On December 11, 2024, 19 municipalities in Southeast Brabant will sign the covenant "Biobased Building and Cultivation in the Eindhoven Metropolitan Area. This initiative encourages the use of biobased building materials, such as fiber hemp and miscanthus, and the cultivation of crops for them. This approach contributes to sustainable agriculture, improved water and soil quality, biodiversity, and regional climate goals.

Opportunities for agriculture and housing

According to Joep van de Ven, Alderman in Oirschot, the combination of agricultural transition and the regional housing task offers a unique opportunity: "Biobased construction is sustainable and offers farmers an alternative earning model." The use of biobased materials can reduce CO2 emissions and even store CO2.

Ambitions in the covenant

The covenant lays down agreements on demand stimulation, knowledge sharing, cooperation and regulation. The province of North Brabant and water boards support this initiative. Embedding biobased building in municipal policy will make it more attractive for farmers to grow biobased crops.

Contribution to national goals

The covenant is in line with the national ambition to build at least 30% of new homes with biobased materials by 2030. Biobased materials are sustainable, recyclable and lighter than traditional building materials. They also store CO2 and reduce the environmental impact of the building sector.

With this covenant, the municipalities are taking an important step toward a circular, future-proof region.

Read more: metropoolregioeindhoven.nl