TOTEM Building

In order to help the Belgian construction sector to objectify and reduce the environmental impact of buildings, the three Regions have developed the TOTEM tool [Tool to Optimise the Total Environmental impact of Materials]. The project partners are OVAM, Brussels Environment and the Public Service of Wallonia. [CREATE] TOTEM stimulates the creativity of project designers to carry out projects that combine all the requirements related to tomorrow's environmental challenges [EVALUATE] TOTEM enables the environmental impact of construction elements or buildings to be assessed according to a scientific method adapted to the particularities of the Belgian construction market. [INNOVATES] TOTEM aims to encourage innovation and eco-design in building systems. Five years of research and development, in collaboration with universities and design offices, were necessary for the realisation of this scientific methodology, adapted to the specificities of the Belgian construction sector. TOTEM's main values are objectivity and transparency, to enable the players in the Belgian construction sector (architects, design offices, contractors, owners, promoters, public authorities, etc.) to identify and limit the potential environmental impacts of buildings from the earliest stages of the design process.