“Real estate professionals must closely collaborate with universities and technology companies to leverage the latest innovations.”
“The built environment in our country accounts for 20% of emissions. Through innovative solutions such as heat pumps and solar panels, we can not only drastically reduce CO₂ emissions but also create value for the real estate sector and society,” says Kristof Eggermont, Team Leader at Ortelius and co-author of Klimaatschok, a book he wrote with Geert Noels. Ahead of Futurebuild Belgium, the fair centered on sustainability and innovation, Realty Talks spoke with this expert about how real estate professionals can contribute to a more sustainable future. “We’re only scratching the surface,” he states.
At Ortelius, a spin-off of Econopolis, Kristof Eggermont helps companies and governments develop strategies for transitioning to a climate-neutral society. Eggermont is quick to get specific when discussing transformation in the real estate sector. “The built environment is responsible for as much as 20% of Belgium’s total CO₂ emissions. A significant 87% of the emissions from an average home come from heating—both space and water,” he explains. “This presents enormous opportunities for the real estate sector. Solutions like energy renovations, heat pumps, and solar panels can not only drastically reduce these emissions but also contribute to the energy transition.”
“For example, we’re currently using only a fraction of the potential of roofs in Belgium,” Eggermont says. “Although 10 GW of solar panels have already been installed, this could grow significantly in the future. This would not only help green the real estate sector but also have a significant impact on Belgium’s total electricity production.”
Climate Adaptation
Beyond emission reduction, Eggermont highlights the importance of climate adaptation. He stresses that real estate professionals must make homes and buildings resilient to the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events. “Especially in urban areas, where the temperature difference with rural areas can reach up to six degrees, we’ll need to design buildings differently. A south-facing apartment with lots of natural light may be less appealing in ten years.”
Green-blue roofs, which provide cooling and mitigate flooding risks, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally valuable, according to Eggermont. “Real estate developers need to recognize and communicate the added value of such innovations to successfully integrate them into their projects,” he advises.
Collaboration at the Neighborhood Level
Another important trend Eggermont observes is the shift from individual project development to a neighborhood-oriented approach. He underscores the importance of collaboration between real estate developers, energy companies, and local governments, for example, in creating district heating networks.
“In Belgium, 75% of the energy demand for heating and hot water matches the available industrial waste heat. Tapping into this potential offers enormous opportunities.” While the Belgian housing stock is less uniform than in the Netherlands, Eggermont believes there are still possibilities for neighborhood-scale renovations. “By working at scale, economic advantages can be achieved that surpass individual approaches.”
Financing Sustainable Innovations
Eggermont acknowledges that not all sustainable investments pay for themselves immediately. However, he points to creative financing models, such as leveraging carbon credits or partnering with insurers. “Insurers can benefit from green projects that reduce health risks like air pollution. In Belgium, reducing air pollution could save tens of millions of euros in medical costs, for instance.”
He also emphasizes the importance of government subsidies and international examples such as Denmark, where energy communities give real estate developers a role in the green transition.
Looking to the Future
Is Eggermont optimistic about the future of sustainability in the real estate sector? “We’re already seeing a growing focus on sustainability reporting and carbon footprinting, which are becoming increasingly important for financial institutions. Digitalization and circular materials will be game-changers for the sector.”
At the same time, he stresses the importance of education and collaboration. “Real estate professionals must integrate sustainability into their strategies and closely collaborate with universities and technology companies to leverage the latest innovations.”
With a clear focus on system thinking and win-wins for all stakeholders, Eggermont offers an optimistic perspective: “In Europe, we’ve already demonstrated that air quality can improve and cities can become greener. We can tackle this challenge with the same ingenuity.”
Futurebuild Belgium and Realty Talks provide experts within and beyond the real estate sector with a unique platform to explore these and other ideas. Do you also have a clear vision of sustainability and innovation in the real estate sector that you’d like to share? Let us know.
