The city of Ghent and the regional government of Flanders have launched a two-year project to make nature-inclusive construction the new normal in Belgium.
The €5.5m “Nature-incorporation” project involves demonstration projects and industry training. Around half the funds will come from the EU.
One of the demonstration projects will see a green roof installed on Ghent’s Medieval Saint-Bavo Abbey.
Developers, builders, architects, and policy officers will be offered tools and methodologies for making buildings more resistant to climate change and more attractive to nature.
The City of Ghent will carry out three demonstration projects under the initiative.
One is to “softcap” Saint-Bavo Abbey. This will involve adding grass and plants to the roof with the aim of retaining water that would otherwise penetrate the walls.
The green roof will also provide habitats for bees, butterflies and beetles, which in turn are food for birds.
Also planned is a residential tower for tawny owls, stone martens and bats in the Rattendalepark in the southeastern suburbs.
Another tower will be built at the Watersportbaan, a training area for rowers. This will have a roof where terns can breed.
Elected in June, the government of Flanders also plans to add 10,000ha of forest by 2030, and to create wetlands and conserve peatlands and permanent pastures to protect against droughts and flooding.
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