Challenges and opportunities in Belgian industrial construction: interview with Caroline Deiteren (Embuild Flanders)

On October 8, 2024, Embuild Flanders organized a vision event together with Buildwise. During this well-attended event at the Brussels Tour & Taxis site, Caroline Deiteren, director general of Embuild Flanders, kicked off an inspiring exchange of ideas between speakers and audience. The central theme was how the construction and installation sector in our country plays a crucial role in solving societal challenges. In other words, how does building innovation contribute to a healthy and future-proof society?

The Flemish (industrial) construction sector is on the eve of major challenges and opportunities. As an interest group for Flemish construction companies, Embuild Flanders formulates an ambitious vision of the future in its Vision Memorandum 2024. "In this document, we outline how innovation, digitization and sustainability can transform the sector while contributing to broader societal goals, such as climate neutrality and affordable housing," said Caroline Deiteren. "At the same time, we give several Flemish industrial builders a platform to showcase their products and services of the future. From concrete one-third recycled aggregates and prefabricated, modular housing construction to the use of drones on construction sites, and from BIM and 3D modeling to groundbreaking radar technology: the list of innovations is very long!"

Innovate, digitize, transform

In its Vision Memorandum 2024, Embuild Flanders clearly sees innovation as the engine for achieving Flemish and European climate goals. "New technologies such as BIM, artificial intelligence, prefabrication and circular building materials play a central role in this," Caroline Deiteren points out. "They promise not only more efficient construction processes, but also a substantial reduction in construction waste and CO2 emissions."

"In addition, we also stress the importance of collaboration within a strong ecosystem. Governments, knowledge institutions and (industrial) construction companies need to work more closely together to implement innovation faster. This is why we are launching 'Flanders Build' together with Buildwise, a new initiative through which we want to address the fragmentation of knowledge and the lack of coherent innovation programs in our sector."

Labor market tightness and profitability

A pain point that has affected the (industrial) construction sector for years is the labor shortage. "In our vision paper, we explain how innovation and digitalization can not only increase productivity, but also make the sector more attractive to young talent. Through new campaigns and initiatives, such as creative solutions for working in construction, we want to tackle this problem with Embuild Flanders," Caroline Deiteren explains. "The list of bottleneck occupations in construction gets longer every year. This makes it extra challenging for construction companies to grow. Investing in a strong retention policy, collaborations with educational and training institutions and attracting foreign workers are each part of the solution."

Efficient use of space

Efficient use of space is another issue affecting the construction industry. Strict permit procedures and regulations often limit the possibilities for industrial building projects. In its vision note, Embuild Flanders calls for more workable regulations and wants to contribute - literally and figuratively - to solutions in the new Flemish coalition agreement. Caroline Deiteren: "Modernly equipped business parks are a crucial element in the economic development of our country. From Embuild Flanders we advocate, among other things, a more efficient use of existing sites through redevelopment and reallocation."

Focus on sustainable reporting

The increasing emphasis on sustainability is also reflected in the new CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) reporting obligations. Embuild Flanders is working on guidelines for a uniform approach within the construction sector so that companies can efficiently fulfill these obligations. "On November 4, 2024 in Mechelen, we organized a successful study day on fossil-free working on site," says Caroline Deiteren. "It was very fascinating to hear practical testimonies from construction and transport companies about how they resolutely play the card of ecological entrepreneurship. By the way, we notice that the focus on sustainability labels - such as BREEAM and LEED, as well as the GRO certification for buildings of the Flemish Government - is a trend that is becoming increasingly important."

Read the Vision Paper 'Flanders Build, Building Innovation from the Start' at www.embuildvlaanderen.be.