16 The race to decarbonize the construction sector means that priority must be given to the search for innovations and more sustainable alternatives, in terms of both materials and construction methods. Among them, “lightweight construction” is beginning to make its mark. Its growth in recent years has been even faster than that seen for so-called “conventional” construction. There is no doubt that it offers many advantages in meeting the economic and environmental challenges facing the sector. In contrast to conventional methods, which favor structures with load-bearing masonry walls (made of stone, concrete or brick), lightweight construction uses lighter load-bearing structures in the form of wooden, metal or concrete “skeletons,” to which nonload‑bearing facade and partition systems are attached. And that changes everything! It significantly reduces the consumption of natural resources and the building’s carbon footprint. Professionals see a dramatic reduction in construction time and an increase in productivity. Lastly, users benefit from greater comfort and flexibility when they take up occupancy. DIFFERENT REALITIES AROUND THEWORLD Lightweight construction varies greatly from one country to another, and this is its great strength. How and why it is adopted differs according to the availability and cost of materials, the level of training of professionals, the sustainability culture in the country and the market need for residential or non‑residential buildings. In some countries where it is still in the adoption phase, lightweight construction is gaining ground based on the economic advantages it brings to projects, in particular through reduced transport costs for materials, shorter construction times and SPoTLIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION takes off
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