Circularity

To reduce our impact on the consumption of natural resources and waste production, we have the circular ambition to recycle and recover as much as possible within the lifecycle (production, use, and end-of-life phases) of buildings.

The principles of circular construction and development provide guidelines for harmoniously advancing and improving the interests of people, nature, and the economy. Each of our companies plays one or several roles within this cycle. They map out where materials come from, how they are used, and what the possibilities are afterward. Where possible, we also apply materials obtained in a circular manner to our projects.

A fully closed loop without waste is still highly ambitious today, but it remains a clear goal.

Construction waste becomes building material

9,000 m² of flooring and insulation gets a second life

On Jules Bordet Avenue in Evere, Ciril is transforming an old office complex into an eco-friendly residential complex for 80 families: 'Le Jules'. But instead of demolishing the building, Democo carefully recovered thousands of square meters of ceiling tiles, wall insulation, raised computer floors, and carpet tiles, as well as dozens of lighting fixtures, for reuse in new construction projects.

Several tons of wood, glass, gypsum, metals, cabling, and rubble are also meticulously sorted to be made into new building materials. For Le Jules itself, dozens of fixtures are recovered to illuminate 1,000 m² of parking. All materials are also re-tested for strength and fire safety before they are reused!

Responsibility

Within our operations, we take the responsibility to reduce our emissions and impact.

We continually challenge ourselves, our techniques, and our processes. That's why we invest further in sustainable means of production, innovation, knowledge, and expertise. We realize that we are stronger as one team, where everyone knows and assumes their responsibility.

Moreover, we firmly believe that as a major player in the sector, we can make a positive difference. Democo Group therefore focuses on research and evaluation, and we turn that knowledge into innovative pilot projects that can inspire other players.

Ciril and Democo achieved CO₂ certification

Downloads

Our companies, Ciril and Democo, have already obtained their certification for the implementation of the CO₂ performance ladder: a sustainability tool by the SKAO (Foundation for Climate-Friendly Procurement & Entrepreneurship) to assist companies and governments in reducing their CO₂ emissions, with the aim of achieving a climate-neutral business sector. Our other companies are mapping their consumption to participate as well.

Other objectives include:

CO₂ Progress Report and Energy Action Plan

Targets & Measures List 2019-2021

Energy Assessment 2019-2020

Intrinsic Value

The activities, products, and services we offer within our companies inherently possess sustainable value.

We build with climate-neutral and self-sufficient ambitions, ensuring minimal impact and adhering to high standards. We renew and renovate polluting and outdated buildings to meet current standards. We install innovative and sustainable energy and climate systems that consume less and actively participate in urban development to make our cities sustainably more livable with more greenery and increased urban diversity.

Each of our companies analyzes the sustainability of its activities and continually makes improvements. They also play a significant advisory role for customers, suggesting the most sustainable solutions.

Sustainability Principles

The construction sector plays a vital societal role in housing, working, and recreation. At the same time, it has a significant impact on resource use, waste production, and power consumption.

Democo Group, therefore, operates within a set of sustainable values, which we apply both in our own operations and within our activities. We focus our efforts within 3 pillars: intrinsic value, responsibility, and circularity. These are strategic areas of learning where we continually work and improve to reduce the impact of construction activities on natural resources and restore natural ecosystems.

Integrated sustainability: embedded in our construction

"Our biodiversity, our climate, our planet: what we once took for granted now requires our utmost attention. At Democo Group, we take our share of responsibility. We have set sustainable ambitions and objectives to contribute to creating value for future generations."

Thibaud Demot, CEO Democo Group

Sustainability

A building group with sustainable ambitions and concrete actions for a better future.

Integrated sustainability

Responsible business operations

Current events

2023: good things come in threes

Development

Finishing

Contracting

Sustainable transformation

Security techniques

Circularity

Responsibility

Intrinsic Value

Sustainability Principles

Sustainability

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