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

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.