“Environment Specialist” at the Sustainable Building Facilitator Office
Brussels Environment has put in place a free service of expertise in sustainable construction and renovation in order to inform and guide professionals of the sector in their projects based in the Brussels Capital Region.
The Sustainable Building Facilitator Office (currently run by a consortium comprising Cenergie, CERAA, the ICEDD and the Apere) puts at their service second-line experts. They answer their technical queries and provide in-depth and detailed advice on specific projects.
In this framework, CERAA puts its environmental expertise at the service of any professional of the construction sector who plans to build, transform or renovate a building while taking into account both health and environment.
Our Expert Advisers mainly offer the following services:
- Technical guidance to answer queries passed on by the Facilitator Office’s first-line
- An in-depth guidance service providing eco-improvement advice on submitted projects
- Taking part in advice panels and committees for the selection of architectural projects
CERAA has been providing this service to Brussels Environment since its creation in 2008 under the denomination “Eco-Construction Facilitator”.
The Environment Specialist can be contacted via the Sustainable Building Facilitator’s number:
0800/85.775
facilitator@environnement.irisnet.beContact person: Quentin Blondeau
Assistance with the development of repeatable projects for sustainable schools
The Wallonia-Brussels Federation called upon CERAA, as part of a pilot project, to help with the integration of research and development elements regarding the energy and environmental performance of buildings into an “ordinary” architecture procurement.
The pilot project involves two primary schools, one in Herseaux and another in La Louvière. CERAA assists the contracting authorities with:
- Selecting Project Author applicants,
- Drafting specifications,
- Analysing offers,
- Monitoring project management,
- Assessment,
- Drawing up documents pertaining to the re-use of the concept in other projects.
Indeed, the aim of the Federation is to extend the project to other sites and to make sure other enterprises can repeat it. This will make it possible for other schools to be built quickly on other sites, in a well-considered and sustainable manner.
Contact person: Quentin Blondeau
First-Line at the Sustainable Building Facilitator Office
Since 2011, Brussels Environment has had in place a “Sustainable Building Facilitator” service, which acts as an information desk for construction and renovation professionals working in Brussels.
CERAA answers phone and email queries in collaboration with the research unit Cenergie, so as to help professionals with, for example, Brussels regulations in terms of Energy Performance of Buildings, energy allowances and the available resources and tools concerning all aspects of construction and the environment in Brussels in general.
This service also includes specialists from various sectors who deal with more specialised queries or requests for personalised support on a particular project (see “Environment Specialist” at the Sustainable Building Facilitator, which CERAA is also in charge of).
For more information on the Sustainable Building Facilitator, please visit: www.environnement.brussels/facilitateur
Contact the Sustainable Building Facilitator:
0800/85.775
Contact person: Sylvie Poppe
Organising visits of sustainable building sites
Aiming to promote Brussels as a flagship Region in terms of high energy and environmental quality construction and renovation, Brussels Environment has called upon CERAA to organise site visits of Exemplary Buildings (today also including other sustainable buildings in Brussels), which are thus highlighted to international delegations as well as local groups of interested professionals.
We’ve been tasked with designing and organising these visits, as well as conducting them.
Currently, the concept is available in two formats:
- We organise visits for groups or upon registration, which include a presentation of the projects by architects
- We offer visits of the new Head Offices of Brussels Environment, located in one of the three largest passive office buildings in Brussels
You will find examples of the visits organised as part of this mission on the page “Visits”, under the “Services” section of this website.
For more information on Exemplary Buildings, please go to http://www.environnement.brussels/batimentsexemplaires
Contact person: Sylvie Poppe
Organising the “Formations Batiment Durable” training courses in 2014, 2015 and 2016
As part of the “Formations Batiment Durable” offered by Brussels Environment (Sustainable Building training courses) and aimed at professionals of the construction sector, CERAA designs, sets up and takes charge of several training courses and acts as technical coordinator.
CERAA team members also give lectures in other training courses organised by our partners, particularly those pertaining to materials, indoor air quality (the impact of finishing materials), the human and physical environment, rainwater management, etc.
This mission is carried out in partnership with Matriciel, the Institut Eco-Conseil, Cenergie and the ICEDD, so as to ensure that all aspects of construction are covered. CERAA provides training especially on the following:
- Choosing sustainable building materials
- Finishes
- Indoor pollutants
- Green roofs
- External joinery
- Reused materials
- Sustainable renovation
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx
Seminars on sustainable building
Integrating the concept of sustainable building is not always easy for the various stakeholders of a construction or renovation:
- They don’t always have the full picture in terms of sustainability elements (water, materials, etc.)
- It’s sometimes difficult to put the concept of sustainability into practice
- Decisions are hard to put into practice
There are several additional tools to help them improve their skills in this field and Brussels Environment asked for a programme of seminars to be drawn up in order to help overcome these shortcomings as well as achieve a form of centralisation.
CERAA was tasked with this mission, in partnership with Cenergie and the ICEDD, and we’ve organised several cycles of seminars on every aspect of sustainable building in the Brussels Capital region: eco-construction, water management, biodiversity, energy for the third sector such as collective housing, renewable energy, etc.
The aim of these seminars is to stimulate, inspire and inform professionals from the building sector in Brussels so they can implement the principles of sustainable architecture in their practice. Since 2012, these conferences have gradually become unmissable events in terms of sustainable construction in Brussels.Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Organisation of a study trip in Brussels and Antwerp focused on contemporary architecture and heritage buildings
Every year, the "Maison Architecture Auvergne" organises a study trip allowing its members (architects and architecture lovers) to discover contemporary as well as heritage buildings in one particular European city.
For the MAA's 2016 edition, CERAA was asked to plan and coordinate the four-day-visit to both Brussels and Antwerp. We delivered an original et varied program that comprised:
- Visits to construction sites (both new build and renovation) combined with contemporary buildings that illustrate the Brussels Region's expertise in the field of sustainable construction practices;
- Tours, guided by members of CERAA's team, of Brussels' and Antwerp's history as a city and examples of their architectural and cultural heritage;
- Visits to buildings recognised as outstanding exemples of the architectural history of tboth cities (Maison Autrique in Schaerbeek, church of Saint-John-the-Baptist in Molenbeek...);
- Visits to some of the museums that recently opened their doors in Antwerp and Brussels (Train World, MIMA, Museum aan de Stroom...);
- Meetings with local stakeholders in the field of architecture and culture.
Apart from the program itself, CERAA also created an informative booklet for the occasion, containing a brief and to-the-point explanation of the historical context, as well as dedicated project sheets illustrating the visits (including floor plans, construction details, images from archives...)
Our team accompanied MMA's group of visitors during the whole trip and provided them with information, explanations and comments on the subjects adressed. A guided tour of Brussels' historical citycentre was also included, as was a visit to the buildings on the site of Tour & Taxis and a walk through the neighbourhood 'T Eilandje in Antwerp.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
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Duurzaamheidsmeter Wijken: optimisation of a tool for the certification of sustainable neighbourhoods
The Duurzaamheidsmeter Wijken is a tool for the certification of sustainable neighbourhoods in the Flemish Region. Our team was responsible for its optimisation, in partnership with evr-Architecten and the urbanism unit BRAT.
Our aim was to identify potential obstacles to its wider use, which we did by testing the tool against the reality in the field. This involved conducting tests on ongoing or finished neighbourhood projects, organising round-table meetings and consulting with experts.
It was then possible to fine-tune the tool so as to provide added value to the owners, architects or public bodies involved in the development of new neighbourhoods or the renovation of existing ones so they can integrate sustainable development standards in their projects.
The Duurzaamheidsmeter Wijken was published by the Flemish Region in March 2016. It can be downloaded here (website in Flemish):
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Test and optimisation of the “B3 Retrotool” sustainable retrofitting tool
CERAA was tasked by the UCL (“Architecture et Climat” Research Unit) and the ULB (“Bâtir” Research Unit) to assess the “B3 Retrotool”.
This tool was developed as part of an Innoviris mission by two university research centres, the UCL “Architecture et Climat” Research Unit and the ULB “Bâtir” Research unit. Its aim is to suggest prospective renovation scenarios in order to improve the energy and environmental performance of buildings in the Brussels Region.
Thus, the B3 Retrotool provides its user with a number of different renovation strategies using a multi-criteria and multi-scale (neighbourhoods, blocks, buildings) approach.
CERAA took part in the tool’s third development phase, i.e. testing and optimisation. This involved using the tool and testing out its capacity in a critical way.
We compared scenarios suggested by the tool with real constructions so as to assess its relevance and improve it if need be.
The tool is freely available online: http://www.brusselsretrofitxl.be/projects/b%C2%B3-retrotool/
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
“EPB Architect” Service
In order to implement the Ordinance on the Energy Performance and Indoor Climate of Buildings which came into force in the Brussels Region in July 2008, Brussels Environment decided to provide a free support service for architects.
Created in partnership with Architects in Brussels and called “EPB Architect” Service, it offers on-demand consultancy throughout the building process, starting from the moment the plans are drawn.
The support for architects comprises the following:
- Information sessions aimed at architects;
- Advice and support by phone and in writing;
- The circulation of specific information for architects through a newsletter and a website;
- Relaying details on problems encountered in the field to regional politicians and government officials in the form of reports.
The “EPB Architect” Service integrated in January 2016 the Sustainable Building Facilitator Office. Professionals of the building sector can now address their questions regarding EPB-regulation in Brussels to the Facilitator using the following contact details:
0800/85.775
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx
Training sessions for future EPB Advisers recognised by Brussels Environment
The EFPME (today called EFP) is a training body whose EPB Adviser training is recognised by Brussels Environment.
CERAA takes part, at the EFPME’s request, in modules aimed at obtaining the EPB Adviser certification or to update one’s knowledge and renew one’s certification (refresher training courses). Our lectures present the EPB regulations’ ordinances and decrees, as well as their content: administrative procedures, nature of the works, requirements to comply with, etc.
As new regulations in terms of energy performance of buildings have recently come into effect, advisers had to be trained rather quickly. This was done on a weekly basis. Today, training is provided on a three-monthly basis and focuses mainly on refresher courses for advisers.
More information on the training sessions on the website of EFP (website in French):
More information on the website of Brussels Environment (website in French and Dutch):
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx
Environmental profile of building elements: development of the MMG calculation method
The OVAM (Openbare Vlaamse Afvalstoffenmaatschappij – Public Waste Agency of Flanders) believes it is fundamental to have a clear idea of the environmental impact of the materials used in construction. This is why the agency called upon CERAA’s consultancy services to develop and improve a tool, to adapt it to the reality in the field and to make it user-friendly. We carried out a study aimed at developing a method for calculating the environmental profile of the building elements, which will enable the various construction professionals and project managers to better identify the environmental performance of the materials used in their projects.
We then tested this calculation method on real, existing projects in order to assess how easy it is to use, how much time its application requires and the information it provides.
A final report was handed over, including our conclusions and recommendations, so as to enable the finalisation of the tool. CERAA also assisted the experts tasked with developing its IT interface.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Updating the inventory of employment shortages in the sustainable construction sector
Based on the notion that the environmental issues linked to the construction sector could lead to the creation of jobs and economic growth in the Brussels region, the Alliance Emploi-Environnement (AEE, Employment-Environment Alliance) – Sustainable Building Pole, commissioned CERAA with a study on the trades and skills in the sustainable construction and renovation sector.
This involves updating a list of trades and skills of which there is a shortage in the construction sector, encompassing all stages of the project from design to on-site or in-workshop implementation.
This list is part of an initiative by the Brussels Government, the initiator of the AEE, to encourage a transition of the construction sector to more sustainable practices. It will allow them to support the Brussels-based professional stakeholders of this sector who are most buoyant in terms of growth and employment.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Integration of European sustainability criteria into construction instruments for public procurement in the Flemish Region
Keen to comply with European recommendations (Green Public Procurement) in all its sustainable public procurements by 2020, the Flemish Region has called upon CERAA to carry out an analysis of the instruments pertaining to building and renovation projects (guides, manuals) used by its various bodies (assessment tool for the schools of GO! and Agion, standard specifications for the Vlaamse Maatschappij voor Sociaal Wonen and for the Agentschap Facilitair Management). Subsenquentely, CERAA made suggestions for the integration of these European sustainability criteria into the analysed instruments, while bearing in mind those criteria already implemented so as to avoid contradictions and take into account existing specificities.
Following an in-depth analysis, CERAA put forward suggestions to implement missing and relevant sustainability criteria on the one hand, and to align the various instruments with the European recommendations as best as possible.Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Audits and recommendations for efficient energy use in private housing in partnership with the CPAS of Forest
Energy use related to housing is an important issue in our regions. Thus, Brussels housing’s energy use in 2009 amounted to 40% of the region’s overall energy use.
In order to help its target users reduce their energy bills, the CPAS of the Municipality of Forest called upon CERAA and EcoRes to, on the one hand, offer to interested persons training courses on efficient energy use (taken care of by EcoRes) and to carry out the following dual mission (taken care of by CERAA):
- Carrying out energy audits of the housing units of persons receiving help from the CPAS of the municipality, based on a detailed check-list
- Issuing recommendations for potential interventions to improve residents’ comfort while, at the same time, reducing their energy use (fitting thermostatic valves, better ventilation, small works, etc.)
Contact person: Quentin Blondeau
Practical building guide: in-depth study and evolution
CERAA has, at the request of Brussels Environment and in partnership with Matriciel and Cenergie, reworked the Practical Guide for Sustainable Construction and Renovation of Small Buildings (drawn up by CERAA in 2007). It’s now called “Sustainable Building Guide” and can be consulted online via: http://www.guidebatimentdurable.brussels
We’ve carried out a structural overhaul of the guide and have developed themes and criteria that were missing.
We’ve also developed the tool into a proper manual, in close connection with the Référentiel Construction Durable (Sustainable Construction Frame of Reference), to which we’ve also lent our expertise.
This guide is a work tool which can be read at various levels, each suited to the entry level and specific needs of its professional users. It’s available in an interactive format.
It allows for the definition of a framework and issues so as to provide a precise answer to one or more precise questions. It’s also upgradeable and thus useful to professionals throughout the various stages of a project.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Labelling and certification: towards a “sustainable” Belgian assessement method
To assess a building’s sustainability is from now on possible, thanks to an assessement method developed by CERAA for the Brussels Capital Region, and which can be used on a national level through an open and constructive approach aiming to integrate inter-regional and federal collaboration.
CERAA has been tasked with developing this assessment method for sustainable buildings, defining its structure, drafting its contents and adapting it to offices and housing (individual and collective). This mission has been carried out in partnership with SumResearch, EcoRes and the PMP.
We have also provided our expertise and have coordinated the project. Furthermore, we’ve acted as a facilitator in the exchanges between Brussels Environment and the other stakeholders.
Finally, after carrying out a previous study on the feasibility of a certification system for eco-buildings, eco-neighbourhoods and eco-trade, carried out by CERAA and EcoRes for Brussels Environment, we’re creating a free self-assessment tool, enabling labelling or certification and thus clearing the way to a BREEAM certification.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Windows of heritage value: thermal improvement guide
It’s possible to improve the thermal performance of existing window frames without replacing them, something which is actually necessary when said windows are of heritage value.
It’s in this context that CERAA studied, for Brussels Environment and in partnership with the ULg and Xylonis, the impact of thermal improvement of windows in traditional buildings of the Brussels Capital Region.
We started our study by establishing 6 representative initial scenarios (window frames often found in the Region).
We wanted to determine the various performances of these window frames: aesthetic and heritage value, thermal and hygrometric, acoustic, technical, financial and in terms of lighting and air quality.
At the end of these analyses, a number of thermal improvement scenarios were suggested, including details on the performance of these improvements. Once the process was completed, a summary of the results obtained following the prescribed interventions was drawn up.
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx
Study of the life cycle of 10 thermal insulation materials
CERAA is part of the team tasked by the Federal Public Office for Health & Environment with an in-depth study of the life cycle of 10 thermal insulation materials (5 considered sustainable and 5 considered non-sustainable) used in a ventilated cavity wall, in partnership with the KULeuven, VITO, VIBE and Renuables.
These analyses were conducted using a rigorous method and were based on data from environmental statements given by the producers and verified by a third, qualified person, following the definition of the rules pertaining to products and categories (PCRs).
CERAA’s role was to cast a critical eye over the analyses conducted as part of the study, and to draft a summary. A summary report and a booklet setting out the definition method for indicators and units bring together the results of this research, which later led to the formulation of recommendations for the relevant Federal Public Office, i.e. the Health Office.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Training course on sustainable water management organised for the Institut Eco-Conseil
The Institut Eco-Conseil (IEC, i.e. Eco-Advice Institute) is a not-for-profit training centre specialised in environmental consultancy. Its approach is clearly focussed on the collective effort towards sustainable development.
At their request, CERAA took part in their “Sustainable water management” module of the Eco-Adviser training course which took place in June 2013, and tackled the theme “Sustainable water management in and around a building”.
Our part focussed on addressing water-specific issues and problems and on providing some answers on how to ensure its sustainable management within the buildings and on the plots on which these are built.
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx
Training of Residential EPB Certifiers, recognised by Brussels Environment
The EFPME (today called EFP) is a training body whose Residential Certifier training course is recognised by Brussels Environment.
There are three types of certifiers: residential, service sector and public building. The EFPME called upon CERAA’s services between 2011 and 2014 as part of its training of Residential EPB Certifiers approved by Brussels Environment.
At a rate of one training course per trimester, CERAA presented the entire energy performance certification protocol for individual housing and explained how to use the EPB Certification software.
This training course enables participants to master the regulations and technical tools necessary to carry out their function of Residential Certifier.
More information on the website of Brussels Environment:
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx
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Assistance in the elaboration of the Sustainable Buildings Vade-mecum of the Société Wallonne du Logement
CERAA stepped in at several levels, as part of the creation of the Société Wallonne du Logement’s (Walloon Housing Association) Vade-mecum, in order to assist the Université de Mons in elaborating the document:
- Defining the Vade-mecum’s structure and overall field
- Defining the structure and contents of each of the Vade-mecum’s themes and subsections
- Transferring the contents of the “Water” section and subsections from the “Practical guide for the sustainable construction and renovation of small buildings”
- Re-reading and supervising the students from the Université de Mons who were tasked with drafting these different sections.
The Vade-mecum is available via: http://www.swl.be/brochures-et-publications/49-vademecum/vade-mecum-batiment-durable. It’s meant as a tool to help with decision-making and comprises various sections and an Excel spreadsheet. These are used to assess the level of integration of the sustainable construction standards into a given architectural project. Although the tool is aimed at policymakers, it’s available to anyone.
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx
Analysis of construction waste management in the Brussels Region, both ‘upstream’ on-site and ‘downstream’
CERAA carried out, at the request of Brussels Environment and in partnership with Rotor asbl, a four-phase study on construction waste:
- Analysing and defining types of building sites specific to the Brussels Region and establishing a quantitative methodology allowing the extrapolation of results to the entire Region
- Analysing so-called ‘upstream’ practices: visit of 40 building sites with questionnaire, in-depth analysis of 3 projects, from design and guidelines pertaining to waste set out in the specifications
- Analysing so-called ‘downstream’ flows, particularly with regard to recycling and waste management centres and manufacturers
- Analysing social and economic aspects linked to these flows, identifying shortcomings and potentialities, particularly in terms of the creation of quality jobs.
The report on the “Study on the analysis of the field, the flows and the construction/demolition waste management and prevention practices in BCR” is available on the Brussels Environment website:
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Energy audit of the listed houses from the “Le Logis” and “Floréal” garden cities
The housing complex of the “Le Logis” and “Floréal” garden cities comprises 1029 listed houses, mainly social housing.
At the request of the DMS (Brussels Capital Region’s National Sites and Monuments Department), CERAA carried out a study aimed at defining the most relevant measures needed to improve the energy performance of these buildings.
We tackled the issue from the following angles: heritage conservation, energy performance, hygrothermic risks and social-economic situation.
Our study was carried out in several stages:
- A survey of the inhabitants of about 40 houses
- Current level of energy performance
- In-depth audit on a representative sample of 10 houses
- Calculation of potential performance levels
- Extrapolation to the entire garden cities
- Recommendations
We’ve also provided indications for the creation of trial projects and for the implementation of an action plan involving the entire housing complex.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Practical guide for the sustainable planning of public spaces
In order to complete the “Practical guide for the sustainable construction and renovation of small buildings” (available today under the title “Sustainable Building Guide”), Brussels Environment asked CERAA (in partnership with D+A International) to produce factsheets with technical and methodological recommendations aimed at the designers and contracting authorities of planning projects for public spaces who wish to minimise the environmental impact of their project.
These guidelines identify various practices, concrete solutions and operational potentialities, which are relevant and efficient from a technical, environmental and economic point of view in terms of sustainable planning and renovation of public spaces in the Brussels context.
The guide is available on the Brussels Environment website:
Study on the feasibility of a certification system for eco-buildings, eco-neighbourhoods and eco-trades
CERAA carried out a feasibility study of a system to identify exemplary buildings, neighbourhoods and professionals in terms of sustainable development, in partnership with EcoRes and at the request of Brussels Environment.
The objective is to be able to roll out this “eco-building”, “eco-neighbourhood” and “eco-trade” certification system in the entire Brussels Region.
In order to make this possible, an analysis of the sector’s needs, together with an assessment of the existing systems and processes were carried out. Representative stakeholders of the sector were also consulted so as to allow them to give their opinion on the scenarios considered and identify strong points and weaknesses.
Contact person: Liesbet Temmerman
Study on urban wind turbines in the Brussels Region
Wishing to develop the use of wind energy in the Brussels Capital Region, Brussels Environment appointed CERAA to carry out a detailed study of the possibility of building one or more wind turbines in a given urban area.
CERAA analysed the current authorisation procedures and regulations, the existing technology, the experimental projects already in progress, the models suitable for the Region and the possibilities of connection to the grid.
We also compiled a map of the sites and buildings likely to be selected for wind turbine-building.
This preliminary work was complemented with technical and economic studies and with analyses on feasibility and impact in order to develop and examine those potentialities identified by CERAA.
Study on the potential of the Brussels Capital Region in terms of passive building
With a view to assess the potential of the Brussels Capital Region in terms of passive buildings and low-energy renovation, CERAA was tasked with a large-scale study involving several stages:
- Assessing the Region’s entire housing stock and its development in terms of passive architecture
- Assessing the potentialities in terms of passive building and low-energy renovation in the whole area, taking into account environmental, economic and social aspects.
This region-wide study also took into account “micro” aspects such as the implementation conditions of architectural projects.
Contact person: Frederic Luyckx