Walloon bamboo at the PLEA 2026 conference

From July 27 to 31, 2026, San José (Costa Rica) will host the PLEA (Passive and Low Energy Architecture) international conference, a must-attend annual event that brings together architects, researchers, and change-makers around a common goal: designing a more sustainable built future. Valbowal will be participating in this edition with two scientific presentations, delivered by researcher Aline Romboux and focused on bio-based materials.

This 2026 edition will specifically explore how traditional knowledge and local wisdom can shape sustainable architectural practices by integrating ecological responsibility, bioclimatic design, and scientific rigor.

An independent, non-profit global network, PLEA brings together professionals from architecture, science, urban planning, and the arts, united by a shared commitment to environmentally responsible design. Its mission: to promote ecological awareness by developing and sharing bioclimatic principles as well as innovative, nature-inspired solutions for heating, cooling, and lighting. By mobilizing thousands of professionals from more than 50 countries, the network actively contributes to addressing contemporary architectural and urban challenges.

IIS Valbowal in a scientific capacity

Valbowal will be present at this edition with two scientific contributions, presented by researcher Aline Romboux and dedicated to bio-based materials—and more specifically to bamboo as an insulation material in temperate climates. This doctoral research, conducted under the supervision of Professors Sophie Trachte and Tom De Mil—who are also Valbowal’s lead researchers—explores the potential of bamboo grown in Wallonia to meet the growing demand for building insulation. It is structured around Valbowal’s three strategic pillars:

• A resilient and diversified Walloon region: bamboo is a fast-growing resource that can be cultivated locally and has the potential to contribute to the diversification of existing agricultural sectors and the development of new regional value chains.
• Processing local resources: research focuses on bamboo processing methods that consume as little energy as possible, in order to produce materials with a low environmental impact, from cultivation to the construction site. It also explores the potential for material recovery within a circular economy framework.
• The use of local bio-based materials in construction: beyond insulation, bamboo can be integrated into various construction applications, either on its own or combined with other bio- and geosourced materials. The goal is to diversify its uses in our region to increase the amount of carbon stored in building materials.