Buildwise

Buildwise, formerly known as the Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI), is a private research institute established in 1959 under the initiative of the National Federation of Belgian Building Contractors, following the "De Groote" decree-law of 1947. This legislation aimed to promote applied research in the construction industry to enhance its competitiveness. As a result, Buildwise's statutory members include over 90,000 Belgian construction companies—ranging from general contractors to specialized trades such as carpenters, glaziers, plumbers, roofers, floorers, plasterers, and painters—predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). (buildwise.be ) The core mission of Buildwise is to support construction professionals in improving the quality, productivity, and sustainability of their activities, thereby paving the way for innovation on construction sites and within companies. To achieve this, Buildwise undertakes scientific and technical research for the benefit of its members, provides technical information, assistance, and consultancy, and contributes to the general innovation and development of the construction sector by performing contract research upon request from the industry and authorities. (buildwise.be ) Buildwise's activities encompass research and development projects aimed at creating innovative solutions that address current and future needs of construction professionals. The institute disseminates knowledge through publications detailing research findings, technical guides, training sessions, webinars, demonstrations, and various communications to facilitate on-site implementation. Additionally, Buildwise offers technical and organizational support to companies, assisting them in enhancing quality, productivity, profitability, management, and sustainability. (buildwise.be ) Annually, Buildwise manages approximately 135 research projects, provides around 17,000 technical consultations, and conducts nearly 900 training sessions, demonstrating its commitment to the sector. The institute operates with a team of over 200 highly skilled and motivated staff members from diverse educational backgrounds, working in multidisciplinary teams tailored to specific subjects. (buildwise.be ) In November 2022, the organization rebranded from BBRI to Buildwise, reflecting a strategic renewal aimed at better supporting construction entrepreneurs. This change underscores Buildwise's dedication to guiding and assisting companies in their transformation towards greater sustainability, profitability, and responsiveness to evolving client needs. (buildwise.be ) Buildwise's governance includes 15 Technical Committees—11 vertical committees focused on specific construction trades and 4 horizontal committees addressing cross-disciplinary themes. These committees, comprising approximately 500 construction professionals, including contractors, experts, architects, manufacturers' federations, and institutional representatives, ensure a bottom-up approach based on field needs. They guide Buildwise's activities by defining work programs and are chaired by construction entrepreneurs, supported by Buildwise's experts and engineers. (buildwise.be ) Through its comprehensive research, knowledge dissemination, and practical support, Buildwise remains a pivotal innovation center for the Belgian construction sector, dedicated to advancing the industry's quality, productivity, and sustainability.