ecorce

What ecorce does

ecorce (legal name: ÉCORCE sa INGÉNIERIE & CONSULTANCE) is a Belgian engineering and environmental consultancy founded in 2005 in Liège by Muriel Brandt, Damien Franzen, and Olivier Henz. The firm became an employee-owned cooperative (coopérative d'employés) in 2017 under a participatory governance model. It employs 17 specialists with complementary profiles spanning architecture, electro-mechanical engineering, bioengineering, landscape architecture, and ecology. ecorce is organized around four service lines: (1) Building services — low-impact environmental design, special techniques (HVAC/electrical/plumbing), PEB regulatory missions, BREEAM certification, dynamic thermal simulation (IES VE), energy audits (UREBA/AMUREBA), TOTEM environmental studies, lighting studies, and system feasibility; (2) Urban Space services — integrated stormwater management, biodiversity devices, fauna/flora/habitat diagnostics, ecological management, landscape architecture, hydromorphology, wastewater systems, and rainwater reuse; (3) Strategy services — global real estate strategy, masterplanning, carbon footprint assessment (ADEME methodology), and project-owner assistance; (4) Training & Tools — professional formations, operational guides, and scientific content delivered in collaboration with public organizations.

The firm sells project-based consulting services on a quote-based model through direct client relationships, architectural-firm partnerships, and framework agreements with public entities. Customers include Belgian public administrations (communes, CPAS, regional governments), private developers, architectural firms, universities (UMONS), energy infrastructure operators (ELIA, Sibelga), and public transit (STIB). Technology underpins service delivery through specialized simulation and certification tools (PHPP, IES VE, Dialux evo, TOTEM, Trisco) and methodologies (PEB, BREEAM), with deep regional expertise across Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders.

ecorce generates revenue through professional-services engagements across all three Belgian regions. Distribution channels include direct consulting engagements, architectural-firm partnerships, framework agreements with public entities (notably Sibelga and Bruxelles Environnement since 2017 and 2018 respectively), and government-agency collaborations. Long-term recurring revenue is anchored by the Sibelga framework (60 quick-scans, 23 technical studies over 94,000m², and 15 construction projects across six Brussels communes) and the Bruxelles Environnement training program (~100 sessions delivered). Marketing is content-driven via the Guide Bâtiment Durable, professional publications, seminars, and training programs. No external funding has been raised; the cooperative structure implies employee ownership and self-financed growth.

Name

ecorce

Legal name

ÉCORCE sa INGÉNIERIE & CONSULTANCE

Website

https://ecorce.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Short description

ecorce is a Liège-based Belgian engineering consultancy (17 staff, employee cooperative since 2017) providing sustainable building, water management, urban ecology, and training services to public administrations, developers, architects, and infrastructure operators across Belgium.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Building & Environmental Engineering Consulting

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Engineering Services (541330), Landscape Architectural Services (54132)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Energy & Water Efficiency Programs (Corporate Resource Management) (EUAHAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital Programs (Water, Biodiversity Credits, PES) (IMAMAJAK), Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO)

Keywords

• Sustainable building consulting
• Environmental engineering services
• Energy efficiency auditing
• Urban water management
• BREEAM certification consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Liège

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Environmental Consulting Services: Professional consulting services for sustainable building and urban design, including energy audits, building certifications (PEB, BREEAM), thermal simulations, water management studies, and biodiversity assessments. Revenue generated through project-based consulting engagements with public and private clients.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

ecorce is a Belgian engineering and consultancy firm delivering sustainable building design, energy efficiency services, integrated water management, urban biodiversity studies, and professional training. Its portfolio spans PEB regulatory compliance, BREEAM certification, dynamic thermal simulation, energy audits, stormwater management, ecological diagnostics, and carbon footprint assessment, serving public administrations, developers, and architectural firms across Belgium. The firm also develops and delivers training programs and educational tools in collaboration with regional agencies such as Bruxelles Environnement.

Product overview

ecorce is a consulting and engineering firm specializing in sustainable transition for buildings and urban spaces, founded in 2005. The company operates as a unified service offering organized around four main areas: (1) Building services including low-impact environmental design, special techniques (HVAC/electrical/plumbing), PEB regulatory missions, BREEAM certification, dynamic thermal simulation, energy audits, TOTEM environmental studies, lighting studies, system feasibility studies, and energy balance assessments; (2) Urban Space services covering integrated stormwater management, biodiversity devices, fauna/flora/habitat diagnostics, ecological management, landscape architecture, hydromorphology, individual wastewater systems, and rainwater reuse; (3) Strategy services including global real estate strategy, project ownership assistance, masterplanning, carbon footprint assessment, tools/guides, and R&D project participation; and (4) Training & Tools including professional formations, operational guides, and scientific/vulgarization content. The portfolio integrates complementary disciplines including energy efficiency, water management, biodiversity, and ecological design across all service areas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Low Environmental Impact Building Design Design services for low environmental impact buildings, covering energy efficiency, adaptable and reversible building design, low-impact material selection, occupant comfort, water management, and biodiversity enhancement. Targeted at building owners, developers, and architectural firms planning new construction or major renovation.
• Special Techniques Engineering Engineering studies for heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting, electricity, and plumbing systems, from solution definition through execution documents and construction assistance. For building projects requiring technical system design.
• PEB Regulatory Mission Regulatory PEB (Performance Énergétique des Bâtiments) compliance services for new construction and major renovation projects in Wallonia and Brussels. Required for building permit approval.
• BREEAM Certification Accompaniment BREEAM environmental certification accompaniment, from design through operation, including environmental assessment, material selection, life cycle analysis, and construction monitoring. Targets developers seeking internationally recognized green building certification.
• Dynamic Thermal Simulation Dynamic thermal simulation for analyzing building thermal behavior, estimating annual heating and cooling needs, and ensuring occupant comfort using IES VE software. For projects requiring detailed thermal performance validation.
• Energy Audit Energy audits for building diagnostics, identifying weaknesses and proposing improvement measures for envelope, systems, and regulatory compliance (AMUREBA, UREBA). For owners seeking energy performance improvement of existing buildings.
• TOTEM Environmental Impact Study Environmental impact evaluation of materials and construction systems using TOTEM software, enabling comparison and assessment of local origin, recycling, and renewable resources. For material selection in sustainable construction.
• Artificial and Natural Lighting Study Artificial and natural lighting studies using Dialux evo, Velux daylight, IES Virtual Environment, and Daysim software for compliance and comfort optimization. For buildings requiring lighting performance verification.
• Energy System Feasibility Study Technical, environmental, and economic feasibility studies for alternative energy production systems including solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, biomass, cogeneration, and district heating. For evaluating renewable energy options.
• Energy Balance Assessment Energy performance evaluation using static (PHPP, PEB software) or dynamic (IES VE) methods for optimizing envelope, dimensioning systems, and estimating consumption. For projects requiring energy consumption validation.
• Integrated Stormwater Management Integrated stormwater management services including infiltration tests and internal sizing tools for urban space redesign that reduces infrastructure costs and environmental impact. For municipalities and developers transforming urban spaces.
• Biodiversity Support Device Studies Biodiversity support device studies including technical detail analysis, specification writing, and construction monitoring for fauna accommodations, nesting boxes, natural ponds, and hibernacula. For projects enhancing urban biodiversity.
• Fauna, Flora and Habitats Diagnostic Ecological site diagnosis and inventory services for fauna, flora, habitats, and ecological connectivity using professional observation equipment. For environmental impact assessments of urban development projects.
• Ecological Management Plan Ecological management plan development including site assessment, prioritization, management documentation, and sustainable residue management practices. For sites requiring long-term ecological stewardship.
• Landscape Design Landscape architecture design integrating natural context, human usage, and biodiversity objectives through multidisciplinary approaches. For public and private landscape projects.
• Hydromorphology Study Hydromorphological studies to restore river morphological diversity, flows, and habitats using regional quality reports and field measurements. For river restoration and watercourse management projects.
• Individual Wastewater Treatment System Analysis Comparative analysis of individual wastewater treatment systems based on technical feasibility, cost, maintenance needs, and environmental impact. For properties requiring off-mains sanitation.
• Rainwater Reuse Study Rainwater harvesting feasibility assessment and system design for non-potable uses including irrigation, cleaning, and toilet flushing. For buildings seeking water autonomy.
• Global Real Estate Strategy 360-degree approach for achieving energy and environmental objectives including analysis, optimization levers identification, and customized action plans. For owners managing building portfolios.
• Masterplan Development Global strategic development planning for urban and architectural projects or territorial planning to define CO2 reduction strategies. For large-scale urban or territorial planning.
• Carbon Footprint Assessment Carbon footprint assessment using ADEME methodology and GHG emission reduction strategy development for enterprises. For organizations seeking emissions quantification.
• Project Owner Assistance Project owner assistance including jury participation, ambition definition, and full process accompaniment as part of regional facilitator missions. For public entities managing complex building projects.
• Professional Training Programs Professional development training for construction sector actors covering water, nature, energy, comfort, and circularity topics in collaboration with public organizations such as Bruxelles Environnement. For architects, entrepreneurs, and building professionals.
• Tools and Practical Guides Pedagogical and operational support development including practical technical guides, vulgarization materials, and digital tools. For construction professionals and building owners seeking accessible sustainable building guidance.
• Scientific Writing and Communication Scientific and educational content development covering theoretical principles and practical devices in water, nature, energy, and comfort domains. For organizations requiring specialized technical communication.

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bruxelles EnvironnementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Long-term collaboration with Bruxelles Environnement for developing and delivering training programs on sustainable building in the Brussels region. Ecorce has designed and organized approximately 100 training sessions on topics including building insulation, technical installations, comfort, stormwater management, biodiversity, and circular economy.
• SibelgacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Framework agreement with Sibelga for energy optimization of buildings belonging to Brussels municipalities. Ecorce has conducted 60 quick-scans, 23 technical studies covering over 94,000m², and 15 construction projects across six Brussels communes.
• Apis Buoc SellaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration partner in Nature Academy training programs focused on urban ecology, biodiversity, and green infrastructure management.
• 3EminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing training materials for Walloon PEB responsible persons and feasibility study authors.
• Parresia - Value Focused ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration partners in the SWL framework agreement for prefabricated or modular construction projects with high environmental performance.
• 21SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in coordinating the PACK ÉNERGIE program for SMEs and non-profit organizations in Brussels.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sweco Belgium: Sweco Belgium provides multidisciplinary engineering, architecture and environmental consulting, including sustainable buildings, energy and urban development. It is a direct scale and service-model comparator to Ecorce's integrated building and urban sustainability practice.
• Bopro: Bopro is a Belgian real-estate and building-performance consultancy focused on sustainability, energy optimization and project support. It closely matches Ecorce's work with building owners, developers and public-sector property portfolios.
• Antea Group: Antea Group provides environmental, water and infrastructure consulting, combining field expertise with engineering and project development. It is comparable to Ecorce's water, ecology, permitting and urban-environment services, although it operates at substantially greater scale.
• Bureau Greisch: Bureau Greisch is a Belgian multidisciplinary engineering and design firm with building, structural and technical-systems capabilities. It competes for similar architecture, developer and public-project work, while Ecorce differentiates through its heavier environmental, water and biodiversity focus.
• VK architects+engineers: VK architects+engineers is a Belgian design and engineering practice covering buildings, technical systems and sustainable construction. It is comparable to Ecorce's building-focused engineering and low-impact design offering, though it has a much larger multidisciplinary organization.
• OMGEVING: OMGEVING is a Belgian urban-design and landscape practice working on public space, water, nature and resilient environments. It is a direct comparator for Ecorce's urban-space, stormwater, biodiversity and landscape services.

Emerging players

• Rotor: Rotor is a Brussels-based circular-building organization providing material reuse, design support, research and professional education. It overlaps with Ecorce's circular-economy, renovation and built-environment training activities but has a narrower materials-focused proposition.
• 3E: 3E is a Brussels-headquartered clean-energy consultancy and technology provider serving energy-efficiency and renewable-energy markets. It is comparable to Ecorce's energy studies and optimization work, especially where analytical tools and building performance are involved.

Broad incumbents

• Tractebel: Tractebel is a large engineering and consulting company with extensive energy, water, infrastructure and environmental capabilities. It overlaps with Ecorce at the project and technical-consulting level but is a much broader incumbent.

Others

• Arcadis: Arcadis is a global design and consultancy group serving buildings, water, environment and urban-development markets. It is a broad incumbent comparator for Ecorce's integrated sustainability and environmental project services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ecorce

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ecorce