A Supportive Regulatory Framework for Reuse in Belgium
Belgium is taking significant steps to encourage the reuse of construction materials. Recent regulations now require public construction projects to integrate a certain percentage of reused materials.
It’s become more and more common, as Maitre D’ouvrage to add conditions to “entrepreneurs” (building companies) like for example: " I want 10% of the materials used to be “reemploi”.
By embracing Reuse, we can position our project as a pioneer and early adopter in sustainable building and we can sustain, with concrete action, the claim of sustainability as one of our core values in the Blueprint 1.0.
** Key Actors in the Reuse Ecosystem**
The reuse sector in Belgium is maturing fast, with a growing number of actors providing access to high-quality reused materials. From dedicated platforms like Opalis and Rotor Deconstruction to local marketplaces like Batiterre, Coliseum, there are more options than ever for sourcing sustainable materials.
To make it easier for everyone in our cohousing project to identify potential suppliers, we’ve compiled a list of key actors in the sector. You can access the document on our Nextcloud here: 
List of Key Reuse Actors (Link to Nextcloud doc).
Some construction companies are more familiar than others with the practice of reuse. For ex: casa blanco
By knowing who to contact, we can streamline our approach to reuse and ensure we have access to materials that meet our design and construction needs.
Main Barriers to Reuse — And How to Overcome Them**
While reuse offers many benefits, it also comes with some challenges. Here are a few key barriers we should be aware of:
- Availability of Materials: Unlike new materials, reused products are not always available in large quantities. We’ll need to plan ahead and be ready to act quickly when the right materials are in stock. There are physical shops like Batiterre or Rotor where you can see reused materials in a stand / shop like experience.
- Logistics and Storage: Reused materials need to be stored before use, and space may be limited.
- Quality and Guarantees: Not all reused materials come with guarantees, which can make contractors hesitant to use them. Platforms like Rotor offer certification for some materials, reducing this risk.
- Coordination with Architects and Contractors: Reuse requires a shift in mindset for architects and contractors. It may involve changes to the construction process or the way material specifications are written.
- Logistics and Planning: Using reused materials requires more effort in terms of logistics and coordination. It may necessitate design adjustments and flexibility in material selection to accommodate available stocks.
Support from Spolia
I have worked in 2024 with Spolia ASBL, I’ve seen how they support reuse initiatives by providing strategic guidance and helping to make reuse arguments more persuasive in discussions with architects and contractors.