The green roof market - Belgium

The global green roofing market, valued at USD 1.1 billion, is enjoying robust growth. Projections indicate a surge in demand, with an expected growth rate of around 17% CAGR from 2020 to 2027. Governments around the world are facilitating this expansion through tax incentives and regulations encouraging the adoption of green roof systems. For example, New York's requirement to retrofit roofs with solar or eco-roofing systems should further stimulate market growth. Despite a low penetration rate, urbanization trends and the benefits of green roofs, such as heat reduction, water filtration and pollution control, point to a growing market.particularly in highly urbanized regions such as North America, and in cities with green roof policies such as Tokyo and Paris.

The Belgian market is particularly promising, especially in Brussels, where new buildings over 100 m² are required by law to have green roofs. With an urbanization rate of almost 98%, the demand for green roofs in Belgium could intensify as it offers opportunities for companies specializing in eco-construction, especially as concerns about energy efficiency and environmental impact gain ground.

The emerging potential of green roofs in Belgium

A fast-growing market The Belgian green roof market, while still in its infancy compared to its European counterparts, has great potential, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact.the Belgian green roof market, while still in its infancy compared to its European counterparts, offers significant potential, particularly in urban areas where the high concentration of buildings encourages the adoption of environmentally-friendly roofing solutions. The technique has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in countries such as France and Belgium, with adoption rates on the rise due to the notable benefits of green roofs in terms of sustainability and urban planning. One of the main trends in the Belgian market is the adaptation of these roofs to new buildings and renovations. The average maintenance cost of these roofs remains low, particularly for extensive roofs characterized by a thin layer of vegetation and substrate. The inherent advantages of green roofs make them not only environmentally beneficial, but also cost-effective in the long term.

Despite a currently low penetration rate, demand for green roofs is underpinned by their ability to mitigate heat, control water filtration and reduce pollution - a set of benefits particularly relevant in tropical regions. The Belgian market represents a growing segment of this global trend. Given Belgium's urban area relative to that of France, the volume of the green roof market in Belgium is estimated at around 14.3% of the volume of the French market. With a market that has yet to be fully mapped, Belgium could see its green roof segment grow in the coming years, supported by government initiatives and a robust urbanization rate in excess of 98%. Demand for green roofs is also supported by the number of building permits issued for residential and non-residential construction.

In 2020 alone, over 68,000 permits were granted, representing an increase. The smaller gap between new builds and renovations suggests an evolving market that favours the incorporation of green roof systems during the initial construction phases. In addition, the Flemish region, which accounts for the bulk of these permits, is showing pronounced economic vitality and could represent a significant opportunity for green roof companies. Another notable trend is the growing ecological awareness of city dwellers. Almost 99% of houses and over 95% of apartments are currently not in line with the targets set for 2050 under the European Green Pact and the Paris Agreement. With a significant segment of the building stock, the key players shaping the green roof landscape are As we delve deeper into the green roof market ecosystem, several notable companies emerge as key contributors to this environmentally conscious and growing sector.

Each player, with its distinct approaches and services, is shaping the market and contributing to its expansion.

• Groenbedrijf Van Vlierde: A Flemish green roof pioneer Based in Flanders, Groenbedrijf Van Vlierden deserves recognition for its pioneering role in popularizing green roofs in Belgium. With robust annual growth of 15-20% in its installation area, Van Vlierden has been laying impressive expanses of green roofs, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 square meters per week. This success illustrates the growing demand and the company's leading role in the sector.
• Harmonie: the synthesis of green roofing and maintenance More than just installation, Harmonie offers its customers an essential service: green roof maintenance. Recognizing that maintenance is an essential factor in the longevity and effectiveness of green roofs, Harmonie's comprehensive offerings ensure that these ecological investments will continue to produce benefits for years to come.
• Green Plan: Adapting to the upside of the pandemic The 19-year-old avian flu pandemic has led to an unexpected surge in the green roofing market, as individuals look to improve their living spaces during closed periods. Green Plan director Glenn Hernans noted that these new needs have led to increased demand for green roofs from private individuals, indicating that the market has shifted from government-initiated to consumer-led projects.
• Belgian Federation of Green Roofs (BFG): Advocacy for green roofs Under the leadership of Yves Heirman, the Belgian Federation of Green Roofs (BFG) actively promotes the growth of the sector, which has been on an upward trajectory for several years. The BFG's advocacy efforts have been crucial in representing the industry's interests and promoting the adoption of green roofs. These players, whether service providers, advocacy groups or maintenance specialists, are not simply individual entities working in a niche market.

They are essential elements of a complex market structure that collectively pushes the boundaries of urban sustainability. Thanks to their innovation, dedication and responsiveness to global challenges and consumer behavior, these companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of a booming sector that promises to make our cities greener and our planet healthier.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/10/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Market size of green roofs
• Evolution of the urbanization rate
• Evolution of the number of authorized building permits, in residential buildings
• Evolution of the number of authorized building permits, in non-residential buildings
• Distribution of residential building permits by region
• Distribution of non-residential building permits by region
• Roof insulation rate by region