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Announcements

City of Gent receives International Polar Foundation prize at Belgian Energy and Environment Awards

City of Gent receives International Polar Foundation prize at Belgian Energy and Environment Awards

To mark UN World Environment Day on June 5th, International Polar Foundation president Alain Hubert presented the City of Gent with our annual award for initiatives making a significant impact against climate change, for its project 'From aerial thermography to roof insulation', as part of the 7th Belgian Energy and Environment Awards, held in Brussels landmark venue Tour & Taxis.

Since 2006 the Belgian Energy and Environment Awards has honored more than 1000 projects developed by citizens, corporations, institutions, associations, schools and administrations that have provided exceptional contributions to the construction of a sustainable future, at a local, regional and national level. A total of 12 prizes were awarded at this year's ceremony.

The City of Gent, recipient of our award, aims to become climate neutral by 2050, and is paving the way by addressing the energy challenge and reducing energy consumption in housing. The project involved the production of aerial thermography pictures based on plane flights over the city, which showed in a simple visual and attractive way the extent of insulation in each home. Gent residents then received guidance - based on interpretation of the aerial thermography picture of their roof – to assist them in taking practical steps for installing effective roof insulation.

Foundation Executive Director Thierry Touchais was also invited by the awards organisers to present the Eco-Booster Awards, which promotes a promising project that is not yet implemented but is proven to be feasible. This year, the EEawards Jury awarded the prize to Elia, Belgium’s high-voltage electricity transmission system operator, for its plan to build a new office building for its personnel that will meet both the criteria for a passive building and the (Breeam) criteria which take into account all aspects of eco-construction including energy, water, waste management, biodiversity, the well-being of the people working in the building and transports.

Congratulations from the International Polar Foundation to all the 2012 laureates!

More about the Belgian Energy and Environment Awards

The Princess Elisabeth Antarctica a few days after opening for 2024-2025 BELARE campaign.

The 2024-2025 BELgian Antarctic Research Expedition (BELARE) has officially begun with opening team hard at work!

The first 14 members of the BELgian Antarctic Research Expedition (BELARE) are off to a strong start opening and preparing the station for the arrival of scientists in the coming days. 

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Part of the contemporary portion of the MAS exhbition 'To the Antarctic'.

"To the Antarctic" Exhibition at MAS Closes but Leaves Behind Great Memories and Many Successes

The MAS exhibition 'To the Antarctic' welcomed more than 45,00 visitors over the 4.5 months that it was open to the public. 

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Aymar de Lichtervelde presenting about the water treatment system at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica zero-emission polar research station

Another Successful Trip to the Arctic Circle Assembly

The International Polar Foundation was again present and active at the annual Arctic Circle Assembly and accompanying Arctic Circle Business Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland from October 17th-19th.

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A view of Bodø, Norway from above.

Arctic Futures Symposium 2024 Fast Approaching!

The latest edition of the annual Arctic Futures Symposium organised by the International Polar Foundation and its many Arctic stakeholder partners will take place in early December. Register to secure your spot!

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Alain Hubert receiving the 2024 Belgica Prize from Prof. Roland Souchez

Remembering Roland Souchez

IPF is sad to learn of the passing of glaciologist Professor Roland Souchez, who made important contributions to the fields of glaciology and climate science during his decades-long career.

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Lego enthusiast Daniel Vermeir poses with his scale replica of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica

LEGO Enthusiast Daniel Vermeir on his Scale Model of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station

To celebrate the opening of the exhibit “To the Antarctic: Belgica’s Polar Pioneers”, Antwerp resident and LEGO enthusiast Daniel Vermeir built an amazing scale model of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, the world’s first and to date only zero-emission polar research station.

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“To the Antarctic” Exhibition Opens June 21st at MAS Museum in Antwerp

“To the Antarctic” Exhibition Opens June 21st at MAS Museum in Antwerp

The International Polar Foundation has been part of creating a fascinating new exhibition on Belgium's contributions to Antarctic exploration and research, opening at the MAS Museum in Antwerp starting from Friday, June 21st.

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MAS Expo Opening Evening

Much-Awaited Exhibit at MAS Museum in Antwerp Opens to Large Crowds

After much anticipation, on Thursday, June 20th, the exhibition “To the Antarctic: Belgica’s Polar Pioneers” at Antwerp’s MAS Museum officially opened its doors.

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European Sustainable Energy Week Invites Alain Hubert to “Debate with Ambassadors” Panel

European Sustainable Energy Week Invites Alain Hubert to “Debate with Ambassadors” Panel

On Tuesday, June 11th, IPF Founder and President Alain Hubert was invited to participate in the “Debate with Ambassadors” panel at European Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (EUSEW24).

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Alain Hubert Awarded Prestigious Belgica Prize at Ceremony in Brussels

Alain Hubert Awarded Prestigious Belgica Prize at Ceremony in Brussels

At a ceremony held the afternoon of Monday, June 10th at The Royal Academy of Sciences of Belgium, Alain Hubert, Founder and President of the International Polar Foundation, received the prestigious Belgica Prize alongside French glaciologist Professor Jérôme Chappellaz.

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