Adaptive capacity and reuse audit with inventory
Carrying out a reuse audit & inventory is the first step to assess whether a building contains elements with reuse potential and to organize the reuse on-site or in another project. In addition, the adaptive capacity of the building can also be assessed in this phase.
By evaluating how adaptable a building is to future needs, it can be determined whether it needs less extensive renovations or adjustments in the long term, which is both financially and environmentally beneficial.
Reuse of the building structure
We evaluate the feasibility of reusing the building structure for your renovation project. This includes a thorough technical inspection and assessment of the condition and suitability of the building structure in terms of stability and fire safety in relation to the new design requirements.
Reusing the structure reduces the demand for new raw materials, and therefore reduces CO2 emissions, as well as overall costs. By giving the building structure and materials a second life, we contribute to the circular economy.
Technical evaluation of reusable and innovative materials
Unlike mass-produced new materials – whose technical characteristics are measured and declared by the manufacturer when placed on the market – reused and innovative materials do not always come with the necessary technical documentation. However, it would be wrong to consider reused materials as being of lower quality compared to their new equivalents. On the contrary, in some cases they actually present very interesting technical properties.
We can carry out a suitability assessment to gather as much information as possible, evaluate technical performance, and provide assurance in this respect by:
- reviewing documentation from the original use,
- preparing a risk analysis (which can be extended to fire safety, hazardous substances, …),
- performing a visual inspection of the materials,
- monitoring dismantling works,
- conducting tests and analysing the results.
BIM & Digital Passports
Using digital models to track the technical characteristics of a building, including the materials used, offers significant benefits for future maintenance, repair and reuse. On the one hand, this provides better documentation and, on the other hand, makes comprehensive life cycle assessments and analyses possible.
Together, we can set up these digital models to keep track of the relevant technical features, using our advanced inspection techniques and 3D laser scanning techniques.
Mobility Assessment
Mobiliteitstoets
Voor kleine en middelgrote ontwikkelingen is een volwaardige Mobiliteitseffectenstudie (MOBER) niet verplicht en volstaat een mobiliteitstoets. In deze analyse wordt een bereikbaarheids- en mobiliteitsprofiel opgemaakt van het project, waarin de verkeersimpact van het project bekeken wordt (aantal verplaatsingen, bereikbaarheid openbaar vervoer, parkeerbehoefte,…).
Nitrogen Assessment
We verify whether the Nitrogen Decree applies to your project and, if necessary, provide a nitrogen assessment report. In this study, the impact score and nitrogen deposition are calculated to determine whether the project may cause any significant effects on valuable habitats in the surrounding area.
Inventarisation & protection of trees
Trees are an important driver of urban biodiversity and a key asset for climate adaptation. They also contribute to visual quality and human well-being. The preservation of valuable trees is becoming increasingly important in permitting procedures.
Through a tree inventory, the value and health condition of the trees on site are assessed, and the potential impact of construction works on their vitality and stability is evaluated. With a well-founded tree protection plan, major damage during the construction phase can be avoided.
Rainwater Assessment
The rainwater assessment evaluates to what extent a project manages rainwater responsibly and applies the principles of infiltration, buffering, delayed discharge, and reuse. Its objective is to reduce the risk of flooding and to preserve the natural water cycle as much as possible. As an independent party, we assist project owners in developing an efficient rainwater strategy in accordance with the Rainwater General Regulation (GSV Hemelwater).
Nature & Species Assessment
The nature & species assessment evaluates whether a project causes any avoidable damage to nature, such as habitat loss or disturbance. It also specifically examines whether the construction or operation of the project could lead to significant disturbance of protected animal or plant species (e.g. birds, bats, amphibians, etc.). The scope of this study largely depends on the project’s location and its proximity to natural areas.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) audit assesses the impact of a construction project on biodiversity and identifies opportunities to achieve an increase in biodiversity. This includes analysing habitats, species richness, and ecological connectivity.
BNG is preferably used for urban transformations or major area developments. In the United Kingdom, an increase in biodiversity of at least 10% is already a mandatory target for all development projects.
BREEAM Land Use & Ecology
Within BREEAM, credits can be obtained on various sustainability themes, including biodiversity (LE 01 to 05). It describes specific conditions for sustainable land use, the protection and creation of habitats, as well as the long-term improvement of biodiversity for the construction site and surrounding areas.
We can support you with the necessary analyses and the collection of evidence to maintain or improve the biodiversity of your construction project within this framework.
