Construction & Real Estate

The Netherlands faces a complex spatial challenge. Finding a balance between housing construction, infrastructure development, circularity, sustainable energy projects and the protection of nature and the environment is an ongoing challenge. The nitrogen crisis has put further pressure on this challenge, resulting in stricter requirements for spatial planning.

Where in recent decades the emphasis was on decentralized implementation of spatial policy, there seems to be a growing need for more direction from the central government. As a result, Public Matters sees a return to a more centralized approach, with renewed government attention to public housing and national programs focused on the environment. As a result, the conversation between government and organizations in the housing and construction sectors is becoming increasingly important, with topics ranging from the designation of building sites to regulations regarding building safety and sustainability.

Nevertheless, local stakeholder management also plays a crucial role in spatial issues. For example, involving local parties and other external stakeholders at an early stage can contribute to support for development projects.

Our consultancy work also focuses on supporting clients in the construction sector in tackling the sustainability challenge. With approximately 40% of CO2 emissions in the Netherlands coming from the built environment, the sector faces significant challenges. These include making building materials more sustainable, dealing with resource shortages and the need to become more circular. The rapid development of new standards and regulations, both national and European, requires constant adaptation of organizations in this sector.

Examples of our work:

• Advising on local and regional real estate development projects, with a focus on public affairs & lobbying and dealing with e.g. nitrogen-related challenges.
• Provide advocacy support through in-depth force field analyses and reputation research, for example focusing on the circular economy.
• Support with media relations and advise on crisis communications, taking into account any challenges e.g. around certain infrastructure development.
• Advising on policies related to sustainability of building materials and the circular economy, including support in effectively communicating about corporate social responsibility (CSR).
• Facilitate public affairs activities for industry associations, for example on good landlord practices.
• Support in stakeholder management and facilitation of stakeholder dialogues, including various topics such as the challenges and opportunities around fire safety inspections.
• Providing training and workshops to improve teams’ ability to work with stakeholders.

Please feel free to contact one of our consultants to discuss the possibilities for your organization. We are happy to provide you with advice to ensure your organization’s voice is heard in The Hague and/or Brussels.