Our story
From family business to regional HVAC specialist — for more than 30 years
Ecowatt NV started in the early '90s as a small installer in Steenokkerzeel. Three decades, three acquisitions and thousands of maintenance customers later, it is a trusted player in the full Brussels-Mechelen-Leuven triangle.
Free on-site visit +32 15 62 70 80Started by Ignace and Frieda Vandenbroecke
In the early '90s, Ignace Vandenbroecke started a small heating and sanitary installation business in Steenokkerzeel — after a career as product manager at Buderus and Wilo. Together with his wife Frieda Vanonckelen, he gradually grew the company into a technical specialist in heating, sanitary and ventilation, focused on high-quality installations and proper maintenance.
NV Ecowatt-Vandenbroecke was formally founded in 1995. The name Ecowatt NV — economical and ecological — sums up what Ignace always had in mind: maximum comfort from every watt, with respect for consumption and the environment.
Thirty years, in seven chapters
From a one-man shop in Steenokkerzeel to a regional team serving the full Brussels-Mechelen-Leuven triangle.
First installations
Ignace starts his own installation business in Steenokkerzeel, after years of experience at Buderus and Wilo. Frieda runs the administration from home.
NV Ecowatt-Vandenbroecke founded
Formal incorporation of the company. The client base grows steadily through word-of-mouth in the northern Brussels ring.
Move to Zemst
A new, centrally-located office and workshop in Zemst — the base that still serves the Brussels, Mechelen and Leuven region today.
Acquisition of Verbestel
The clients and staff of Verbestel in Hofstade are integrated. The maintenance base grows substantially — maintenance becomes a cornerstone of the business.
Heat pump expansion
Demand for geothermal and air-to-water heat pumps grows sharply. Ecowatt NV extends its expertise to the next generation of heating technology.
Leadership handover
Due to age and the absence of a family successor, Ignace and Frieda Vandenbroecke hand the company over to Bertrand Wibrin and Anthony Vanden Eede. Ignace remains active for a while as an advisor to guide the transition.
Acquisition of L. Ronsmans & Associés
Ecowatt NV acquires the Brussels-based firm L. Ronsmans & Associés. Day-to-day leadership passes to Bertrand and Anthony; Ecowatt NV substantially strengthens its presence in the capital.
The new duo at the helm
Due to age and the absence of a family successor, Ignace and Frieda Vandenbroecke chose to place the company in new hands. Since 2023, Bertrand Wibrin and Anthony Vanden Eede lead operations — with Ignace as an advisor in the background during the transition.
Ir. Bertrand Wibrin
Director & co-owner · civil engineer (ULB)
Bertrand leads Ecowatt NV's day-to-day operations, with a focus on operational excellence and digitalisation. Together with Anthony, he drove the acquisition of L. Ronsmans & Associés in Brussels. Continuity for clients and suppliers is his compass — from a single-family boiler replacement to a collective boiler room in a co-ownership.
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Ir. Anthony Vanden Eede
Director & co-owner · civil engineer (ULB)
Anthony focuses on strategy, growth through acquisitions (M&A) and building the underlying system. More than ten years of experience acquiring, transforming and scaling SMEs in construction, real estate and mobility — today translated into Odoo and AI for the back-office, so field technicians get more time for the craft.
LinkedInHow we work — and why
Thirty years of experience teach one thing: quality lives in the small details. These are the principles we are built on.
From design to after-sales
We handle the full chain: technical assessment, sizing, installation, commissioning and long-term maintenance. One contractor, one contact — from first visit to tenth winter.
Every technology, tailored
Expertise in oil, gas and heat pumps — plus water treatment and ventilation. We pick the right solution for your situation: not the most expensive, not the trendiest. Quality first.
Sustainability, pragmatic
We support the transition to more efficient, lower-carbon systems — especially heat pumps — without hastily writing off your existing gas or oil installation. Step by step, based on your home.
Odoo + AI in the field
Our field work runs on Odoo and AI: standardised workflows, automated quotes, real-time execution. Technicians focus on the craft — the admin follows on its own.
Buderus Partner
Ecowatt NV holds the rare status of Buderus Partner: a direct line to the manufacturer, without middlemen. Bigger discounts, faster access to the technical second line.
On-call rotation & proactive maintenance
We call you before your inspection deadline and schedule in quieter periods. For emergencies: a permanent on-call rotation — clients always reach someone. No voicemail, no unreachable weekends.
The region we serve
Ecowatt NV works mainly in the Brussels — Mechelen — Leuven triangle: the full northern Brussels ring (Vilvoorde, Grimbergen, Meise, Steenokkerzeel), Mechelen and Zemst, the southern Brussels communes (Watermaal-Bosvoorde, Uccle, Tervuren, Sterrebeek, Kraainem) and parts of East Brabant: Bertem, Kampenhout, Haacht and Herent.
We operate from three locations: Vilvoorde as headquarters, Eppegem as the warehouse for Flemish Brabant, and Evere (Avenue de Bâle 8, door 10, 1140) as the office and warehouse for Brussels. Thanks to the recent acquisition of L. Ronsmans & Associés, we can be on-site quickly in the heart of Brussels too.
A small, certified team
We are a small team by choice: one administration, one technical lead, and four to five technicians — supplemented by temp technicians in busy periods. Our technicians hold all the necessary certifications:
- G-I — gas installations
- Cedicol — oil installations
- CERGA — gas pipe assembly
- Certified heat pump installer
Small enough to follow up every project personally. Large enough to handle projects from apartment buildings to luxury villas.
What we want to stay
A technically strong specialist in heating, plumbing and ventilation — with the same calm and quality Ignace and Frieda Vandenbroecke brought thirty years ago. Today with heat pumps, tomorrow with whatever comes next. The tools change; the craftsmanship and care for the client do not.
Ready to start your project?
Free on-site visit within 7 days. No obligation.
Book free visit +32 15 62 70 80