Barriers and drivers influencing the use of bio-based insulation materials in renovation of existing housing stock in the Netherlands
Recommendations on how to increase the manufacturing of Bio-based Insulation Materials in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry
V.K.A. Erd (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
H.J. Visscher – Mentor (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)
E. Mlecnik – Mentor (TU Delft - Real Estate Management)
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Abstract
The European Climate Pact made in 2021 states that by 2030 Europe should record a CO₂ reduction of 55% compared to 1990, and be completely climate-neutral by 2050. In 2022 the built environment was responsible for 12% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands, mainly due to burning fossil fuels for space heating. In order to reach climate neutrality in housing stock, efforts need to be made to reduce the need for fossil fuels. Recently, the Dutch government is taking steps towards renovating existing housing stock by ways of investing in Bio-based Building Materials (BBBM). Besides the need to renovate existing housing stock, interest in circular economy has been increasing for years in the building sector. In order to solve the climate goals set by the European Climate Pact and the Klimaatakkoord, Bio-based Insulation Materials (BBIM) can be used to increase insulation and thereby decrease fossil fuel use in existing housing stock. As of this moment, a lot is known about barriers and drivers for using BBBM, however, little is known about how to overcome these barriers, or how to apply these drivers. This research aims to increase knowledge on the subject of bio-based insulation materials and how to stimulate their use in future renovation projects. To achieve this, interviews are held with manufacturers, as this research determines them to have the biggest impact. The goal of this research is to analyse the barriers and drivers gained from the literature and interviews, in order to create recommendations for policy makers to increase the use of BBIM in renovation of existing housing stock. The findings suggest that manufacturing of BBIM needs to increase in the Netherlands. Scaling BBIM in Dutch renovations requires addressing the knowledge gap as a priority, supported by policies that enhance financial incentives, streamline certifications, and promote visible demonstration projects. Smaller manufacturers would benefit from targeted subsidies, training programs, and transparent certification pathways, while larger companies could be incentivized to integrate BBIM into their portfolios through public tenders focused on sustainability.