Bert Belmans is a Professor in Architectural Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and a Visiting Professor and Green Buildings Research Coordinator at the University of Antwerp. He holds a PhD in Building Physics, with expertise in building physics, materials science, and sustainable design.
His research bridges two complementary agendas: climate-adaptive and regenerative building design at VUB's Architectural Engineering research group, and nature-based solutions and urban green infrastructure at the University of Antwerp's Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB) research group.
Bert's work explores how green infrastructure, from green façades and vertical greening systems to building-integrated nature-based solutions, can be embedded into the built environment to improve energy performance, indoor climate, and urban resilience, with attention to equitable access across diverse urban contexts.
As Global President of the World Green Infrastructure Network's Chapter for Emerging Professionals, Bert connects researchers, practitioners, and young professionals across the Global South and North around the future of green cities. He believes that truly sustainable urban development must combine climate performance with social equity, and that green cities should be built for and with all communities, not just the privileged few.