Events

Conference Series on Scaling Up Sustainable Renovations: A Policy Challenge in the Approach to Sustainable Home Renovation

Conference Series on Scaling Up Sustainable Renovations: A Policy Challenge in the Approach to Sustainable Home Renovations. The three conferences will take place in Brussels at the KBR (Royal Library of Belgium). Three conferences are planned for the fall of 2024, all at the KBR (Royal Library). Below you will find more information about the conferences.

Wednesday 25 September 2024 - 9AM to 5PM

Conference on Policy Challenges in the Approach to Sustainable Home Renovation

Wednesday 30 October 2024 - - 9AM to 5PM

Conference on Collective Challenges and the Apartment Sector

Wednesday 27 November 2024 - - 9AM to 5PM

Conference on Local Renovation Policy and Sustainability

Link to the Registration Module for the Conference Series "Scaling Up Sustainable Renovations"

Watch the recording of the conference sessions

After registering on our learning platform, you will gain access to the recordings. Please note that the recordings are only available after each event on September 25, October 30, and November 27.

Wednesday 25 September 2024  

Conference on Policy Challenges in the Approach to Sustainable Home Renovation

Scaling Up Sustainable Renovations: A Policy Challenge in the Approach to Sustainable Home Renovation
 
On September 25, 2024, the launch will be given for a series of inspiring conferences on the future of sustainable housing renovations in Belgium. This first conference on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, highlights the importance of facilitating access to quality information and advice for scaling up renovation efforts, in light of the various regional long-term renovation goals for 2050 in Belgium. This conference offers policymakers, professionals, and experts from different sectors and regions the opportunity to collectively reflect on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable renovations with a view to the long-term renovation strategy for 2050. The conference is part of the LIFE IP BE REEL project and will allow the project partners to present their concrete approaches and results during the event.

The event will kick off with a keynote speech by Kate Raworth on "Doughnut Economics" and its relevance to the renovation sector.

Following this, a European representative will present the new EU guidelines for achieving emission-free homes by 2050, after which policymakers from Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels will discuss the long-term renovation strategies for their respective regions.

The program includes several presentations on regional initiatives designed to enhance access to high-quality renovation advice and information, such as the Flemish Woningpas and the Walloon renovation tools. The city of Mechelen will present its research on using energy bills as a tool to motivate citizens to take action.

Practical examples of both individual and collective approaches will be shared by project leaders from energy agencies and cities like Antwerp, Mechelen, and Mouscron, illustrating how collaboration can lead to a more sustainable future.

rédéric Deborsu will moderate the conference, which will be held at the beautiful KBR in Brussels. Simultaneous translation will be available in Dutch, French, and English. There will be dedicated time for questions and discussion. Participation is free of charge.

All conferences are free and will be held at the KBR, Kunstberg/Mont des Arts 28, 1000 Brussels (near Central Station). Reserve your spot now! Space is limited, so be sure to register.  
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable and emission-free housing renovations in Belgium. 

Wednesday 30 October 2024

Conference on Collective Challenges and the Apartment Sector

The Collective Approach for Scaling Up Sustainable Building Renovations in Belgium

The event aims to unite policymakers, professionals, and stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities of achieving emission-free building renovations by 2050.

Here's why you shouldn't miss it:
- Learn from Experts: Johan Albrechts from UGent will discuss the necessity of collective action for sustainable renovations and the obstacles we face.
- Discover Best Practices: Engage with presentations showcasing local action and best practices from Antwerp, Ghent, and other Belgian cities.
- Tackle Challenges: Participate in sessions addressing specific challenges and success stories in apartment renovations.
- Interactive Workshops: Join hands-on workshops on local action and apartment renovations.
- Focus on Inclusivity: Understand policies that support vulnerable families in renovation efforts.
- Innovate with Renewable Energy: Learn about integrating renewable energy into local renovation initiatives.

Preliminary Agenda

Session Title: Challenges and Experiences with Apartment Renovations

>Introduction - practicals
>KEYNOTE : Johan Albrecht
>Plenary - Session Title: Focus on Vulnerable Families in Renovation Policy
>Plenary - Session Title: Local Integrated Action with Renewable Energy
>Plenary & Workshop: Local Action and Best Practice Examples
>Plenary & Workshop: Challenges and Experiences with Apartment Renovations
>Conclusions and guidelines
>Reception and Network drink

Wednesday 27 November 2024 

Conference on Local Renovation Policy and Sustainability

Housing Renovation scaled up with challenges at regional and local levels in Belgium

This is the third conference in the series, which will focus on establishing renovation processes and activities on the local level within a comprehensive long-term strategy. The event will feature guidelines and lessons learned from the BE REEL pilot and demonstration projects, along with presentations from local authorities and other stakeholders. The aim is to formulate recommendations for government policies in Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels, and the EU.

The conference will consist of plenary sessions, working groups, and conclusive insights into sustainable housing renovation.

The goal of this conference is to deliver actionable outcomes by integrating sustainable renovation practices into long-term strategies. The first conference is also scheduled for September 25, 2024, with a focus on providing access to quality information and advice for scaling up renovation works aligned with regional long-term renovation goals in Belgium. It will emphasize communication and incentive measures to enable informed decision-making and active participation in renovation works. The second conference, scheduled for October 30, will focus on collective policy challenges, the apartment sector, and vulnerable people.

Preliminary Agenda

>Introduction - practicals
>KEYNOTE To be confirmed
>Local Renovation Strategy I
>Local Renovation Strategy II
>Capacity Building Sector
>Sustainable Built Environment
>Conclusions and guidelines


Conference Details:

• The sessions are designed for policymakers, stakeholders, civil society organizations, non-profits, renovation sector professionals, and researchers.
• Christophe Deborsu will moderate all three days, with simultaneous translation provided.
• Location: KBR (Royal Library of Belgium), Brussels.
• Organized by the Flemish and Walloon Regions and the cities of Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen, La Louvière, and Mouscron.

These conferences promote effective policies and best practices, facilitate access to quality information and advice, and encourage active participation in sustainable renovation works.