Work

Futurizing ‘good construction(s)’: ‘Low-carbon’ and ‘labor’ futures in the Belgian construction sector

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In this article, we explore through a foresight exercise how the construction sector in Belgium envisions its transition until 2050. Drawing on the notion of “the good economy” (Asdal et al. 2021), which addresses the relationship between normativity and economic practices, our approach considers both ‘low-carbon’ and ‘quality of work’ as two forms of good that are considered problematic. Envisioning the transition of the construction sector in Belgium in terms of a ‘good economy’ shows that there is an asymmetry between the two forms of good explored. Priority is given to the assessment of what ‘good environmental problems’ and ‘good material futures’ should be. Materials ought to be reintroduced into the political and economic perspectives of the transition, while a sustainable and circular approach to the (re)use of materials ought to be strengthened. Quality of work is expected to depend on new knowledge and training that a structurally scarce workforce should ideally possess.

Source: TATuP - Zeitschrift für Technikfolgenabschätzung in Theorie und Praxis

DOI: 10.14512/tatup.7144

Authors: Sarah Delvaux, Pierre Delvenne

Institution: University of Liège

Language: English

Topic: Construction Management and Sustainability

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS, Belgian Federal Science Policy Office