Page 10 - European Energy Innovation - summer 2019 publication

10 Summer 2019 European Energy Innovation

COMMUNICATION

Brussels’ buildings go circular

Our traditional economic model does not seem to have a response for many complex challenges
such as the depletion of natural resources, huge amounts of waste, climate change and social
inequality. Several large European cities, amongst which the Brussels-Capital Region, see a
solution in the circular economy. The construction sector – a significant producer of waste and
user of resources – is an important player for a successful circular transition.

The policymakers in Brussels regard the linear model and then used, for example, in foundations. But this is
– that of mining-production-consumption-waste – as downcycling: the materials decrease in value. The RPCE
unsustainable and harmful for the environment. But it plan strives for a shift from waste management to raw
also makes their region heavily dependent on scarce raw materials management, in order to maximise resource
materials from elsewhere. efficiency.

The Brussels-Capital Region sees the need, and in it also This can be achieved through the hierarchy of
an opportunity, to evolve towards a circular economy: maintenance, reuse, remanufacturing and upcycling.
one of recovering, producing, consuming and reusing. The latter refers to the recovery and transformation of
Managing the flows of goods better will make the city materials that are no longer used into materials with a
less dependent on external resources, and will provide higher quality or value. An example: Dzerostudio Architects
answers in terms of environment, local economy and used ‘waste’ from construction and renovation projects to
employment. build their ‘Tomato Chili’ greenhouses.

RPCE regional programme New business models, more jobs
That is why, three years ago, Brussels’ politicians launched The Brussels-Capital Region is also keen to see new
the Regional Programme for a Circular Economy (RPCE). business models emerge. Companies should aim to
This programme brings together different players on its extend their products’ life cycle and thus decrease the use
territory. It contains a wide range of concrete actions. For of raw materials. They may, for example, provide products
instance the ‘Be Circular’ call for projects, which gives as a service, including extras such as maintenance,
financial support and guidance to local companies for repair, leasing and take-back schemes. Or they may share
their circular initiatives. materials, labour or buildings. This is how two adjacent
construction projects in Brussels, notably Deswaef and
The results so far are promising, not least in construction. Debatty, deployed their trainees and site installations
This sector shows great resolve to set up innovative optimally. Companies should also exchange information
business models and projects. Since the start of the RPCE, better, and architects and contractors work together from
21 ‘circular’ construction sites have been launched. the design phase.

From waste to raw materials The RPCE program also foresees positive effects on
The construction industry produces 628,000 tonnes of employment. In the future, students and jobseekers will
waste per year in Brussels. True, 91% of this is recycled find and keep jobs much easier. This is because new

Tomato chili Map Architecture & EFP

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