Brussels Airport in Zaventem is again deploying sheep to graze its noise barrier in Steenokkerzeel in a fun and above all environmentally friendly way. No noise pollution or smell of petrol. Shepherd, dog, flock, airport operator, viewers and environment: everyone happy with this ecological alternative.
Between the airport and the inhabited world, verges dampen the noise of aircraft taking off and landing. Of course, they have to be mowed regularly. For several years now, Brussels Airport has been calling on new food-loving workers to do this: sheep. While a lawnmower threatens to slide down the rather steep slopes, the four-legged creatures have no trouble staying firmly upright. They eat up the clippings, which benefit more rare plants, flowers and grasses, as well as insects.
Locally, a boon for biodiversity. Otherwise a drop in the ocean, you think? Surely not. Brussels Airport is indeed pulling out all the stops to reduce CO₂ emissions to zero by 2030, including through the way the airport is heated. The airlines themselves are responsible for their emissions.
Finally, one more thing. Overflying aircraft or bystanders don't care about sheep. Plenty and good food, that's what it's all about. You can still see them at work near air traffic controller Skeyes' control tower on the Tervuursesteenweg (N227) in Steenokkerzeel. Don't expect them to look up, though.
