PTS Mechelen, an educational institution focused on botany and environmental studies, has been awarded a prestigious accolade for its innovative approach to sustainable water usage.

The school has recently installed underground tanks capable of collecting up to 630,000 litres of rainwater, a significant initiative supported by the Life Aclima program, which promotes responsible water management practices.

The new rainwater harvesting system at PTS Mechelen is designed not only for educational purposes but also to address broader environmental challenges.

Officials from the school indicated that the harvested rainwater would be utilized for various applications, including irrigation for the greenhouses and sanitation needs within the campus facilities.

This development significantly reduces the school's dependence on municipal water supplies.

Luk Lemmens, the Deputy for Education, highlighted the importance of the initiative within the context of the “Climate Today” plan aimed at combating climate change.

Lemmens stated, "We have greenhouses here, but we are also going to use them to flush the toilets.

A lot of water is used on this campus.

So it is important to use it well and to buffer it.

We are going to have dry periods, but also periods with a lot of rain.

So we need to store that water."

The recognition received by PTS Mechelen as part of the Water Award initiative reflects the school's commitment to responsible water management and education.

The program encourages educational institutions across the region to adopt practices that promote sustainable water conservation.

The award aims to inform institutions on effective techniques for water management, including the use of rainwater.

In addition to its rainwater collection system, PTS Mechelen is actively exploring further innovations and strategies to enhance water savings on campus.

The integration of these systems places the school at the forefront of sustainability practices within educational settings in Belgium.

This initiative aligns with broader climate action efforts in Antwerp, where PTS Mechelen is involved in collaborative projects focused on mitigating climate change impacts.

The Life Aclima initiative has been instrumental in supporting local businesses, guiding 52 companies in the region to improve their water management practices through specialized training and recognition schemes.

As the effects of climate change have prompted heightened awareness about natural resource management, the practices implemented at PTS Mechelen serve as a case study in the academia's role in fostering sustainability initiatives.

The institution's advancements in this area are indicative of a growing trend among educational facilities to incorporate and prioritize eco-friendly practices.