Bao Podcast

Bao Living
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Every month, we invite a guest on the Bao Podcast who's active in the construction industry. With our guests, we discuss the latest evolutions and the future of this interesting industry. Want to learn more about Bao Living? Visit https://en.baoliving.com/

  1. #43: Tom Willemen (Willemen Groep)

    28 JAN

    #43: Tom Willemen (Willemen Groep)

    Our guest is Tom Willemen, CEO of Willemen Groep, a leading Belgian construction powerhouse spanning infrastructure, real estate, and civil engineering. Under his leadership, the group has become a frontrunner in sustainability and digital transformation. As Chairman of Embuild, Tom is a vocal advocate for industrialising the sector and modernising the construction ecosystem. Today, we discuss the challenges and future of the industry. Show notes:  Willemen Groep (https://www.willemen.be/en)  Tom Willemen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwillemen/)  BuildWise (https://www.buildwise.be/en/)  BuildWise Vision Comittee publication on “Circularity” (https://www.buildwise.be/media/xmtbgbcw/bwi_visiedocument_circularity.pdf)  BuildWise Vision Committee publication “Finance and Affordability of construction in 2031” (https://www.buildwise.be/media/apephizu/bwi-230201-visierapport_1i23-int.pdf)  Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:50 Inside Willemen Groep: what “day-to-day” really looks like 2:40 Challenges in the construction industry  5:06 Potential solutions and innovation 10:07 Finding time to think in an industry that never stops 11:11 The BuildWise vision committee 12:23 Zooming in the Circularity report 16:09 The Affordability report 18:03 Leadership in construction 21:13 Lessons and setbacks of Willemen Groep  24:48 Vision for the Future: 2040  31:40 The most difficult ecosystem part to redesign 34:56 Tips and tricks to stay informed and keep learning 38:30 Outro

    46 min
  2. #42: Joachim De Vos (Living Tomorrow)

    29/10/2025

    #42: Joachim De Vos (Living Tomorrow)

    In this episode we speak with Joachim De Vos, Co-chair and Managing Partner of Living Tomorrow, founder of TomorrowLab, and professor of scenario planning at Ghent University. Since the early 1990s, when the first House of the Future opened its doors, Joachim has helped organizations and policymakers prepare for what’s next through foresight, scenario planning, and innovation strategy. He is also the author of Why Innovation Fails, which examines the pitfalls of innovation and how companies can become “future fit.” The book features a deep dive into the Kodak case, developed with Steven Sasson, the inventor of the digital camera. We talk about the lessons of innovation success and failure, how to keep a strong vision alive inside complex organizations, and the future shifts Joachim believes will change how we live and work. Show notes: Living Tomorrow (https://www.livingtomorrow.com/nl/) TomorrowLab (https://www.tomorrowlab.com/) Joachim De Vos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joachimdevos/?originalSubdomain=be) Frank Belien (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-belien-66a6b815/?originalSubdomain=be)  Joachim De Vos - Why Innovation fails (https://www.lannoo.be/nl/why-innovation-fails-0)  Evi Gruyaert - Waarom luisteren gelukkig maakt (https://www.pelckmansuitgevers.be/waarom-luisteren-gelukkig-maakt.html)  Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 03:35 Bill Gates at the opening of the house of the future 9:00 About the first house of the future 13:00 About the second house of the future 14:45 About the current evolutions 30:30 How does not being CEO anymore shift your focus?  39:30 What are good tools to better handle organizations? 45:30 Thinking about the future is art 48:00 Outro

    56 min
  3. #41: Steven Van Passel (University of Antwerp)

    11/09/2025

    #41: Steven Van Passel (University of Antwerp)

    In episode 41, we speak with Steven Van Passel, Professor in Environmental Economics and Vice-Rector for Valorisation and Sustainability at the University of Antwerp.Steven leads the EnvEcon group, a multidisciplinary research team focused on sustainability assessments in energy, food systems, and the circular economy. With a background in agricultural economics and years of experience advising climate and nitrogen panels, Steven offers a grounded, systems-level view on how to move from research to real-world impact.We talk about how to translate science into societal value, why systems thinking is essential, and what role technology should play in the sustainable transition of our built environment.Show notes: Steven Van Passel’s research + contact👉 https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/personeel/steven-vanpassel/ENV‑ECON Research Group👉 https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/env-econ/Planetary Boundaries (Stockholm Resilience Centre)👉 https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.htmlProgramma Aanpak Stikstof (PAS) – Nederland👉 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/natuur-en-biodiversiteit/stikstofIEA – Solar PV Market Report👉 https://www.iea.org/reports/solar-pvEllen MacArthur Foundation – Circular Economy & Plastics👉 https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/plasticsNature‑based Solutions (Oppla – EU-database)👉 https://oppla.eu/nature-based-solutionsGrand Hotel Europa – Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer👉 https://www.standaardboekhandel.be/p/grand-hotel-europa-9789029526227 Voorbij duurzaamheid – Op weg naar een ecorechtvaardige samenleving – Shivant Jhagroe👉 https://www.walburgpers.nl/nl/book/9789464564259/voorbij-duurzaamheidTimestamps: [00:00] Intro [02:00] How Steven became an environmental economist [03:03] What markets get wrong about sustainability [13:35] Nitrogen, farming, and the housing crisis [19:15] Trade-offs in climate policy and why timing matters [21:50] The real impact of solar panels and tech optimism [32:02] How oil prices affect recycling and circularity [32:55] Can Europe lead if others lag behind? [48:30] What gives Steven hope (and concern) [50:10] Why adaptation is no longer optional [55:50] Book tip & dream dinner guest [01:04] Outro

    1h 5m
  4. #40 Noor Huitema (Copper8)

    16/05/2025

    #40 Noor Huitema (Copper8)

    For Episode 40 of the Bao Podcast, we welcome Noor Huitema-Hellemans, co-founder of Copper8, a consultancy helping organizations rethink value, governance, and collaboration.Based in Amsterdam, Copper8 challenges businesses to move beyond short-term profit and focus on long-term impact. Their work bridges research and practice, supporting clients in sectors like construction, finance, and manufacturing to drive systemic change.In this episode, we explore what it takes to lead a purpose-driven company, how to align financial and environmental value, and why true transformation starts with asking the right questions. Copper8 (https://www.copper8.com/) LinkedIn Noor Huitema-Hellemans (https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorhuitemahelleman/) Ellen MacArthur Foundation (https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/) Planetary Boundaries Documentary on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/) CSRD - Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en) Mahatma Gandhi (https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi) Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:55 Noor’s motivation for systemic change 4:30 From traditional consultancy to founding Copper8 8:50 Choosing impact over growth: the 15-person team limit 13:00 Bridging research and practice to accelerate change 26:20 Circularity beyond materials: financial and environmental value 34:10 The role of legislation and market awareness 38:15 Who should reach out to Copper8? 43:50 Outro

    45 min
  5. #39 Thomas Rau (RAU Architects, Turntoo & Madaster)

    17/04/2025

    #39 Thomas Rau (RAU Architects, Turntoo & Madaster)

    Episode 39 of the Bao Podcast is a special episode - first, because it’s the first podcast recorded at an external location. And second, because of our guest: a man who needs no introduction... but I’ll give him one anyway - Thomas Rau! As founder of RAU Architects, Turntoo and Madaster, Thomas is a visionary thinker who challenges the way we design, build, and use materials. His concept of material passports and circular construction is reshaping the industry, proving that buildings should be seen not just as structures but as resource banks for the future.  His innovative approach has not gone unnoticed - he has received numerous awards, including the ARC13 Oeuvre Award, the Circular Economy Leadership Award, and the World Green Building Council Chairman’s Award.  Get ready for an inspiring conversation about innovation, responsibility, and the architecture of tomorrow! RAU Architects (https://anewdawn.rau.eu/)  Turntoo (https://turntoo.com/)  Madaster (https://madaster.com/)  Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 01:30 How Thomas started his career 07:30 Stories about accidents and diseases and how it changed his vision and motivation 17:30 Sustainability vs circularity 21:30 Changing mindset is the only way to make an impact 28:45 Conflict cost - change 39:00 Advising to the king of Bhutan 48:30 Material passports 57:30 Outro

    1h 2m
  6. #38 Kostas Anastasiades & Ben Moins (University of Antwerp & B.CYCLE)

    19/03/2025

    #38 Kostas Anastasiades & Ben Moins (University of Antwerp & B.CYCLE)

    For episode 38 of the Bao Podcast, we welcome 2 people: Kostas Anastasiades & Ben Moins. Both are senior researchers at the faculty of Applied Engineering at the University of Antwerp. They are also linked to the service platform B.Cycle where Kostas serves as an expert on circularity and Ben is the program manager focussing on sustainability. Both of them are writing and doing a lot of research on circularity, recycling and waste management, sustainability assessment and much more. At Bao Living, all these issues are close to our hearts, and we also try to do our part to find solutions to these problems. So we’re very curious to hear more from their insights! Ben’s research + contact (https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/personeel/ben-moins_19251/)  Kostas’ research  + contact(https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/personeel/kostas-anastasiades/)  Circular value institute (https://www.circularvalueinstitute.com/team)  B.CYCLE (https://bcycle.be/) Constantine The Great (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great) Leonardo da Vinci (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci)  Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:30 Ben’s research 9:30 Kostas’ research 18:30: Implementation of research 30:15: About B.CYCLE 34:45 Are there historical practices in construction that we can learn from today? 39:30 Price vs sustainability 47:45 Where do we see the construction industry in a couple of years? 51:25 What are the barriers of today’s society to increase circularity in construction? 54:20 Outro

    1h 2m
  7. #37 Lieven Smeyers (pt.2) (Lito)

    16/02/2025

    #37 Lieven Smeyers (pt.2) (Lito)

    Lieven is the CEO of Lito and has already participated in the Bao Podcast almost 2 years ago, and is now back for part 2. He and his team managed to develop the ‘Litobox’: which contains every component you need for heating and cooling your house and for making domestic hot water. It combines a ventilation system that guarantees air quality, a rainwater purification system, the indoor components for a photovoltaic installation and an electrical switchboard with internet equipment. Optionally, a battery pack can be added as well. Thanks to off-site assembly and testing, your building process is enormously speeded up, as it can be installed, connected, and commissioned in a few hours. Show notes: Lito (https://lito.be/en/)  Lito & Bao Living collaboration for ION (https://www.baoliving.com/projecten/moderne-nieuwbouw-appartementen-in-brussel)  Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:30 Three biggest milestones since previous episode 21:15 Biggest challenges since previous episode 32:25 Surprising/Inspiring customer feedback 42:20 Lessons learned in entrepreneurship 52:00 Outro

    59 min
  8. #36 Pieter-Jan Loyens (Encon)

    27/01/2025

    #36 Pieter-Jan Loyens (Encon)

    For Episode 36 of the Bao Podcast, we introduce you to Pieter-Jan Loyens, the Managing Director of Encon. This is an agency, based in Bilzen, that supports businesses with creative and innovative solutions in their transition toward becoming more sustainable. They distinguish themselves through their unique combination of ecology and economy, linking environmental awareness with cost savings and profitability for their clients.In recent years, they have built a strong market position with this approach.  One of their most remarkable projects might be their own headquarters in Bilzen, Infinity. It is considered one of the most sustainable office buildings in Europe. With several sustainability certificates as LEED and BREEAM, the design serves as a showcase for innovative technologies and sustainable architecture. Show notes: Encon (https://www.encon.eu/nl-BE)  Pieter-Jan Loyens (https://be.linkedin.com/in/pieter-jan-loyens/en)  Robin Bruninx (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinbruninx)  Hasco Invest (https://hascoinvest.be/nl/home) Jean Jacques Velkeniers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-jacques-velkeniers-1053b11/)   BREEAM (https://breeam.com/) LEED (https://www.usgbc.org/leed/) Tectum Group (https://www.tectumgroup.be/)  HNST Jeans (https://www.supergoods.be/blogs/supergoods-news/welkom-bij-supergoods-de-belgische-duurzame-jeans-van-hnst) Vario Food (https://variofood.be/) Upgrade Estate (https://upgrade-estate.be/) Wanaka Partners (https://wanakapartners.com/)     Ellen MacArthur (https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_MacArthur)  Ignace van Doorselaere, ‘De essentie’ (https://4-f.be/publicaties/de-essentie) Daniel Kahneman, ‘Thinking Fast & Slow’ (https://www.bol.com/be/nl/f/thinking-fast-and-slow/9300000043254613/) Michael Lewis, ‘The Undoing Project’ (https://www.bol.com/be/nl/f/the-undoing-project/9200000065157549/)    Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:00 Founding story of Encon 10:30 Examples of how Encon are helping companies  19:30 Pieter-Jan’s key learnings throughout his career  26:15 Work of Encon in construction industry 29:30 Sustainability certificates: how do you achieve them? 34:30 Promising methodologies in construction 38:30 Good business cases for big battery installations 43:45 Cost of batteries dropping 45:00 Circular frontrunners in Belgium 48:10 Reach out to Pieter-Jan or Encon via the information in the show notes! 49:00 Outro

    1h 2m
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About

Every month, we invite a guest on the Bao Podcast who's active in the construction industry. With our guests, we discuss the latest evolutions and the future of this interesting industry. Want to learn more about Bao Living? Visit https://en.baoliving.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Bao Living
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bao Living
  • Show Website
    Bao Podcast