In the heart of the town of Esch-sur-Alzette, a village of die-hard players in the social and solidarity economy work daily to build a better world. Benu Village sits humbly on a former wasteland in the town of Esch, where it brings to life the principles of upcycling, zero waste and reuse – or “how to make something new out of something old”. This eco-village is an example of innovation, from its conception to its implementation, which it communicates with absolute transparency.
The walls of the village, adorned with cheerful and attractive decorations, offer a new life to old shipping containers which, no longer authorised to sail the seas, are now sailing in the era of ecological sustainability. In fact, these containers form part of the foundations of the village’s buildings, which have been constructed without polluting materials, a central ecological principle of Benu that extends right through to the restaurant’s kitchens, where plastic has been banned.
At a time when conferences on the social and solidarity economy and the importance of ecological sustainability are held almost daily, George Kieffer, founder of Benu Village, wanted to take action by demonstrating in practice how to apply these concepts. This haven of creativity ingeniously illustrates the possibility of supporting businesses and artisans with deference to the principles of ecological and social solidarity. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to show this disruptive place to those who want to see it, and perhaps to awaken or inspire,” says George.
In addition to its ecological commitments, the eco-village respects social values in its day-to-day management. One third of the jobs at Benu Village are reserved for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market or who need special protection. This initiative is immediately evident in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Benu Village team.
For all these reasons, Benu Village has joined the Impact Luxembourg label community by becoming a Société d’Impact Sociétal (SIS) in 2023. “The SIS brings enormous value because it provides an opportunity for reflection,” George explains. “It asks questions that are essential for the future of the whole Earth about our social and ecological goals.” In his opinion, the SIS is a well thought-out and well-formulated initiative that supports and promotes awareness in the private market. “This label raises awareness, provokes questions and protects us. It’s an ideal way of helping companies to make commitments,” concludes George.
The Benu Sloow restaurant opened its doors in June 2023 in the heart of the eco-village. Its team of supportive chefs prepares delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes using organic fruit and vegetables that have gone unsold due to imperfection. Benu Sloow saves this food from being thrown away, transforming it into starters, main courses, desserts and drinks. The restaurant’s elegant decor is also created using non-toxic paint recovered from completed building sites.
The chairs and armchairs are dressed in a range of textiles recovered and transformed by the Benu Couture workshop. These first arrivals to the eco-village are committed artisans who create clothing based on the principles of upcycling. Using second-hand or donated fabrics and clothing, Benu Couture transforms our old clothes into unique and original pieces sold in its on-site exhibition and sales area.
Based on the same principles of reuse and upcycling, Benu Form will soon be making its debut in the village. This carpentry workshop will offer furniture that has been recovered, reused and transformed. A hotel room is also being prepared on site. Holidaymakers and the simply curious will soon be able to spend the night at the eco-village thanks to Benu Break.
Benu Village places great importance on exchange and cooperation. You can take part in village life in a variety of ways: as a volunteer, trainee, craftsman or consultant. No one is excluded, everyone is welcome. More details are available on their website http://benu.lu, where you can also find the opening hours of the shops in the dynamic Benu Village.
