Flemish Brabant and VUB take big steps towards innovative building inspections
After two years of dedicated research led by VUB, the InToWall project has made a breakthrough in reducing the carbon emissions of buildings and increasing their energy efficiency. Overseen by the VUB’s Electronics & Informatics (ETRO) research group, and co-funded by the province of Flemish Brabant, the project has developed transient radar method (TRM), a revolutionary radar technology for inspecting building insulation.
Unprecedented precision
The new technology enables the measurement of the density of glass wool in cavity walls with unprecedented precision, without the need for invasive methods. "These advances not only promise to improve the accuracy of insulation assessments but also contribute to the ambition of achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050," says Professor Johan Stiens of ETRO.
"Flemish Brabant is an innovative province. The most important resource for this innovation is knowledge, which can be found at universities, colleges, businesses and civil society organisations," says Ann Schevenels, provincial deputy responsible for the economy. "We are nurturing this innovation through Smart Hub Flemish Brabant and co-investing in innovative projects."
Unique demonstration
With an eye on the future, the project team is focusing on refining the technology to map a wide range of insulation materials and building elements. This prospect of expansion and application on a larger scale highlights the possibilities. The InToWall project was celebrated as part of the FTI Brussels Festival of innovation and technology. A unique demonstration was given in Zellik near Brussels on 18 March for the media, businesses and stakeholders interested in the latest developments in green technologies and energy efficiency. The results can be seen in this KanaalZ report .
The team is inviting potential partners to contribute to and participate in this pioneering venture. Such collaboration can see the construction industry transition towards a more sustainable and efficient future.