting to get all of your tasks done on time and generate the impact you want.
A SuRealist has a visible, almost infectious passion for one’s work. We apply a positive attitude and demeanour in personal interactions with the colleagues, with the customers and with other stakeholders. Dedication also means often demonstrating initiative often and be flexible when it comes to change. It's the reputation of getting things done even if this means you have to go the extra mile.
This high work ethic leads to feeling energized by what you do. You feel you're making a difference.
Value co-creation
The joint creation of value by the company and the customer, allowing the customer to co-construct the service experience to suit their context.
Value creation is based on the three pillars of sustainability:
People: integration of social aspects by upgrading neighbourhoods, the inclusion of minorities, and the creation of pleasant and comfortable buildings Planet: increasing ecological value, climate mitigation through minimal CO2-impact Profit: future-proof through flexibility, avoidance of lock-in effects, and climate adaptation To match the (sometimes conflicting) interests stated above, cooperation is key. This is true both for colleagues (using the various fields of expertise of our multidisciplinary team) and for all external stakeholders (designers, engineering firms, clients, etc.). This way, we arrive at a supported decision based on an integrated approach.
One-step-ahead
Look ahead. Always look for the very next step.
Proactivity means not only to come prepared, but also anticipate on what clients may ask you. On a more strategic level, being one step ahead is closely linked to innovation. Keep up to date with the latest developments in technology and policy. Standardise processes and tools to free up time to develop new services. On a personal level, this means lifelong learning and applying the new knowledge gained to increase your impact.
Independence
SuReal delivers the best available solution to make a project as sustainable as possible in an open-minded way. Because we always start at a conceptual stage, we are less dependent on solutions that have already been worked out before. We look at every issue with an open mind. Colleagues are free to offer their own ideas even if they're brand new and require some innovation effort. We encourage a culture of transparency and constructive feedback. On a business level, SuReal is independent of a large shareholder structure with ditto interests.
Partnerships
Ecobuild.brussels is the cluster for sustainable construction and renovation in Brussels. It brings together companies that are active in this sector and fosters their business development.
To do this, ecobuild.brussels has the following missions: Connect (bring together players in the construction sector), Highlight (showcase members and the sector), Inspire (facilitate the sharing of innovative practices), and Direct (orient companies demands towards the most competent actors).
As an actor of change, ecobuild.brussels focuses its action on the renovation of the building stock and on the circular aspects of construction.
RIBuild stands for Robust Internal Thermal Insulation of Historic Buildings. It is a EU research project that develops guidelines on how to install internal thermal insulation in historic buildings while maintaining their architectural and cultural heritage. The purpose is to reduce energy consumption in historic buildings in order to meet the EU 2020 climate and energy targets.
As a network partner, we receive the newest research-based knowledge first hand. This enables us to take the lead in improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings. Considering the significant impact of energy efficiency and sustainable materials with low environmental impact that do not harm the existing facade elements nor the air quality of building users. This knowledge is of high value when renovating historic buildings.
GRESB provides validated ESG performance data and peer benchmarks for investors and managers to improve business intelligence, industry engagement and decision-making. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the international community set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. As governments, cities and individual companies plan for the future, it’s clear that transitioning to a sustainable world is a challenge that we must face together. GRESB provides a consistent framework to measure the ESG performance of individual assets and portfolios based on self-reported data. Performance assessments are guided by what investors and the wider industries consider to be material issues, and they are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and major international reporting frameworks.
Data reported to the GRESB Assessments are validated by a third party and scored before being used to generate the following ESG benchmarks for the industry.
To implement a circular economy in Flanders by 2050, alternative products, services and business models are a necessity. A close collaboration between companies, governments and research centra can realise this. Therefore the former Flemish Minister of Environment, Nature and Agriculture Koen Van den Heuvel launched together with Vlaanderen Circulair, de Vlaamse Confederatie Bouw and OVAM this Green Deal Circulair Bouwen.
SuReal participates in this innovative learning network by sharing practical experience with other construction companies, manufacturers of building products, local and regional governments, developers, researchers, etc.
De Kompasgroep is considered as the transdisciplinary arena within the Proeftuin Circulair Bouwen, where insight, expertise and information is exchanged between the different actors and their networks. They focus on the one hand on construction/demolition and policy, and on the other hand on financial, juridical and research aspects.
The group exists out of frontrunners playing an active role in the transition and bridgebuilders that can facilitate and accelerate implementation. Throughout a transition oriented co-creation traject, De Kompasgroep will identify system barriers and levers. These will afterwards be crosschecked with the broad public during thematic sessions.
Reseau Entreprendre Bruxelles is a networking organization for entrepreneurs in Brussels. With over 175 members they provide with support in terms of HR, network, Strategy, peer to peer coaching, funding etc. SuReal was elected as “laureate” in 2020 as fast growing company.
