What exactly is the M-level?

The M-level is a new metric that assesses the environmental impact of building materials. While the well-known E-level focuses on a home’s energy consumption, the M-level examines the entire life cycle of materials:

• production of raw materials
• transport and processing
• use and maintenance
• demolition and recycling

The lower the M-level, the smaller the building's ecological footprint.

When will the M-level become mandatory?

The rollout will be phased and transparent:

• Starting in 2028: Mandatory calculation of the M-level for all new buildings larger than 1,000 m². No limit values have been set yet, but reporting is already required on the (revised) EPC-Bouw.
• Starting in 2030: Mandatory for all new homes, including target values and maximum limits.
• Future: Possible expansion to include major energy-efficiency renovations (not yet finalized).

There won't be any fines just yet, but the philosophy is clear: make more informed choices early in the design process so you don't have to make costly changes later on.

What does this mean for the construction industry?

With the introduction of the M-level, the focus in the construction industry is shifting:

• beyond just energy-efficient construction
• toward holistic sustainable construction

This means that architects, contractors, and building owners are no longer focusing solely on insulation or building systems, but also on the materials themselves. This has a direct impact on decisions regarding the building’s structural work and exterior finishes.

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The role of facing bricks at M-level

Facing bricks play a significant role in a building’s overall environmental performance. They not only determine the building’s appearance but also account for a significant portion of its material impact.

Key factors include:

• lifespan of the stone (the longer, the better)
• reusability and recycling
• production process and energy consumption
• local production and transport distance

Sustainable facade bricks can thus help reduce the M-level and create a future-proof building.

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Eco-friendly construction: more than just a trend

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, but a clear direction for the construction industry. More and more projects are focusing on:

• circular use of materials
• low CO₂ emissions
• long service life of building components

As part of this trend, there is also a growing demand for facing bricks with a lower environmental impact.

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Our vision: building with the future in mind

As a manufacturer of eco-friendly facing bricks (Lowie Bricks), we are actively responding to this trend. Our focus is on:

• sustainable production processes
• high-quality, durable materials
• solutions that contribute to future-oriented construction

In this way, we help build projects that are not only beautiful today but will also remain sustainable tomorrow.

The M-level marks a significant step toward more sustainable construction in Flanders and beyond. By making conscious choices regarding materials, such as those used for facade bricks, the construction sector can significantly reduce the environmental impact of buildings.

Sustainable construction doesn’t start with the finishing touches, but with the first brick.

Would you like to know how our eco-friendly facing bricks can contribute to your project and the M-level? Feel free to contact us or explore our sustainable product range.