What do we see?
In 2022, the average age of buildings in Flanders was 58.8 years. From 2016, the most recent year for which we have data, the graph below shows a steady increase in the average age of buildings.
What’s the aim?
In a circular economy, we aim to keep products and materials in circulation as long as possible. Extending the lifespan of buildings is a circular strategy par excellence: not only does it allow us to make longer use of something that already exists, it also reduces the need for completely new buildings. Nevertheless, the energy efficiency of buildings must be taken into account. In general, an older building consumes more energy because of poorer insulation, which leads to increased use of materials during the building’s period of use. Renovations are necessary to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings while extending their lifetime. However, renovations also have a materials demand: it is therefore essential to apply the principles of circular construction and renovation.
