Brussels, Belgium – November 26, 2025 — Etterbeek is set to mark a new chapter in urban sustainability as a series of solar-powered smart benches will make their debut in Parc Jean-Félix Hap on November 30. The initiative, a first for the municipality, is designed to enhance the daily experience of park visitors while promoting green technology and environmental awareness.
The smart benches, which will be installed throughout the park’s leafy walkways, combine several innovative features: wireless charging for mobile devices, real-time air quality sensors, and integrated solar panels. These additions aim to provide both practical benefits and valuable environmental data, reflecting Etterbeek’s ongoing commitment to smart city solutions and ecological stewardship.
Parc Jean-Félix Hap, a protected heritage site nestled in the heart of Etterbeek, was chosen as the launchpad for this pilot project. The park, with its tranquil ponds, mature chestnut and tulip trees, and educational gardens, offers an ideal setting for testing new public amenities that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. The benches have been carefully designed to complement the park’s historic character while introducing cutting-edge technology.
Etterbeek’s mayor, Vincent De Wolf, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “These benches are more than just a place to rest. They represent Etterbeek’s vision for a sustainable future, where technology and nature work hand in hand to improve quality of life for all residents.” The benches are expected to serve as both a practical resource for park-goers and a visible symbol of the municipality’s environmental ambitions.
Each bench is equipped with solar panels that capture sunlight throughout the day, storing energy to power wireless charging pads and USB ports. This allows visitors to recharge smartphones and other devices without relying on the traditional electrical grid. The benches also feature discreet air quality sensors, which monitor levels of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Data collected will be made available to the public through an online dashboard, offering insights into local air conditions and supporting broader efforts to improve urban health.
The pilot project is the result of a collaboration between Etterbeek’s environmental department, local technology firms, and a Brussels-based design studio. The benches were manufactured using recycled materials, further reducing their ecological footprint. Installation began earlier this month, with teams working to ensure the benches are fully operational by the end of November.
Community groups and local schools have been invited to participate in the project’s rollout. Educational workshops are planned for December, where students will learn about renewable energy, air quality, and the role of technology in sustainable cities. “We want these benches to spark curiosity and conversation,” said project coordinator Sophie Lambert. “By making environmental data visible and accessible, we hope to inspire residents to take an active interest in the health of their neighbourhood.”
Early feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Regular park visitor Marc Dubois welcomed the new amenities, noting, “It’s great to see Etterbeek investing in practical solutions that benefit everyone. I often work remotely in the park, so being able to charge my phone and check air quality is a real bonus.” Others praised the benches’ sleek design and the municipality’s focus on green innovation.
The pilot in Parc Jean-Félix Hap will be closely monitored over the coming months. Officials will gather input from users and analyse data from the air quality sensors to assess the project’s impact. If successful, Etterbeek plans to expand the initiative to other parks and public spaces across the municipality in 2026.
The arrival of smart benches is the latest in a series of steps taken by Etterbeek to promote sustainability and digital inclusion. In recent years, the municipality has invested in urban gardens, cycling infrastructure, and energy-efficient public lighting. The smart bench project builds on this foundation, offering a tangible example of how technology can enhance daily life while supporting environmental goals.
As the first visitors take their seats on the new benches in Parc Jean-Félix Hap, Etterbeek’s commitment to a greener, smarter future will be on full display. The initiative stands as a testament to the power of local action and community engagement in shaping the cities of tomorrow.
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Image Credit: Photo by codzilla_swiss on Unsplash
