🌍 “Circularity is about numbers and mindset.”♻️
Not our largest event of the year — but definitely one that stood out. This 8th edition of Circular Real Estate was all about how we can truly transform the real estate sector and make circularity tangible.
Held in the heart of Anderlecht, Brussels, on a 20,000 m² site to be redeveloped, the event embodied what circularity stands for: space for people, innovation, and community. Circularium and Anderlecht Expo set the perfect scene — and thanks to #FreddywithCurry for sharing the food directly with the residents ❤️.
The day was filled with inspiring stories, honest discussions, and practical insights about what we need to scale up circular building. Here are the 10 key takeaways from our speakers:
1️⃣ Circularity is about numbers — start where you can have the biggest impact. Think in weight and scale. Circular concrete can make a real difference.
2️⃣ It’s also about mindset. Our kids buy second-hand and call it vintage — we can do the same in construction.
3️⃣ Reuse structures where possible. Renovation beats demolition.
4️⃣ When new builds are needed, design for flexibility — offices that can become apartments, schools, or even parking spaces.
5️⃣ Circular concrete innovation is here — every part can now be reused - a real big step!
6️⃣ With the 'Beton Akkoord', cities took the first step. Now they need to act: include circular concrete in project specifications.
7️⃣ It’s not about ticking boxes — we all know this is the direction we must go.
8️⃣ Include embodied carbon in your calculations — that’s where real progress happens.
9️⃣ Banks must become CO₂ neutral too. This will influence project financing, value, and lending criteria — circular buildings will benefit.
🔟 Let’s not make all this optional. Regulators should embed circularity into law and permits — not through more paperwork, but by rewarding long-term, high-impact choices.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, partners Reynaers Aluminium Belux and Drees & Sommer Belgium, and speakers for making this edition such a success:
Stéphan Sonneville, CEO Atenor Group
Patrick Princen, Alderman City of Mechelen
Xavier Callens, Chief Creative Director B2Ai architects
Marie De Laet, Manager Innovation & Sustainability Van Roey nv
Kris Liesse, Head of Real Estate Finance ING Belgium
Kurt Jacobs, CEO Jacobs Beton
Guillaume Nijdam, Sustainability Manager Reynaers Group
Wim Straetmans, Managing Director BAM Interbuild bv
Frederik Jacobs, CEO CONIX RDBM Architects
Moderator: Gilles Vanvolsem, Managing Director Belgian Green Building Council
Your passion, expertise, and collaboration continue to push the boundaries of what circular real estate can be!
Look out for the articles in Circubuild and Bouwen aan Vlaanderen
#CircularRealEstate #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #RealEstate #CircularBuilding
