What do we see?
In 2019, 19,851 renovation permits were issued in Flanders. 88% of these permits were issued for the renovation of residential buildings.
Although the number of renovation permits represents 43.3% of all permits issued in Flanders (2019), we see a decline. In 2015, more than half of the issued permits were for renovation work.
What’s the aim?
As a strategy, renovation is completely in line with a circular model. It is a strategy that ensures that existing properties get a longer lifespan, which means materials remain in circulation for longer. In addition, renovation work means more efficient properties (e.g. in terms of heating). However, more research is needed to determine whether renovation work causes more or less material consumption than the construction of new buildings. This is the only way we can be sure that renovation is beneficial to a circular economy.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator shows how many renovation and construction permits have been issued in Flanders. The data comes from Statbel.
