The province of Drenthe signed the Biobased Building Covenant Groningen–Drenthe (Bouwvezeldeal) yesterday. Through this collaboration, governments, farmers, construction companies, and knowledge institutions take a strong step towards biobased building: constructing with natural materials such as wood, hemp, and straw. The signing took place during the Naturally Insulating event in Roden.
The core of the agreement is clear: we connect the entire chain, from land to building. From the cultivation of fiber crops and the use of agricultural residual flows to processing and application in homes, renovations, insulation, and infrastructure. What grows here, we want to use here as well.
Why this step?
Drenthe faces a major housing challenge. We want to build enough homes but also handle resources and the climate carefully. Biobased building helps with this. It reduces the use of new, scarce raw materials and contributes to a more sustainable construction sector.
With the Bouwvezeldeal, we choose to shape this movement together in the region. Not by prescribing which materials must be used, but by organizing cooperation, sharing knowledge, and bringing supply and demand together.
Opportunities for farmers and businesses
The deal offers new opportunities for agriculture. Fiber crops can provide extra income and fit into a future-proof agricultural system. They are often more resistant to drought, improve the soil, and require less use of fertilizers and pesticides.
New possibilities also arise for the construction and processing sectors. More use of biobased materials means innovation, new business activity, and employment in the region. Cooperation creates more certainty in the chain, enabling investments and scaling up.
Accelerating together
The Bouwvezeldeal aligns with national and European agreements on circular and climate-resilient building. The province of Drenthe acts as a partner and driver. The agreements do not bring new financial obligations but strengthen and connect existing initiatives.
With this signing, the parties choose a joint approach: building homes and a strong, sustainable region. This way, we continue working towards a home for every Drenthe resident.