Houben’s weg naar CO₂-prestatieladder niveau 3

1,701 Tonnes of CO₂: The Challenge of Reducing Emissions

Houben is a true family-owned business, specialising in high-quality construction projects for both the public and private sectors. From new-build developments and renovations to interior fit-outs and property development, Houben strives for quality, safety and innovation in every project.

However, the introduction of the CO₂ Performance Ladder in public procurement created a new competitive landscape. Companies certified on the ladder benefit from a distinct advantage when tendering for public contracts. For Houben, this meant that the absence of in-house expertise and certification could place the company at a competitive disadvantage. In 2023, Houben’s annual CO₂ emissions amounted to 1,701.36 tonnes, providing a clear baseline from which to define ambitious reduction targets.

From Measurement to Reduction and Certification

To gain full insight into its carbon footprint and establish a strategic reduction pathway, Houben partnered with Encon.

Our approach included:

• A comprehensive inventory of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
• Site visits and analysis of construction activities.
• Identification of both short- and long-term emissions reduction opportunities.
• Development of a CO₂ reduction plan and communication strategy.
• Preparation for Level 3 certification on the CO₂ Performance Ladder.

Thanks to this structured approach, Houben not only gained a clear understanding of its environmental impact but also established a concrete roadmap to achieve its climate ambitions.

Less CO₂, Lower Costs and a Stronger Competitive Position

Through its collaboration with Encon and the implementation of targeted CO₂ reduction measures—including fleet electrification, photovoltaic installations, energy-efficient technologies, LED lighting and a sustainable procurement policy—Houben has significantly reduced its carbon footprint while strengthening its market position.

The benefits are already tangible. Thanks to its CO₂ Performance Ladder certification, Houben is now better positioned to compete for public contracts. At the same time, investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable fleet management have laid the foundation for greater cost efficiency and long-term operational savings.

By combining emissions reduction with a strategic certification approach, Houben has transformed sustainability into a competitive advantage that supports both business growth and climate objectives.