The climate challenge in the built environment requires more than good intentions; it calls for tangible results and cooperation that transcends borders. In the social housing sector, the impact is particularly significant: in the Netherlands, almost one-third of all homes, more than 2.3 million, are managed by housing associations. In Flanders, there are over 181,000, with the goal of increasing the share of social rental housing to 10% to meet growing demand. Yet, the necessary shift towards circular renovation often remains stuck at good intentions or small-scale pilots. The CARES project breaks this impasse: Dutch and Flemish partners join forces to make circular renovation not only possible, but also scalable and practically feasible, with direct benefits for both residents and the climate.

Innovation as the driving force behind sustainable social housing

The construction sector is responsible for around 40% of total European CO₂ emissions and more than 50% of all materials used worldwide. The greatest environmental impact lies in the existing housing stock, particularly during renovations. The Netherlands faces the enormous challenge of circularly renovating as many as 1,000 homes per day to meet climate targets. At the same time, Flanders has reserved six billion euros for a catch-up effort in social housing construction and renovation. All of this fits within the broader national and European ambition to achieve a fully circular economy by 2050, in which resources are maximally reused and waste becomes a thing of the past.The CARES project offers a cross-border solution: Dutch housing associations work together with various partners on a practical approach to circular renovation. By pooling existing knowledge, tools and practical experiences, each a piece of the puzzle, this knowledge is directly implemented at social housing providers. This is done through direct guidance and learning on the job, enabling them to take concrete steps towards circular working.

Collaboration between cross-border partners strengthens impact

The CARES project is driven by a strong coalition of partners. Leefgoed, Alba Concepts, Pixii, Kamp-C, Cirkelstad Limburg, OVAM/Flanders Circular, and NXT Building each contribute their unique expertise. In addition, the Learning Network is actively involved, including housing associations, social housing companies, sector organisations such as AEDES, Initia, and Wonen in Vlaanderen, manufacturers, construction companies and local governments. Through this broad collaboration, a solid foundation is created for knowledge sharing, innovation and scaling up in both countries.

How CARES accelerates circular renovation

At the heart of the project is the development of a clear, practical methodology and toolbox for circular renovation, tailored to the challenges of both the Netherlands and Flanders. Five social housing providers will apply the approach in 10 to 15 renovation cases, covering all steps from vision development and material selection to tendering and implementation. Through the Learning Network, at least 50 inspiring case studies, training sessions, and knowledge will be shared with the entire sector, ensuring that the experiences gained are widely available and replicated. The project thus expects to achieve a concrete acceleration of the circular transition, not only for participating partners but for the entire construction sector.

Structural embedding and societal added value

The aim of CARES is not only to realise innovative renovation projects but above all to structurally embed circular working in the daily practice of social housing providers. This leads to lower CO₂ emissions, less waste, and an acceleration of the circular economy in construction. In the provinces of Zeeland, Brabant and Limburg alone, circular strategies in construction can generate up to 3 billion euros in additional economic value, representing 14% growth in added value. At the same time, the project stimulates the market for circular building materials and creates new economic opportunities in the regions involved.

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Financing

This project is made possible by the European Union, EZK, VLAIO, with co-financing from the provinces of North Brabant, Limburg, Antwerp, and the national government, within the framework of the ERDF subsidy scheme aimed at innovation and sustainability.