On 22 February 2018, ACR+ members OVAM, Wallonia and Brussels Environment launched a new tool to improve the environmental performance of buildings: “Totem”. Totem is a transparent, simple, digital interface with which the Belgian construction industry can work to objectify and reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
“Totem” was created:
- to stimulate the creativity of architects and project authors and to realize projects that meet the environmental requirements of tomorrow;
- to evaluate the environmental impact of buildings on the basis of a scientific and neutral method, adapted to the specificity of the Belgian building market;
- to stimulate innovation and encourage ecodesign in building systems.
Studies show that the impact of building elements and building materials on the environment is responsible for 10 to 30% of the total environmental impact.
Source: http://ovam.be (in Dutch) and www.environnement.brussels (in French)