Belgium/Arlon: creation of a sustainable housing technology platform
To build more environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient buildings, Forem, the intercommunal economic development agency Idélux and the University of Liège (ULiège) have just created a sustainable housing technology platform on the ULiège campus in Arlon. The project is supported by Wallonia and European funds.
First and foremost, there's the Arlon branch of the Forem Wallonie Bois competence center, which trains workers, job seekers and students in the latest trends in sustainable housing. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and robots, this structure will train people in new trades in this sector, such as prefabrication of modular houses, construction of light housing, construction-deconstruction in connection with the circular economy in the wood sector, and the development of new products.Currently, more than 2,600 jobs are available in the Walloon construction sector on the Forem website and app. By 2030, Forem estimates that 30,000 new workers will be needed to meet Wallonia's energy renovation targets and new trends in the sector", explains Forem.
Training courses for building professionals and a business center
In addition to the Forem center, the University of Liège, on the same site, offers continuing education courses in the energy and environmental performance of buildings. These are aimed at architects, design office professionals, contractors, site managers and others.
Finally, the platform is home to a business center offered by Idélux, providing office space to meet the needs of start-ups, university spin-offs and other companies wishing to enter this sector. For more established companies looking to expand, Idélux also provides a relay hall.
Source: www.rtbf.be/
