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When designing a building, how does Architeam ensure that the interior design is immediately done as efficiently as possible? During Voka's Top Talks 2024, Rik Liekens, founder of Architeam gave more insight into this.
Our motto
‘The most sustainable square metre is the square metre that is not built on.’
We try to use space in an efficient way. As miK Climate Ambassador 2023, we are the ideal party to talk about sustainable efficiency in construction.
Architeam, founded in 1983 in Boortmeerbeek and with representatives in Poland, France, Romania, and New Zealand, is a key player in the development of commercial and utility buildings (logistics and industrial), as well as mixed-use projects, including residential and commercial buildings.
With a focus on all aspects of design, architecture and technical studies, our firm also emphasises the processes that lead to innovative solutions. What also sets this firm apart is the diversity of its staff.
At a time when traditional ‘green’ technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps are increasingly discussed, Architeam advocates looking beyond the usual solutions and asking, ‘What more can we do to achieve the ambitious 2050 goals?’
Mindset
Sustainability is at the heart of our entrepreneurship. As entrepreneurs, we feel a broader responsibility than individuals.
According to the 1987 definition of the UN Brundtland Commission, sustainability is essential for meeting the needs of the current generation without endangering future generations. For us, sustainability is more than a concept; it is a mindset, an attitude to life that is constantly questioned and integrated into all aspects of our business.
The first step
Our first step when heavily renovating a building or putting up a new one is to gather all possible ideas on sustainability and critically evaluate them, with the aim of making improvements without jeopardising our continuity.
In the construction sector, where we have a significant share of global CO2 emissions, we face a huge challenge. To meet the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement, we need to rethink our approach and show our innovative strength.
The essence of sustainable building
The power of sustainability starts with critically evaluating what is truly essential. Instead of simply building more, we need to ask how we can minimise transport and save energy. Our principal ‘The most sustainable square metre is still the one we should not build’ illustrates this approach. This does not mean that we should not build more - on the contrary, the need for building projects remains immense. But it highlights the value of efficiency and economy, focusing on avoiding unnecessary operations and minimising waste.
Green energy purchase
Next, let's look at the topic of green energy procurement. While buying green energy can play an important role, we need to go one step further to reduce our carbon footprint.
Circular
One of the most promising approaches is the implementation of a circular economy within the construction sector. By reusing, recycling, and upcycling building materials, we create a closed-loop system where nothing is lost and waste is minimized.
Logistics
In addition, logistical efficiency is of crucial importance. The smarter we are in organizing construction processes and transporting materials, the lower our ecological impact will be. This requires smart route planning, sharing transport resources, and using electric vehicles.
Techniques
Digital technologies also play an essential role in the pursuit of sustainability within the construction sector. Innovations such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality, and drones can help optimize construction processes, reduce errors, and work more efficiently.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Finally, collaboration is vital. By working together with partners from different sectors, we can share knowledge and expertise, develop joint solutions, and make progress faster.
Conclusion
In short, sustainable entrepreneurship in the construction sector requires a holistic approach, innovation, and collaboration. It's not just about implementing new technologies, but also about redefining our way of thinking and acting. Let's take on this challenge with an open mind and the willingness to think outside the box. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for us all.
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