AZORG has found a sustainable destination for 650 solar panels recently replaced across its hospital campuses. Instead of disposing of the panels, they have been donated to a school community and a shelter in Ukraine. These facilities, primarily housing female war victims, will use the panels to improve their electricity supply, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing war.
Jeroen Vidts, Director of Infrastructure and Technical Services at AZORG, emphasized the hospital group's social responsibility. "When renewing our solar panel installations, we felt it was important not to simply write off the existing panels, but to explore where they could still make a difference," Vidts stated. "That they are now getting a second life in Ukraine, where the need for energy is so great, gives this sustainability project a special human meaning. Thus, we connect responsible material use with concrete solidarity."
The logistical operation was made possible through a collaboration with Lions District 112-A, which covers the provinces of East Flanders and West Flanders. Peter Huyck, technical services manager at AZORG and active within Lions, took the initiative to get the solar panels to their correct destination via the international Lions network. Lions International is globally active in numerous social and humanitarian projects, including aid to vulnerable children, poverty reduction, and emergency relief in areas affected by disasters or conflicts.
