Our Belgian Green Building Council Journey: From Vision to Reality
It all started with a simple yet striking realization. Several CEOs from Belgium’s real estate sector got engaged in discussions about the future of sustainable real-estate. As the conversation deepened, one fundamental gap became evident; Belgium had no Green Building Council. While other countries had established strong, structured organizations driving sustainability in the built environment, Belgium lacked a unifying platform to connect and guide the whole real estate eco-system towards a greener future.
This realization was the catalyst for action.
Laying the Foundations: A Core Working Group
Determined to fill this gap, a small group of industry pioneers took the first step: Passionate members of Alides, Bopro, Montea, Heylen Warehouses, VUB, ING, Kolmont formed a working group with a shared commitment to sustainability. These Core Founders were driven by a common belief; Belgium needed a Green Building Council that represented the entire real estate ecosystem.
As the group expanded, so did its ambition. What started as a handful of dedicated individuals quickly grew into a coalition of 18 key stakeholders, each representing a crucial part of the real estate eco-system. Constructors, Developers, Investors, Architects, Consultancy Services, Financial Institutions, and Academics all came together, not just as participants, but as co-creators of a vision. This diverse group became the Board of Directors, tasked with defining what the Belgian Green Building Council (BGBC) should be, and more importantly, what it should stand for.
Shaping the Vision, Mission, and Structure
The road was not without challenges. Many discussions were held, debates were passionate, and perspectives diverse - but that was precisely the strength of the initiative. The group was motivated to find alignment on a shared vision, mission, and its role, ensuring that BGBC would be action-driven. At this stage of the journey, we were accompanied by the Co-Founder and previous CEO of the Dutch Green Building Council, Annemarie Van Doorn.
To enhance efficiency & relevance and broaden its influence, the initiative welcomed an additional 13 Founders, carefully selected to strengthen the Council’s foundation. With this extended leadership team, a clear governance structure was put in place. The decision was made to establish BGBC as a VZW/ASBL, a non-profit structure ensuring transparency, credibility, and long-term impact.
BGBC is fully committed to facilitate the real estate sector in the coming years with knowledge and tools. The decision to appoint a dedicated Director has been a crucial milestone, confirming its’s commitment to turning vision into action.
The Official Kick-Off: A Historic Moment
While finalizing its final details, BGBC was ready to take its first official step as a true organization. And what better place to do so than at the VUB’s Braem building, a symbol of sustainable renovation.
The intimate launch event was more than just a milestone, it was a statement. Industry leaders gathered to mark the beginning of a new chapter for Belgium’s built environment. The event was a testament to the power of collaboration, commitment, and shared ambition.
This Is Just the Beginning
The creation of the Belgian Green Building Council is a story of vision, persistence, and collective action. What began as a conversation among a handful of CEOs has now evolved into a market driven ambition, with a shared commitment to a more sustainable built environment.
But this journey is far from over. In fact, it is just the beginning.
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but also with immense opportunities. And together, as a community of changemakers, we will continue to push the boundaries, challenge the status quo, and shape a greener, more resilient Belgium.