Futurebuild Belgium Content
Welcome to the Futurebuild Belgium Content Page!
On this page, you will find both the Futurebuild talks and the interviews we conducted in the lead-up to the trade fair.
As a leading trade fair for the construction sector, we offer you inspiring conversations with experts shaping the future of construction.
Discover the challenges, trends, and solutions that are transforming the industry.
Futurebuild talks - Episode 1 - NL:
Is sustainable also affordable?
Sustainability in construction looks great on paper — but what about the cost?
In this first episode of Futurebuild Talks, four leading experts debate how feasible sustainable building really is in practice.
At the table:
Suzy Denys (Atenor) · Caroline Deiteren (Embuild) · Luc Eeckhout (KU Leuven) · Kelly Moerman (Alides)
Moderator: Marlène de Wouters
Futurebuild talks - Episode 2 - FR:
Regulation: barrier or driver of innovation?
Are rules and regulations a driver of sustainable innovation, or do they hold back creativity and transformation in the construction sector?
At the table:
Anne-Michèle Janssen (Eco Construction) · Rudy Aernoudt (Cabinet of Georges-Louis Bouchez – MR)
Jean-Pierre Waeytens (Bouwunie) · Gilles Vanvolsem (Belgian Green Building Council)
Moderator: Marlène de Wouters
Futurebuild talks - Episode 3 - NL:
Can we untangle the tangle on a construction site?
Anyone who has ever been involved in a construction project knows how many parties are involved today. On some sites, it’s bustling with people: contractors, architects, engineers, inspection authorities, safety coordinators, EPB and EPC reporters, environmental experts, asbestos specialists, fire prevention advisors… The challenge? Getting all these players to collaborate more effectively.
Around the table:
Suzy Denys (Atenor) – Caroline Deiteren (Embuild) – Luc Eeckhout (KU Leuven) – Kelly Moerman (Alides)
Moderator: Marlène de Wouters
Futurebuild talks - Episode 4 - FR:
Which fiscal measures are needed for the construction sector?
In this second French-speaking edition of Futurebuild Talks, the three panelists share their expertise on which fiscal measures are needed in the construction sector to grow and innovate.
Around the table:
Anne-Michèle Janssen (Eco Construction) –
Jean-Pierre Waeytens (Bouwunie) – Gilles Vanvolsem (Belgian Green Building Council)
Moderator: Marlène de Wouters
Futurebuild talks - Episode 5 - NL:
How can we tackle waste and the massive waste stream on construction sites?
The enormous waste stream and material loss on construction sites can be strikingly visible: rubble, timber, cables, plastic packaging, leftover insulation, and more. Too often, everything ends up mixed in the same container. Just as often, materials are blown away and dispersed into the surrounding environment. In renovation projects, perfectly usable materials are sometimes discarded altogether.
At the table:
Suzy Denys (Atenor) · Caroline Deiteren (Embuild) · Luc Eeckhout (KU Leuven) · Kelly Moerman (Alides)
Moderator: Marlène de Wouters
Futurebuild talks - Episode 6 - FR:
Sustainable construction: concrete quick wins for practice
In this final French-language episode of Futurebuild Talks, the three panellists share their expertise on quick, practical actions that make sustainable construction achievable.
At the table:
Anne-Michèle Janssen (Eco Construction) · Jean-Pierre Waeytens (Bouwunie) · Gilles Vanvolsem (Belgian Green Building Council)
Moderator: Marlène de Wouters
Interview
Sustainability as a Strategic Lever
According to Laurence Gacoin, ambassador of Futurebuild Belgium and member of the Cordeel Group, sustainability is not an additional cost, but a driver of value creation. In the run-up to Futurebuild Belgium, we spoke with her about the comprehensive transformation the real estate sector is currently undergoing. From circularity to industrialisation and new financing models: Gacoin shows how, with the right choices, the sector can not only build more sustainably, but also significantly strengthen its competitiveness.
Interview
Sustainability Doesn’t Have to Be More Expensive
According to Nicolas Bearelle, founder of Revive, sustainability doesn’t have to be more expensive. In the run-up to Futurebuild Belgium, we spoke with one of the sector’s true sustainability pioneers. Revive was already leading the way 15 years ago, at a time when sustainability was barely recognized as a concept. Bearelle outlines how the sector can truly make a sustainable impact, even in challenging times.
Interview
The future of the construction sector
The construction and real estate sectors are facing difficulties. Activity is slowing down, despite the pressing societal challenges that require construction, renovation, demolition, and rebuilding. While concerns about the manufacturing industry are justified, the importance of the construction sector is currently being heavily underestimated. Everyone stands to benefit from embracing construction innovation and creating additional growth. Governments, the construction industry, and the real estate sector must work together to make this happen.
In light of Futurebuild Belgium, we spoke with Caroline Deiteren, Director-General of Embuild Flanders, about the future of the construction sector.
Interview
“Let Nature Generate Revenue Instead of Just Being a Cost”
“We should never settle for ‘greenwashing’ buildings. The broader real estate sector must work together to create real impact by thinking holistically about major urban developments.”
Celebrated landscape architect Steven Delva shares his insights on how entrepreneurship can allow nature to do its work.
Architecten zonder Grenzen
This year, Futurebuild Belgium’s cloak room was not just a hands-on service. A symbolic contribution of €2 was requested, which was donated in full to Architects Without Borders Belgium-Netherlands (ASF Be-Nl), a non-profit organization active since 1994 and part of the worldwide network Architecture Sans Frontières International (ASF-INT). ASF-INT currently has organizations in 30 countries.
What does ASF Be-Nl do?
ASF Be-Nl volunteers are committed to sustainable built environments, social equity and care for cultural and built heritage. Their work spans several continents and has already made an impact in countries such as Romania, Ecuador, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Morocco, Vietnam, and many others.
You helped!
Every coat that was checked in supported these important projects. By participating, everyone contributed to creating a sustainable and equal world.
Thank you for participating and contributing to a better world – both on and off the show floor!
Wat doet ASF Be-Nl?
De vrijwilligers van ASF Be-Nl zetten zich in voor een duurzame gebouwde omgeving, sociale gelijkheid en zorg voor cultureel en gebouwd erfgoed. Hun werk strekt zich uit over verschillende continenten en heeft al impact gehad in landen zoals Roemenië, Ecuador, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Indonesië, Marokko, Vietnam, en vele anderen.
Jij hebt geholpen!
Elke jas die werd ingecheckt, ondersteunde deze belangrijke projecten. Door deel te nemen aan deze actie, heeft iedereen bijgedragen aan het creëren van een duurzame en gelijke wereld.
Dank je wel voor je deelname en bijdrage aan een betere wereld – zowel op als naast de beursvloer!