The Belgian Green Building Council was glad to participate in the recent circular construction event hosted by Vlaanderen Circulair.
Circular building is gaining momentum in Belgium, but important barriers remain. From BGBC’s perspective, the transition is less about technology and more about governance, data quality, and behavioural change.
Some key challenges discussed:
• The reuse and recycling market is still maturing — industrialisation is needed to unlock scale
• Financial incentives remain largely focused on energy performance, while embodied carbon is rarely valued
• Reused materials often cost more due to labour-intensive dismantling and reconditioning
• Compliance with safety standards and decennial insurance requirements remains complex
• Perceptions around “second-hand” materials continue to influence market acceptance
If fiscal and regulatory frameworks evolve to better support circularity, the impact could be significant.
BGBC remains committed to contributing through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and constructive dialogue with institutional partners.
Presentations from the event can be found here:
https://www.vlaanderen-circulair.be/nl/blog/samen-versnellen-naar-circulair-bouwen
Future-Proof Real Estate, Together