Interview – Laurence Gacoin on the Sustainable Transformation of the Real Estate Sector
The sustainable transformation of the real estate sector is no distant ambition, it is already happening.
Visible on every construction site, in every design process and in every investment decision. For Laurence Gacoin, ambassador for the real estate segment at Futurebuild Belgium 2026 and member of the Cordeel Group, this transition is not only essential but also a major opportunity to make the sector stronger, smarter and more resilient.
“The sustainable transition is not a buzzword. It is a systemic shift,” she says. A shift that is redefining the value of buildings, reshaping investor expectations and changing the way users experience space. “We need to stop seeing sustainability as an add-on. It is a strategic lever that determines whether a building is future-proof.”
Sustainability as a strategic lever
According to Laurence, the biggest misconception is that sustainability simply means energy efficiency. That is only one piece of the puzzle.
“Sustainability is about circular material use, air quality, climate adaptation, health and comfort. It is not a box you tick, but an integrated strategy that permeates the entire design and construction process.”
This approach is becoming increasingly vital. Building owners and investors are more aware of the risks of outdated, non-sustainable assets. As a result, the question is shifting from ‘What does it cost?’ to ‘What does it deliver?’.
“The initial investment may seem higher, but the total cost of ownership is lower. Sustainable buildings retain their value, attract strong tenants and reduce risk. It is pure value creation.”
Innovation plays a crucial role in this. At the intersection of digitalisation, circularity and industrialisation, solutions are emerging that truly make a difference. BIM, IoT and smart grids enable smarter building management, while bio-based and low-carbon materials are rapidly becoming the norm. “Circular prefab timber modules, such as LVL elements capable of storing CO₂, show that a negative footprint is genuinely within reach.”
Innovation that creates real impact
Laurence believes the greatest climate impact lies not in new construction but in the existing building stock.
“With innovative financing models, digital diagnostic tools and modular renovation techniques, we can drastically speed up the renovation rate.” This approach also brings solutions to rising material costs, labour shortages, long lead times and disruption on site. “Our existing buildings are our biggest challenge — but also our greatest leverage to make progress.”
Regulation plays a role as well, though Laurence sees it more as a catalyst than a barrier. “Standards create clarity and a level playing field. They stimulate innovation and force us to rethink our models.” Collaboration is essential. “Developers, architects, engineers, policymakers and users need each other to achieve real transformation. That is the philosophy of the Green Building Councils: connect to accelerate.”
A sector on the move
What does she hope visitors will take away from their visit to Futurebuild Belgium 2026? “That sustainability is not a constraint, but an opportunity to create value. They will discover concrete solutions, ambitious innovations and a sector that is ready to build the future.”
Her closing message leaves no room for doubt: “Investing in truly sustainable projects is no longer an ethical choice — it is a strategic one. Non-sustainable assets are losing value at lightning speed. The question is no longer ‘What does it cost?’ but ‘What does it bring in terms of resilience and competitiveness?’. Those who think ahead will become tomorrow’s market leaders.”