KORTRIJK – From a better permit policy to more consumer protection: Belgian architecture organizations want a joint action plan for more concrete measures to make spatial development and the existing building heritage more sustainable at a high speed. “The urgency of the climate goals demands that we work together,” said the architects.
The architecture department is promoting 5 specific steps:
1. Effective consumer protection in construction
The action plan calls for more protection for consumers. “Today, anyone who uses only one contractor for their project can only hold that contractor responsible for any construction damage. But architects are required to take out liability insurance for all phases of all projects. A more equitable division of responsibilities is needed, especially to protect the consumer. In addition, there is a need for a platform on which users can find out if a contractor is registered, insured and authorized to perform his services,” says Dag Boutsen (Order of Architects).
2. Comprehensive reform of VAT rules
In order to achieve the climate goals, everyone must make an effort and consumers must be further encouraged to renovate their homes sustainably. The Belgian architectural groups note that the current VAT rates for construction and renovation are not designed according to social needs and therefore have a restrictive effect.
“For example, the difference between demolition and rebuilding on the one hand and renovation on the other is a direct fiscal construction that only encourages circular construction. For example, the luxury finish of a renovated apartment is subject to the lower VAT rate, while the advice of an architect and an EPB reporter for the renovation of a terraced house is not. In addition, the rules are unnecessarily complex, which leads to uncertainty, gray areas and legal uncertainty,” says Steven Lannoo (NAV).
The Belgian architects therefore argue for a thorough reform of VAT. “Reconstruction and renovation projects must be taxed in the same way and the difference between VAT on works (6%) and VAT on services (21%) must also be corrected. So no more cut and paste jobs. These add further complexity and hinder the sustainability of our heritage.”
3. Organization of better offers
Better bidding processes are also needed. That is one of the levers with which governments can speed up construction procedures. “With most government contracts, design is already requested at the tender stage, which means that architects have to complete 15 to 20% of the total contract before it is awarded. If they lose it, they will have incurred all these costs for nothing. Not only is this time-consuming and expensive, but it often does not lead to optimal design because there is hardly any interaction between architects and clients in that first phase,” explained Dirk D’herde (G30).
Tendering procedures should therefore focus not only on the design, but also on the designers. “And if a design is requested, there must be proper compensation: 80% of the costs incurred.” In addition, the expected result must be limited by clarifying expectations in the tender process. ”
4. Encourage innovation
The Belgian architects also suggest more innovation. We cannot provide the best response to challenges such as building mobility, spatial compression, core consolidation and the need to make buildings more energy efficient if we continue on the successful path. “That’s why governments should invest much more in design research and cross-sectional testing, with regulations and legislation that make this possible. As a sector, we would like to reach out to all institutions and provide our knowledge and experience to find solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive living environment,” says Olivier Bastin (FAB ).
5. Better license policy (regional capacity)
Last but not least, the problem of slow licensing remains. The approval process is currently so inefficient and slow that investors doubt whether they still want to set up projects in Belgium. This needs to change and the architectural groups see a key role for regional authorities and even local authorities in this. “By asking cities and towns to develop a clear overview and create more opportunities for density, the growing demand for built activities can be met with the limited impact that can be to have used space,” says Jos Leyssens (Order of Architects).
Final decision
In addition, the government could provide better support and relief to local environmental services. “The ‘Initial Consultation Guide’, which contains suggestions on how to get environmental approval faster, is already a step in the right direction, but it also needs to have the confidence to be changed after a few years. “We also want access to the Flemish Real Estate Information Platform, as there is a lot of information that is also relevant to us,” the message reads.
2024-04-17 19:20:48
#Architects #struggling #elections
