Kamp C motivates collaboration with bespoke firms for the future of construction
In the context of climate targets, the construction industry today faces the gigantic challenge of reducing its consumption and emissions. To succeed in this, bio-based materials and circular construction will gain increasing importance. However, many non-automated operations - and thus a lot of labour - are needed to enable the reuse of materials. This is where bespoke companies can take on a strong role, as they excel at repetitive, non-automated work
Challenges for the construction sector
The construction sector accounts for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, half of energy consumption and material flows and one-third of water consumption. However, the EU climate targets call for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 32.5% reduction in energy use by 2030. "So we are facing a huge challenge," explains project manager Kelly Penen of Kamp C. "To work towards these targets, we will have to put more effort into bio-based materials and circular construction." In circular construction, products and materials stay in the construction chain, instead of becoming waste. They are used as efficiently as possible so that they are kept in the cycle for as long as possible, while retaining their value. This reduces global CO2 emissions.
But that is not the only challenge facing the construction industry today. Construction companies are struggling with staff shortages, with 7 in 10 contractors failing to fill their vacancies.
The added value of bespoke companies
Bespoke companies are social enterprises whose main task is to employ people with a large distance to the labour market. The employees in these companies experience thresholds or problems that make a job in the regular circuit not or no longer possible.
Customised companies excel in repetitive, non-automated work. That is why they are incredibly valuable in the transition of the construction sector as we know it today towards more circularity. Indeed, enabling the reuse of materials requires many non-automated and labour-intensive tasks, such as dismantling, reworking or assembling materials and products. These tasks are ideally suited for social employment.
Sustainability, that is also choosing local entrepreneurship. Thanks to the 53 social economy companies in the province of Antwerp, our companies have a wide choice. Moreover, cooperating with social economy companies is a great added value for the construction sector. They are known as local and reliable partners who also offer market-based prices. The result is qualitative and the cooperation creates a positive and social impact, with the companies and employees deriving pride from satisfied customers.
Brochure full of tips and information
To highlight the role of tailoring companies, Kamp C developed a brochure in cooperation with various partners. This brochure contains many inspiring examples for contractors, design agencies and material producers, as well as concrete situations of how cooperation between construction and social economy is already happening in practice today. It also answers the most common questions and concerns regarding social economy. The brochure also contains many tips, tools and useful websites for construction companies themselves to join forces with a social economy company. "The role of bespoke construction companies in circular construction"