The Stedendriehoek region will take an accelerated step in biobased (re)construction from 2025. The use of biobased materials – natural and ecologically responsible raw materials – not only reduces CO2 emissions, but also requires less energy during production. This sustainable construction method fits in seamlessly with the urgency to green the construction sector. Municipalities and partners in the region contribute financially and practically to this transition.
Collaboration for a sustainable future
A broad collaboration forms the basis of this initiative. Farmers, building materials producers, construction companies, architects, governments and housing corporations join forces to apply sustainable building materials from the region. Municipalities such as Apeldoorn, Brummen, Heerde and Voorst work intensively with housing corporations such as Woonbedrijf Ieder1 and Veluwonen, as well as housing associations such as Rentree, Triada and IJsseldal Wonen. Waterschap Vallei en Veluwe also plays an active role in this collaboration.
On December 6, 2024, the Biobased (Re)Construction 30-30-30 deal was signed. This ambitious program aims to ensure that 30% of all new construction and sustainability projects in 2030 will be realized with at least 30% biobased materials. This objective gives a strong boost to the joint ambition to build biobased faster and more efficiently.
From plant to building
The province of Gelderland is facing the challenge of realising more than 2030 new homes by 104.000. Some of these will be built in the Stedendriehoek. In order to meet demand, construction must be fast, affordable, flexible and sustainable. This is where biobased materials come into the picture, which have a positive impact from the cultivation of fibre crops. The production of these materials requires less energy and contributes to the storage of CO2.
Since 2023, the Stedendriehoek has been working on a chain collaboration 'from plant to building'. This initiative accelerates the transition to a biobased living environment and ties in with the regional Smart Green Urbanization program. The use of regionally grown fiber crops reduces dependence on CO2-intensive building materials and at the same time stimulates the local economy.
New opportunities for farmers
The cultivation of fibre crops offers farmers a new revenue model, especially for farmers who have to scale down their livestock or switch to nature-inclusive agriculture. In addition to income from fibre cultivation, they benefit from ecosystem services and the sale of carbon certificates. This approach contributes to the objectives of Vital Rural Area Gelderland (VLGG), such as nitrogen reduction, improvement of water quality and climate goals.
The role of Building Balance
The Building Balance programme, an implementation organisation of the National Approach to Biobased Construction (NABB), supports the development of biobased construction materials and the resolution of bottlenecks such as certification and chain cooperation. Building Balance works closely with existing Gelderland initiatives such as 'Samen Biobased Bouwen' in the Achterhoek and 'Boeren voor Biobased Bouwen' in the Stedendriehoek.
Source: Province of Gelderland
