What do we see?
In 2022, 21,077 renovation permits were issued in Flanders. Of these permits, 88.8% were for the renovation of residential buildings. This figure has fluctuated around 20,000 renovation permits since 2010, barring a dip in 2017 and a peak in 2021 in the number of permits for residential renovations.
What’s the aim?
Renovation is a circular strategy: renovating gives existing buildings a longer life cycle, allowing materials to remain in use for longer. Moreover, renovations create more energy-efficient buildings (e.g. in terms of heating). Nevertheless, it is important that renovations are carried out thoughtfully in terms of material choices: after all, making homes more energy-efficient requires building materials such as insulation materials. Choosing environmentally friendly options and factoring in possible reuse of building materials can ensure that the material and environmental impact of renovations is kept to a minimum.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator shows how many renovation permits were issued in Flanders. The data come from Statbel. However, not all renovations require a permit, so the above figures do not give the full picture. On the other hand, a renovation project can also involve an almost complete demolition and reconstruction of a building: while this can certainly be the most sensible course of action in a number of cases, such an approach does not fall under the idea of keeping materials in use as long as possible.
