The local section of UNIZO Flemish Brabant & Brussels has awarded the title of provincial SME of the Year 2023 to BuildUp, a startup from Aarschot which is currently benefitting from BESIX’s support through BESIX Technology.
Emerged from the ranks of beSteel, a renowned leader in steel frame construction in the Benelux region, BuildUp has transformed into an impressive SME employing 35 dedicated professionals and an extensive network of specialists. BESIX has a 40% stake in BuildUp since 2021, via BESIX Technology.
Retrofit and modular construction: a commitment to sustainable innovation
As climate concerns intensify, the need for energy-efficient construction has never been more critical. In Europe, there is a staggering demand for energy renovation, with 43 million homes requiring upgrades to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Meeting this ambitious goal calls for profound changes in home renovations and retrofits, particularly in the field of insulating building envelopes—which is where BuildUp truly shines.
At the core of BuildUp's values lies a clear dedication to environmental stewardship. Its commitment to retrofit and to circular construction is not merely a choice but a transformative force reshaping the construction sector, propelling it toward a more sustainable world. Circular construction, for BuildUp, signifies a deliberate approach to design and construction aimed at prolonging the lifespan of materials, with an eye on reuse at the conclusion of a building's lifecycle. In essence, BuildUp is constructing or renovating for today, while preserving the resources for tomorrow.
Revolutionizing construction timelines
But BuildUp is not only aiming at reducing its carbon footprint. It’s also working towards drastically reducing construction timelines. By assembling building components indoors, BuildUp ensures a factory-like, streamlined process and eliminates weather-related issues. Transport and waste are reduced, while maximum use is made of recyclable and bio-based materials. This ensures a time- and price-safe end product with a lower carbon footprint.
Thanks to this approach, BuildUp recently completed a successful project in Lille, France, involving the renovation of 160 homes with an energy class F rating, allowing dwellers to split their energy bills in two and drastically improve their home’s energy class rating. Additionally, BuildUp’s intervention enabled a local primary school to cut gas consumption by a staggering 100% and electricity usage by 25%, all in under two months!
BuildUp, BESIX and BESIX Technology
BuildUp stands at the forefront of innovation, proudly counted among the seven startups that BESIX is supporting through BESIX Technology. This venture represents one of BESIX’s latest developments, aiming at diversifying the group’s revenue stream by investing in promising and fast-growing startups, both directly and indirectly.