IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN

Our vision for sustainable real estate
Cities and urban areas are shaped by their buildings — the spaces where we live, work, and connect. These structures hold the stories of the past, but are they ready to shape the stories of the future?
At Wanaka Partners, our mission is to transform the outdated building stock and prepare it for tomorrow. By focusing on future-proofing existing buildings rather than developing new, we aim to create sustainable, healthy urban ecosystems for our clients and the communities around them. Always with purpose. Always with integrity.

HEALTHY URBAN ECOSYSTEMS

"We see buildings as part of a larger ecosystem, not as isolated structures. We promote collaboration and connection with their surroundings."
Our vision for real estate is rooted in nature — the origin of our name — and inspired by ecosystems where living organisms and their environments are deeply interconnected, working in harmony. We believe that a truly sustainable building doesn’t stand alone; it grows as part of the community and environment in which it “lives”.
Our goal is to create healthy urban ecosystems: sustainable environments and meaningful places that don’t just exist but grow. Places that inspire and deliver lasting value for investors, tenants, and the communities that surround them.
Our sustainability strategy rests on 3 key strategy pillars
Healty urban ecosystem
We see every building as more than just a structure; we see the bigger picture — our buildings are part of their urban surroundings, serving both the people who use them and the community around them. We are creating spaces with purpose that stand the test of time.
To achieve this and enhance the value of our properties, our sustainability strategy is built on three key strategy pillars: Net Zero Carbon, Future-Proofing, and Placemaking. Together, these principles help us shape spaces that respect the environment, adapt to change, and bring people together.
Net zero carbon
We upgrade existing buildings by focusing on reducing operational carbon emissions and implementing circular thinking in our management. Through these interventions our buildings contribute to a sustainable future.
Future-proofing
We ensure our properties remain relevant for today and tomorrow. By engaging with our stakeholders, we anticipate current and future needs, focusing on smart adaptations to climate change while ensuring the wellbeing and health of our users.
Placemaking
Through social outreach and activation programs, we cultivate a deeper connection between people and the places where they live, work, and move. Guided by our ‘Wanaka Placemaking Roadmap’, we cultivate a sense of belonging by engaging stakeholders in a collaborative process that focuses on wellbeing, strengthens the bond between people and buildings, and transforms spaces into vibrant communities.
Good governance
Our sustainability pillars are built on a foundation of good governance, ensuring they are effectively put into action.
Highlights of our sustainability initiatives
Christmas market
(1/15)Shared electric bikes
(2/15)WELL Core Platinum Certification
(3/15)Padel center
(4/15)Shuttle buses
(5/15)Bota Magazine
(6/15)Moonshine afterwork
(7/15)Beehives
(8/15)River clean-up cup
(9/15)Summer BBQ
(10/15)Run the loop
(11/15)Axis Beach
(12/15)Gardening in the city center
(13/15)Weekly yoga class
(14/15)The flower meadow
(15/15)The annual Christmas market at Pegasus Park is a key example of our social activation strategy. It creates a festive community spirit but also gives tenants a platform to support charitable causes, from fundraising initiatives to solidarity-driven activities. At the same time, it strengthens workplace connections, offering a valuable team-building experience for employees, employers and HR managers alike. A simple gathering with a lasting impact on both people and the community.
Giving tenants free access to electric bikes has been a game-changer. This initiative gives tenants an additional mobility option but also gives an excellent opportunity for physical activity, flexibility, and stepping away from the desk. Whether it’s for a quick ride between meetings, a lunch break in the city, or an easier commute, this initiative brings a sense of freedom to everyday routines. An initiative that enhances both well-being and productivity.
Obtaining a WELL Core Platinum certification for Zuiderpoort demonstrates the extent of our commitment to well-being. Achieving the highest level possible, and as the first existing building in Belgium to do so, ensures that Zuiderpoort offers excellence in indoor climate, air quality, drinking water, lighting, and food offerings. The building integrates features specifically designed to enhance both physical and mental health. A quiet revolution in workplace well-being, setting new standards for the future.
The indoor and outdoor padel courts at Pegasus Park have infused the business park with dynamism and positive energy. Encouraging physical activity is essential for well-being, and these courts bring people together in a fun and engaging way. Friendly matches between tenants have sparked a healthy competitive spirit, strengthening connections and reinforcing team bonds. The result? A lively, sporty atmosphere where tenants can connect, recharge, and let off steam.
Beyond convenience, the two free electric shuttle buses at Zuiderpoort actively promote green mobility. Their electric nature reinforces a real commitment to sustainability, making it easier for all users to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying a stress-free, direct connection to and from Ghent’s train station.
Staying informed about Botanic Tower’s initiatives, nearby activities, the neighbourhood, and even the faces behind certain tenants has truly strengthened our sense of community. These updates create a welcoming and connected atmosphere where everyone feels more engaged. This form of positive messaging builds trust and social cohesion, making the building feel like more than just a workplace. It has also encouraged more people to take advantage of the fantastic services on offer, such as yoga sessions and urban farming workshops, bringing even more energy and interaction to our daily routines.
‘Axis Parc, a place to chill’ - that’s the feeling. Organised throughout the summer, Moonshine Afterworks invites the Axis Parc community to sit back and unwind after work, knowing everything is taken care of. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect, and recharge. This dynamic and social atmosphere generates great energy, bringing together people from the business park and the wider region. It has quickly become the place to be in Walloon Brabant on Thursday evenings. What better way to put a business park on the map than by making it a place where people truly want to be?
‘Think global, act local’ - that’s the purpose of the beehives at Marquis. Why buy honey from the supermarket when you can enjoy your own ‘homegrown’ supply? Every year, when the bees allow, we offer tenants and partners this delicious honey for free. These bees not only play a crucial role in pollinating the plants in our inner garden but also contribute to biodiversity on a larger scale throughout the city centre of Brussels.
Cleaning up the city’s river has never been this exciting! Organised throughout the summer, the Zuiderpoort River Clean-Up Cup brings tenants together in a friendly competition to remove as much waste as possible from the neighbouring river. It’s not just great for the river’s water quality, it’s also a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with colleagues. In summer 2024, we pulled nearly half a ton of waste from the water. Imagine the impact!
Every summer, Pegasus Park creates a welcoming atmosphere by inviting its tenants to pause, step outside, and enjoy the beautiful greenery and sunny weather - all while sharing great food together. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and bond with colleagues in a laid-back, open-air setting. A simple yet meaningful way to ‘team build’ and connect with the wider community.
Hosting the Run the Loop competition at Botanic Tower, in the stunning backdrop of Brussels' Botanical Gardens, was a fantastic first-time event and a great way to promote physical health while bringing the community together. To make it even more social, two local schools were invited to participate, creating again a wonderful connection between the neighbourhood and the people in the office tower. The children’s laughter echoed throughout the event, their joy was contagious, and they celebrated with well-deserved ice cream afterward. A meaningful experience that truly brought everyone together.
This volleyball tournament, set in a beach-style setting, has become a well-known tradition, bringing together Axis Parc’s tenants and partners year after year. This healthy competition, promoting physical fitness and a sporting spirit, is perfectly balanced with friendly drinks and bites. Events like these create a sense of belonging, making tenants never want to leave.
Offering free weekly urban farming workshops from spring to autumn is a joyful and inspiring experience for our tenants! It gives them a much-needed break from their screens while learning about the importance of ‘short chain’ food procurement and fresh, nutritious options - all guided by a professional. A wide range of topics is covered, from plant reproduction and herbal infusions to soil fertility. And every week, participants even get the chance to harvest the produce they’ve helped grow. These workshops not only bring people closer to nature but also inspire them to start their own vegetable gardens at home.
The weekly free yoga classes offer tenants a peaceful and mindful lunch break, boosting both mental and physical well-being, key factors in overall productivity. For many, these sessions have become the highlight of their week, and for some, they’re even the reason they look forward to coming into the office! It’s a wonderful way to promote wellness and cultivate a positive, energised atmosphere.
Axis Parc’s five hectares of greenery offer endless possibilities, one of which is providing locally grown, seasonal flower bouquets to the Axis Parc community. The flower meadow increases appreciation for the site's beauty and biodiversity, creating a stronger connection to its green spaces. At the same time, it offers a more sustainable alternative to supermarket flowers, which are often grown with a high environmental footprint.