The sustainable construction magazine APRIL 2025 Sustainable Construction FRAMEWORKS
The sustainable construction magazine by Saint-Gobain Sustainable Construction FRAMEWORKS
contents 1. #SOLUTIONS EXPLORING NEW SOLUTIONS P. 18 2. #CULTURE THINKING AND ACTING DIFFERENTLY P. 58 3. #FRAMEWORKS CREATING NEW POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FRAMEWORKS P. 94 04
contents INTRoDUCTION DISCOVER the online magazine Constructing a sustainable future Reducing the carbon footprint, conserving resources, guaranteeing healthy environments and ensuring the well-being of populations: sustainable construction has much to offer. Solutions already exist, but we need to go further: inventing the materials of tomorrow, adopting new technologies, rethinking construction and renovation methods. The other challenge is to scale up these innovations, which must not only be perfected; they must also be deployed, adapted and implemented everywhere if they are to have a global and lasting impact. To achieve this, a cultural revolution is needed, with an in-depth transformation of mindsets, ways of designing and building, and training of all stakeholders. The creation of favorable political and financial frameworks is also an essential lever, so that the solutions developed result in real future change. In this third special edition of our magazine Constructing a sustainable future, we analyze the many innovative initiatives that are already shaping the future of the sector. And through experts’ eyes and inspiring projects, we explore the levers needed to make a lasting impact on the world we live in. 05
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CARoLINA MOnTANO OWeN Technical Lead Sustainable Buildings, at the World Green Building Council. ROLAND PEARSON Vice president and Executive director of the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a division of Habitat for Humanity International. DO WE NEED TO REINVENT EVERYTHING TO BUILD SUSTAINABLY? As new sustainable building solutions and techniques continue to emerge, the question arises: does achieving sustainability mean reinventing everything, or can today’s and yesterday’s solutions provide a framework for the future? At the heart of this debate lies the meaning and role of innovation in creating a more sustainable and responsible built environment. Roland Pearson, Vice president and Executive director of the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, and Carolina Montano Owen, Technical Lead Sustainable Buildings at the World Green Building Council, share their vision this pivotal question. What does “innovation” mean for sustainable construction? What challenges must it address? C. M.O.: Sustainable construction, like sustainability in general, is an ever-evolving concept. As such, innovation is inextricably linked to its progress. Achieving true sustainability requires finding solutions capable not only of fostering economic growth but also of ensuring environmental preservation and taking social impacts into account. Although we have made significant progress, we have not yet fully achieved this delicate balance. That is why innovation remains critical. Efficiency has long been at the heart of innovation objectives for designers and builders, as optimizing time and resources is crucial to business success. However, at a time when climate events are becoming more frequent and having a greater impact on infrastructure, there is an increased emphasis on two critical factors: decarbonization and resilience. Together, these changes are giving greater impetus to innovation in favor of more sustainable construction practices. R. P.: Innovation for sustainable construction obviously involves continuing to invent new solutions – from low carbon to more resilient materials. But this is not enough. If not deployed at scale these innovations don’t have enough impact. Take the housing sector: Habitat for Humanity International has been committed to affordable housing around the world for almost fifty years. While our model has historically 07
“Innovation for sustainable construction obviously involves inventing new solutions. But this is not enough. These innovations, if not deployed at scale, don’t have enough impact.”_R.P. been based on building homes with communities and volunteers, we realized about ten years ago that this approach alone would not be enough to meet the global need. Today, more than 2.8 billion people still lack adequate housing, according to the UN. It is this reality, and because we are convinced that innovation is essential to meeting this challenge, that Habitat for Humanity created the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter. At the Terwilliger Center we don’t directly build or focus solely on new materials and designs. Instead we aim to transform markets to better serve low-income communities. After all, the key issue is not the lack of innovation but the failure of market systems to provide affordable housing for those who need it most. Our mission is therefore to use innovation to drive market change and create scalable solutions. Do we need to reinvent everything to build sustainably? C. M.O.: I don’t think we need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, it’s about looking at solutions that have worked in the past but may have been overlooked; or identifying solutions that are working in other parts of the world. We simply need to adapt those ideas through an iterative process of learning and collaboration. If something works elsewhere, why can’t it work for us? The way buildings were designed in the past lacked digital tools, and the process involved a lot of trial and error to make buildings more robust. Now, with the advent of digital tools, one of the biggest innovations is the rapid advancement in building design. These tools are evolving and becoming more integrated, making our designs more reliable and efficient. Cities are increasingly using data for future scenarios to assess building performance and enhance efficiency, supporting carbon reduction goals while prioritizing resilience. In essence, the solutions were always there; innovation is just helping us take them to the next level. R. P.: At the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, our approach isn’t centered on the next breakthrough design or product; rather, we focus on transforming systems and markets to more effectively serve low-income populations. This often means helping industry players rethink supply chains, optimize cost structures, and reach new market segments, specifically low-income households. Personally, I feel more comfortable with the word ingenuity than innovation. Ingenuity is about taking something existing and adapting it, tweaking it to serve a new purpose. Take our work in healthy housing and vector-proofing, for example. We
didn’t invent ultra-white paint, screening, or plaster. These are basic materials, yet scaling such materials is crucial to addressing the qualitative housing deficit. Some might argue that this isn’t really innovation – and I’m okay with that. What my team has done is use ingenuity to figure out how to combine these existing materials in the most effective way. We’ve brought together the right technologies, materials, and designs to create affordable, accessible, and sustainable solutions for small contractors and the communities we care about. We didn’t create new things, but we made them work together in a new way. And to me, that’s the real potential for scaling impact. In your opinion, which innovative approaches to sustainable construction have had the most significant impact and transformative effects? C. M.O.: There have been significant innovations in building design in recent years. Starting with materials, an area in which remarkable progress has been made in creating more sustainable options. Research and development have also led to the optimization of resources used in both the products themselves and their manufacturing processes – especially energy, water. There is also a growing demand for environmental product declarations (EPDs) to ensure materials are safe throughout their life cycle –from installation to operation and even demolition. With regard to construction processes, major improvements have been made to reduce waste and enhance recycling efforts. For example, tracking water usage during construction – a practice not commonly done in the past – is now becoming more widespread, as companies recognize its importance. When it comes to building design, modern life cycle assessments are gaining traction. Concepts such as modular construction make it easier to repurpose building parts, ensuring their continued value. Buildings designed with resilience in mind, i.e. those that can be easily rebuilt or adapted after a disaster, are becoming increasingly common. This makes it possible to respond more quickly and flexibly to challenges. All these innovations are helping to transform our approach to construction, making it more sustainable and adaptable. R. P.: Creating pathways for low-income households to access existing innovative, high-quality construction solutions is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect to transforming the sustainable construction market. Changes in housing finance policy and including housing explicitly in green taxonomies are two approaches to this. Supporting financial institutions to access long-term capital and develop housing-focused loan products is also crucial. One of Habitat’s biggest successes in this area has 09
“Achieving true sustainability requires finding solutions that not only promote economic growth but also ensure environmental preservation and address social impacts. Although we have made significant progress, we have not yet fully achieved this delicate balance. That is why innovation remains critical.”_C.M.O. been the MicroBuild Fund, a $100 million initiative focused on financial services for affordable housing. It leveraged over $1.2 billion in capital across 33 countries, benefiting nearly 250,000 households. The real success lies in the 10-to-1 leverage ratio(1): our $100 million attracted additional investments from financial institutions who saw affordable housing as a profitable business. As a result, affordable housing finance has expanded significantly, and institutions are now continuing these efforts, recognizing the sector as viable even without our funding. This marks a clear transformation in the industry. What factors are key to scaling these innovative solutions? C. M.O.: One of the key drivers of innovation for sustainable construction is probably certification systems. At one point, we needed clarity on terms like “high-performance building” – what did that really mean? Certification systems have played a key role in setting these standards globally, considering not just the impact of buildings on users but also their broader effect on communities. This shift has driven major progress in many regions globally. In South America, for instance, the green building movement gained traction through the private sector, which saw the need for buildings that perform better in operation. These buildings reduce resource consumption, particularly energy and water, while also enhancing productivity and improving the well-being of their occupants. Scaling up sustainable construction innovations also involves policy development. Recent initiatives, such as the Buildings Breakthrough, bring together experts to help governments create practical roadmaps for achieving their sustainability goals. Without these financial incentives, it would be difficult to achieve widespread adoption. (1) A financial leverage mechanism where each dollar invested generates 10 dollars of additional investment. 10
R. P.: Achieving scale for sustainable construction is essential. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to drive meaningful change. A market systems approach recognizes that housing – and sustainable construction – markets don’t operate in isolation. It is crucial for more people to apply this approach and begin to account for factors such as consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, and incentives that take into consideration social impact. There are many companies demonstrating that solutions work when we focus on collaborating with communities. We rely on the demonstration effect from, for example, leveraging pilot projects rather than relying on theoretical research. Scaling up solutions also means ensuring that they are suitable for communities by taking into account factors like affordability, demand, and local preferences. A human-centered design approach to ensure our solutions are effective, scalable and lead to broader community benefits is extremely valuable. Ultimately, is cultural change the key to true innovation in sustainable construction? How can it be initiated? C. M.O.: Innovation in sustainable construction involves both tangible advancements, like new materials and tools, and a shift in mindset. This mindset shift is particularly important in concepts like circularity. While many people associate circularity with waste management and recycling, it’s essential to change the perception of secondary materials. For example, people often prefer new products over recycled ones, but manufacturers can help by providing certifications that prove recycled materials perform just as well as new ones. Changing how we view materials – seeing them as refurbished rather than waste – is key to shifting demand and advancing sustainability. R. P.: If you asked people on the street what they think innovation means – not necessarily in housing but in general – many would probably picture an app or something new they haven’t seen before. When you bring it into the construction world, it might be something like a new material, a technology that turns plastic into bricks, or a coating that improves cooling. These innovations are certainly part of the picture, but the real game-changer is something that addresses the needs of the millions who still lack housing. And this shift is more about a cultural change. It’s a shift in how we value the input of poor and low-income communities, considering their perspectives when designing or developing new solutions. In the self-build market, the challenge is more complex due to the fragmented nature of market actors, like small contractors and local businesses. The media can be a powerful tool to aid in this. For example, in Kenya, over 1 million weekly viewers tuned into Tujenge – Build it Better, an original edutainment show co-developed by the Terwilliger Center and East Africa’s Nation Media Group to increase understanding of construction challenges and techniques. 11
barometer For truly effective and relevant innovation in sustainable construction, it is essential to understand how it is being adopted around the world. Perceptions, obstacles and levers for progress, expected solutions, most active stakeholders… Each year since its launch in 2023, the Sustainable Construction Barometer has measured worldwide progress on this priority issue. Together, let’s take a look at the key takeaways from this third edition. SEE the full 2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer Methodology The 2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer study was carried out between October 21, and November 21, 2024 among a sample of 4,320 individuals from 27 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam). This pool of stakeholders was made up of local elected representatives, professionals, students and members of associations involved in construction, building, the ecological transition, housing, energy, and related sectors. A sample of 27,000 citizens (representative of their populations) was also consulted on four questions in the overall questionnaire. 12
KEY LEARNING 1 Sustainable construction: greater awareness, a shared sense of urgency, and strong public support There is a strong feeling of urgency around implementing sustainable construction practices, with 69% of stakeholders viewing it as a priority. This stable result is further supported by responses from the general public, who are in agreement on the subject of sustainable construction: 60% see sustainable construction as a priority, while 95% see it as at least “important”. In addition, 67% of stakeholders state that they are familiar with the concept of sustainable construction, an increase of 6 points on last year’s results. The challenge now is to build on stakeholder and public awareness to achieve concrete action. A priority Important but not a priority Of secondary importance 28% Base: all stakeholders (4,320 respondents) only one answer possible 3% 69% 69% In your opinion, would you say implementing more sustainable construction is…? 13
KEY LEARNING 2 Private actors are seen as the most legitimate driving force, though regional priorities differ There is a general consensus that sustainable construction needs to be accelerated, with 87% of respondents saying that we “need to do more” in this area. Players involved in the design phase are seen as a crucial driving force for sustainable construction: according to 56% of stakeholder respondents, architects and engineering firms have the greatest legitimacy to lead the implementation of this transition, followed by private companies in the construction sector (44%). However, there is a wide regional variation in priorities. In Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, adapting buildings to natural and climatic hazards is frequently stated as a concern, while in Latin America, the use of ecological materials is considered to be a key issue. In Europe, we see a particularly strong interest in building renovation, while the question of affordability is more prominent in North America. These regional differences highlight the need to adapt sustainable construction strategies to local conditions, while maintaining a strong global dynamic. Which of the following do you think are the most legitimate to advance sustainable construction? Base: all stakeholders (4,320 respondents) – two possible answers Architects and building engineers Private companies in the construction sector Public institutions Government officials Citizens Associations Tradespeople 56% 44% 35% 18% 17% 12% 7% 14
Stakeholder understanding of sustainable construction has improved, but respondents still primarily associate these practices with environmental issues. The main criteria used to define the concept remain the same: energy efficiency of buildings (35%, down 7 points) and the use of ecological materials (31%, stable). However, resilience to climatic events is increasingly seen as an important issue. This area presents the strongest increase on previous results, reaching 21% (up 8 points). The focus on resilience varies from region to region. Resilience is the main concern in Africa (35%) and Asia-Pacific (32%) and takes second place in the Middle East (33%), probably due to greater exposure to climatic challenges in these areas. Surprisingly, the “human” dimension of sustainable construction is still struggling to gain ground and remains a secondary concern. Only 15% of stakeholders associate sustainable construction with improved occupant well-being, despite its potential to drive acceptance and implementation. KEY LEARNING 3 Sustainable construction remains focused on the environment, but resilience is gaining ground, while residents’ well-being remains secondary Base: stakeholders familiar with the concept of sustainable construction (4,031 respondents) – two possible answers Which of the following definitions best fits sustainable construction? Construction… Change compared with 2024 results -7 = -4 +4 +8 = = = 35% energy efficient construction 31% using ecological materials 29% aimed at achieving carbon neutrality 22% evolutive construction capable of adapting to new uses 21% able to withstand natural and climatic hazards 19% aimed at reducing building waste 19% that uses fewer exhaustible materials 15% that promotes the health and well-being of occupants 15
KEY LEARNING 4 Well-informed but insufficiently trained stakeholders: an obstacle to concrete commitments? While stakeholders claim to be familiar with sustainable construction, only 28% feel they fully understand what it entails, and just 35% of professionals have received specialized training. This still limited proficiency in the subject may help explain the limited concrete commitments in the field. Also, 78% of students consider training in sustainable construction to be a differentiating factor in the job market, but only 40% would refuse an offer from a non-committed company (5% categorically). 67% of professionals say that they evaluate the carbon footprint of their sustainable construction projects, but only 30% do so systematically: this result, while better than last year, remains low. 51% of elected officials say they want to exclude from public construction contracts projects that do not take into account sustainable construction methods, but only 37% have actually taken action, which nonetheless represents an encouraging signal. Finally, associations are not being left behind: 51% would consider boycotting companies with an insufficient commitment to sustainable construction, although only 24% have actually done so: these results remain stable from last year. This intention-action gap highlights the difficulty in transforming awareness into concrete action. 37% Base: professionals working in sustainable construction (1,030 respondents) only one answer possible 30% 33% Yes, systematically Yes, but only occasionally No, never Do you assess the carbon footprint of your sustainable building projects? 30% +10* * Change compared with 2024 results. 16
22% of stakeholders surveyed considered the introduction of new innovative solutions to be a priority to accelerate the development of sustainable construction. This action was ranked sixth, behind other priorities such as making sustainable solutions more competitive (33%), and raising awareness among the public (32%) and stakeholders (31%). Base: all stakeholders (4,320 respondents) multiple ranked answers possible FOCUS ON INNOVATION What importance is attached to innovation in accelerating sustainable construction? In your opinion, which of the following actions should be put in place as a priority to accelerate the development of sustainable construction? Change compared with 2024 results = = +5 +8 +7 = = = 33% Make sustainable materials, products and solutions more competitive 32% Raise public awareness of the challenges of sustainable construction 31% Raise awareness among all stakeholders and strengthen their collaboration 28% Prioritize the use of bio-materials over conventional materials 26% Make the sustainable performance of constructions more visible and transparent 22% Propose new innovative solutions 21% Train professionals more 18% Renovate existing buildings 17
PART Exploring new solutions 18
Innovation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace in the construction sector, playing a key role in its transformation. This drive for innovation is multi- faceted and is evident at all stages of a project. More than just the use of innovative products, innovation implies a real paradigm shift: the adoption of an integrated approach capable of meeting complex challenges simultaneously. As a result, new solutions are emerging that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and optimize the environmental performance, profitability, quality and user comfort of buildings, from their design through to their operation. Spurred on by these innovative solutions, construction methods are constantly evolving, embracing lightweight construction, for example, which enables us to build better, faster and more sustainably. Technological advances also open up new prospects, with artificial intelligence in particular, which is shaping a more environmentally friendly building, and with construction chemicals, with the development of materials that are both stronger and lower in carbon. But innovation also means reviving tried and tested know-how, such as bioclimatic architecture and the use of traditional materials. This chapter presents these complementary approaches through daring visions and inspiring projects, redefining the boundaries of sustainable construction and shaping the future of our living environment. The challenge now is to scale up these innovations, so that they become the norm and permanently transform the entire sector. 19
The many faces of innovation in construction Innovation in the construction sector comprises a wide variety of proposals intended to radically transform the way we build and renovate. To enhance performance and sustainability, stakeholders are rallying together and collaborating so that innovative ideas can be born, grow, find their first market, and finally scale up to reach the widest possible audience. Here is an overview of the different facets of this transformation. From the most disruptive start-ups to the longest-established groups, all players in the construction industry are bringing their strengths to bear in a race for innovation designed to meet climatic, environmental and demographic challenges. Highpotential innovations are being developed at all stages of projects (upstream, construction, operation), from helping professionals make better choices, to reinventing materials, streamlining processes and developing new construction practices. Some of these new solutions do not shake up established practices, while others do (1). Digital design makes it possible to create a virtual building before it is built. Here, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is used to model data and then share it between the various project stakeholders to facilitate decision-making (see paragraph 2). SPOTLIGHT (1) Source: Académie des Technologies, “Innovation in Construction: contribution from start-ups to transformation of the sector”. © black_mts 20
Optimizing existing building stock INNOVATIONS THAT OPTIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY IN EVERY LINK OF THE CONSTRUCTION VALUE CHAIN While they might not shake up the established order, they already have very significant potential for more environmentally friendly practices, with the advantage of easier market penetration as they fit in with existing business models. They have the potential for rapid development in the short term, having only to demonstrate their contribution in terms of productivity, costs and environmental impact. REAL-TIME DATA ANALYSIS Simulation tools to assess the energy performance of a design Life-cycle assessment tools to predict a building’s environmental impact IoT (Internet of Things) sensors in the operating phase to optimize energy consumption, occupancy and comfort Preventive and predictive maintenance MORE SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT MATERIALS Low-carbon binders and admixtures developed for concrete in particular Lightweight materials Reuse of materials Materials with a high recycled content Materials with low CO2 emissions, that capture volatile organic compounds, materials easier to install BUILDING SITE OPTIMIZATION Robotics/cobotics Digital applications Kitting: layout and cutting to size Waste management Just-in-time delivery 21
Collecting and sharing data throughout the life cycle INNOVATIONS THAT CREATE INTERFACES BETWEEN LINKS IN THE VALUE CHAIN These innovations, generally digital, facilitate the transfer of technical, contractual or financial information between stakeholders without disrupting the nature of existing relationships between customer, supplier and subcontractor. This avoids the need for multiple data entry, and ensures that information is well managed throughout the design, construction and operation cycle of a structure. These innovations, relatively simple to implement technically, nevertheless require that the stakeholders have prior understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with better data management. They also require mastery of digital technology and alignment with standards by everyone in the value chain if they are to deliver their full potential. DATA MANAGEMENT AND SHARING Dematerializing and sharing data on products and equipment in an existing building, especially before renovation Using BIM (Building Information Modeling) from the design of a building through to its use. Digital design is a prerequisite for sustainable construction, enabling a building to exist virtually before it exists in reality A “Building Operating System” to coordinate the operation of all the technical work packages of a building (elevator, heating/cooling, fluids, etc.) as well as usage (occupancy, opening/ closing of windows, control of blinds, etc.) in order to make the best predictive and preventive maintenance choices Solutions to dematerialize calls for tenders, to allow unequivocal price comparisons Adapting purchasing approaches to make informed choices that take into account carbon reduction in addition to the cost of materials 22
In-depth transformation of practices INNOVATIONS THAT REQUIRE A SHAKE-UP OF ESTABLISHED PRACTICES Led by established players and start-ups alike, driven by a wish to “change the world”, some ground-breaking innovations are being used to overcome traditional barriers and revolutionize the construction sector. They often involve a change to the value-creation model and a rethink of how stakeholders cooperate. Conclusion To succeed in scaling up, these innovations – and those that will emerge in the construction sector in the future – need to get their entire ecosystem on board. Why? Quite simply because an innovation, even the least disruptive, means doing things differently, and thus having to adapt. Market organization, the regulatory environment, business practices and economic models often have to change to “absorb” the innovation. The role of established players in the construction industry can thus prove decisive in positively engaging all stakeholders in the necessary transformation processes. ADOPTING NEW WAYS OF DOING THINGS Lightweight construction Off-site and modular construction Building adaptability Circular economy: avoiding the production of construction waste, reusing products, recycling or recovering waste 3D-printing of concrete Bio-sourced materials 23
Integrated solutions combining performance and sustainability Building professionals must now take four interdependent factors into account, in both the design and execution phases of a project. On the one hand, performance requirements mean optimizing economic value while ensuring an optimal user experience. On the other hand, the need for sustainability requires combining environmental transition with the comfort of occupants. THE NEED FOR A SOLUTION-BASED APPROACH As such, the design and construction of sustainable buildings can no longer be a matter of simply combining specialized products. It is essential to adopt an integrated approach that takes into account the complex interactions between the various components of a building. An efficient product may not be appropriate if it is not a perfect fit for a system that has been optimized from a technical, economic and environmental point of view. The aim is to achieve synergy between products, systems and services, and thus offer solutions that simultaneously meet the imperatives of economic performance, use, sustainability and the well-being of occupants. The aim is to achieve synergy between products, systems and services While the sector can now count on a wide range of innovations to optimize every stage of the building life-cycle, the effectiveness of these innovations depends on a global approach. Building sustainably no longer means simply assembling innovative products, but rather providing solutions to complex issues, both environmental and concerning the comfort of occupants. SPOTLIGHT 24
To optimize a building’s overall energy performance, various products and services are combined to create effective solutions at every level: façades are transformed into thermal shields, and windows become capable of managing heat and light flows naturally. PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS AND SERVICES Imagine a building where every component is an instrument playing to a perfectly orchestrated score. This metaphor illustrates the silent revolution that is transforming the construction sector today. The integrated solutions approach redefines the rules of the game. Rather than simply combining products, it involves creating a score in which each component plays a precise role in relation to the others. In practice, the solutions approach cleverly combines three complementary factors: – products, designed to meet precise technical requirements, – systems, which combine different products to create a coherent functional whole, – and services, which complement this offer to deliver a complete solution. This synergy enables professionals to exploit the full potential of each component through smart combinations, while drawing on their specialist expertise to provide bespoke solutions. © Jacques du Rocher 25
PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION IN THE FIELD How does the intelligent combination of products, services and expertise play out on the ground? Take the example of building renovation, where every surface, from floor to ceiling, has to play an active part in energy efficiency. For roofing, new-generation systems combine insulation and waterproofing in all-in-one solutions. Façades are transformed into smart heat shields. Windows, meanwhile, become active interfaces, capable of naturally managing heat and light flows. Even the indoor insulation is transformed, maximizing performance without sacrificing living space. To work, this approach requires designing products that fit into complete solutions, and extending their assessment grids to include their contribution to environmental sustainability, user well-being, economic performance and user experience. Over and above its practical benefits in terms of performance and sustainability, the solution approach is a catalyst for innovation. By working closely with customers to meet their specific needs, new solutions are constantly emerging. Materials are becoming more efficient and more durable, construction systems are being optimized, and digital services are facilitating implementation. But the real strength of this approach lies in its adaptability. This agility is crucial, not only to meet current needs in the sector, but also to anticipate future developments and ensure constant alignment with its specific constraints, whether climatic, regulatory or functional. EnveoVent, a complete wall system that meets thermal, acoustic and fire performance requirements, and also emits less CO2 than traditional constructions. It was created by combining the products and services of British Gypsum, Isover, Okarno, Scotframe and Weber. Over and above its practical benefits in terms of performance and sustainability, the solution-based approach is a catalyst for innovation © Saint-Gobain 26
Glossary A SERVICE complements a system to provide a solution. A SYSTEM is a combination of products and/or other systems to meet functional needs. A PRODUCT is designed to meet technical and functional requirements. It may itself represent a solution to a problem encountered by the customer, or be assembled with other products to form a system and/or be combined with services. DISCOVER the full article in our online magazine Constructing a sustainable future 1 2 3 1 Customized off-site construction service 2 Multi-purpose screeds 3 Cutting-edge galzing solutions 4 Basement waterproofing mortars, screeds and self leveling compounds, technical waterproofing mortars for basements 5 Waterproofing membranes and resins for roofs, balconies and terraces, weather protection 6 Suspended and acoustic ceilings 7 Acoustic and fireresistant partitions 8 Lightweight façade systems, façade insulation 9 Foundation protection, low-carbon concrete foundations, admixtures for concrete structures 10 Piping SOLUTIONS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION: EXAMPLE OF AN OFFICE BUILDING The ceilings regulate the acoustics while contributing to air quality. The partitions don’t just divide up the space, they also improve acoustic performance and provide fire protection. The lightweight façades incorporate insulation and solar control in a compact package. ©Saint-Gobain 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 27
Building lighter, an approach that has become crucial Unlike traditional construction, which relies on heavy materials such as concrete or brick, lightweight construction favors lighter load-bearing structures in the form of timber, metal or concrete “skeletons”, to which non-load-bearing façade and partition systems are attached. This makes it an appropriate and sustainable solution for reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, while meeting the demands of cost, speed and comfort. SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT By reducing the use of heavy, carbon-intensive materials, lightweight construction limits the extraction of natural resources and energy consumption, thus avoiding CO2 emissions and promoting circularity. In addition, off-site construction of all or part of the building results in less waste and disruption on the construction site. AN ECONOMICAL AND EFFICIENT SOLUTION But beyond its ecological advantages, light construction provides an effective response to budgetary and time constraints. The lightness of the materials allows for simpler foundations, cuts construction times and reduces costs. Off-site construction can represent a time-saving of up to 30% compared with conventional methods. Innovative solutions shake up established construction methods. Lightweight construction is thus emerging as a sustainable, efficient alternative to traditional techniques, in constant renewal through technological advances and new design methods. SPOTLIGHT 28
POSITIVE SOCIAL AND SOCIETAL IMPACT Lighter construction does not mean reducing the comfort level and performance of the building, particularly in terms of energy efficiency. On the contrary, this approach allows access to decent, comfortable housing for the greatest possible number. In North America, light construction is THE solution to the huge demand for affordable housing. In Türkiye, this construction method has proved essential for rapid rebuilding after the earthquakes of 2023, and building with lighter structures that would have less serious consequences in the event of another collapse. Lastly, this approach facilitates the move towards more adaptable and reversible buildings, meeting the challenges of urban flexibility and changing needs and lifestyles. This is an undeniable advantage when it comes to the end-of-life of buildings, as they can be easily dismantled and then reused elsewhere or recycled. A CONSTANTLY EVOLVING CONSTRUCTION METHOD Light construction is constantly evolving in line with the innovative solutions that make it up, with ever-lower carbon in materials such as concrete, plasterboard, glazing and glass wool made from alternative components, recycled materials, and through use of alternative energies. Renewable energy (photovoltaic panels), natural ventilation and heat recovery are also increasingly part of light construction projects. Lastly, BIM (Building Information Modeling) and AI optimize the use of materials and the energy efficiency of buildings. All these innovations will increasingly contribute to positioning lightweight construction as the indispensable construction method. Lighter load-bearing structures, in the form of timber skeletons, make it possible to combine reduced carbon footprint of buildings, speed of construction, and living comfort. © Roberto Sorin 29
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Redefining the concept of urban life THE H RESIDENCE IN DUBAI. Located in the heart of a large public space, the project by architects Tariq Khayyat Design Partners first had to convince local residents of its suitability. Designed around a large central square that encourages exchange and inclusion, and also features shops, the residence immediately won them over with its environmentally friendly design. All the principles of lightweight construction were followed here: less concrete, more gypsum and timber, but also less on-site work due to greater use of off-site construction and more flexibility. The result is a more efficient building with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. © Phillip Handforth Photography 2002-2024
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ITALY Ultra-light offices RAVENNA MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICES. The design of this building is based on optimizing energy efficiency, making the most of the characteristics of the building envelope. Particular attention was thus paid to light and natural air circulation. This is reflected in the use of green roofs, large insulating windows and the spectacular architecture of the façade, which acts as a sunshade. From the earliest design phases, the use of environmentally friendly materials was a priority. In addition, each component can be replaced or serviced individually, without the need for complete disassembly. This approach optimizes the overall maintenance and management costs throughout the project life cycle. © lorenzoBartoliforSaint-Gobain
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NETHERLANDS Renovating a hospital with no interruption to care AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. Apart from the environmental challenges, healthcare establishments have to be able to adapt to pandemics, an aging population and advances in medicine. Their renovation thus requires solutions that combine energy efficiency, flexibility and comfort. Amsterdam University Hospital rose to this challenge by renovating while remaining open 24/7 and maintaining continuity of care. This was achieved through the use of custom kits, manufactured off-site and delivered from the roof to minimize disruption while reducing noise, dust and CO2 emissions. © William Moore
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AI applications in sustainable construction The widespread availability of generative Artificial Intelligence marks a turning point in our relationship with digital tools. Interaction with these technologies has become considerably simpler, letting professionals exploit their potential through intuitive interfaces while drawing on their specialist expertise. This evolution, which goes far beyond simple ease of use, is deeply transforming professional construction practices. The synergy between artificial intelligence and human know-how opens up new prospects for optimizing every phase of a project, from design to operation. AI REDEFINES ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN The emergence of artificial intelligence has revolutionized the design phase, traditionally time-consuming and iterative. Architects now have access to digital assistants capable of exploring hundreds of possible variations for a single project in just a few minutes, taking multiple parameters into account: energy performance, environmental impact, cost, comfort of occupants. Technological advances are also opening up new opportunities. Artificial Intelligence, especially, plays a central role in this evolution, overturning established practice in many sectors. The construction industry has not escaped this technological tidal wave. From the first strokes of the pencil to the day-to-day operation of buildings, AI, and generative AI in particular, is redefining the standards of sustainable construction and opening new prospects for more virtuous buildings. SPOTLIGHT 36
The Hypar platform is a perfect illustration of this quiet revolution. The first step is for users to input their requirements and constraints relating to various criteria such as energy efficiency or environmental impact. By harnessing the power of large language models (LLMs) the tool then generates optimized building plans in just a few minutes. The result of automating this often time-consuming technical process is a significant improvement in productivity. This saves precious time that the design teams can use to focus more on the creative and strategic aspects of their projects. PRODUCTION: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY AI is also revolutionizing production lines, notably through the emergence of AI-controlled robotics. Vestack offers a remarkable illustration of this with its innovative off-site construction process. The company’s smart robots are not pre-programmed; their actions are determined in real time through AI-generated algorithms. These machines analyze each component to be assembled and then automatically define their own sequence of movements, so that tasks such as high-speed nailing can be carried out precisely and as quickly as possible. Far from replacing humans, this development is redefining trades in the sector, with the emergence of new jobs such as robot operator. OPTIMIZED DESIGN PROCESS AND REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT Innovation is also to be found in the formulation of materials, as demonstrated by Concrete Copilot. Using generative AI, this tool can come up with millions of possible mix formulas in just The Ludwig configurator developed by Vestack uses algorithms and AI to create a digital twin of buildings, which are then manufactured in the factory. Architects now have access to digital assistants capable of exploring hundreds of possible variations ©Vestack 37
a few moments. This enables manufacturers to identify the most suitable concrete mix for a given application. A design process that used to take several weeks is now completed in a matter of minutes, while guaranteeing compliance with engineering, safety and performance standards. The results? In addition to boosting productivity and cutting costs, this approach can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by 30%(1). This digital transformation is also of benefit to the plasterboard manufacturing sector. Imagine algorithms that can determine panel placement with unprecedented precision, to reduce cutting and waste. This optimization even paves the way for pre-cutting in the factory based on digital mock-ups, meaning that ready-to-install “assembly kits” can be delivered to building sites. This results in considerable time savings during installation, less waste, and lower energy consumption during the construction phase. Offcuts could also be immediately returned to the production cycle, a perfect example of the circular economy. IA TO ADAPT TO THE PACE OF BUILDING LIFE What if buildings could adapt to the daily routines of their occupants? We’re not quite there yet, but buildings can already use AI to analyze their pace of life. For example, by cross-referencing data linked to the number of Wi-Fi connections at certain times of the day or week, they can “deduce” that all teams are present on Tuesdays, that offices are empty on Fridays due to home working, and that some floors are busier than others depending (1) Concrete Copilot. This wooden wall framing machine at the Vestack City Factory in Saint-Germain Laval (France) is not programmed to follow a fixed sequence. Using AI-generated algorithms, it can decide on its actions in real time depending on the component to be assembled. ©Vestack Through use of generative AI, the carbon footprint of concrete can be reduced by 30%(1) 38
on the time of day. This valuable data enables these new- generation buildings to adjust the ventilation, heating and air-conditioning accordingly. This is already happening, with solutions such as Honeywell Forge. The platform deploys machine learning algorithms to control a building’s technical equipment. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) systems are constantly adjusted to achieve two goals that were once difficult to reconcile: reducing the energy footprint while enhancing user comfort. Innovation goes a step further with ARIA, the virtual assistant developed by BrainBox AI. This digital concierge revolutionizes day-to-day building management by combining predictive analysis and smart automation. From early detection of anomalies to energy optimization and direct dialogue with occupants via voice or text interfaces, ARIA represents the next generation of virtual technical managers. This integrated intelligence even opens up new prospects for the end-of-life of buildings. Algorithms can now plan for optimized demolition, identifying materials that can be recovered and coordinating their re-use in future projects. This approach radically transforms traditional demolition into a methodical dismantling process and maximizes opportunities for re-use through a circular economy approach. Artificial intelligence systems are emerging as powerful tools in the transformation of the construction sector, paving the way for more efficient, sustainable and comfortable buildings. This development marks the dawn of augmented architecture, where AI in synergy with human expertise acts as a catalyst to make sustainable construction a reality. DISCOVER the full article in our online magazine Constructing a sustainable future 39
POINT OF VIEW German researcher Svenja Lauble points out the need to take account of the specific AI needs of construction professionals. She shares her vision for successful adoption by sector professionals. “To start integrating artificial intelligence into their operations, professionals must first digitize the vast amount of data and resources they handle on a daily basis. Too often, this is still on paper (drawings, building archives and registers, expert reports, etc.). Supplemented by opensource resources (such as EPD or Open Street Maps), it can then be used as input data for AI applications. These might be dedicated to predictive project management, design and materials optimization, or smart building management, for example. The long-term goal would be to build a database continuously populated with anonymized and statistical data, managed by a neutral body, to inform decisions and speed up the transition to more sustainable construction. By harnessing the strengths of human expertise and AI technology, the construction industry can quickly move towards more sustainable results.” “It is essential to develop AI tools dedicated to construction professionals” 40
READ the full interview in Constructing a sustainable future EDGE EAST SIDE IN BERLIN (GERMANY) is a connected office building designed by Barkow Leibinger and Eike Becker Architekten. It features energy performance monitoring and automation tools that adjust operating systems in real time to maximize efficiency and comfort. SVENJA LAUBLE Doctor and researcher in Artificial Intelligence, Lean Construction and Sustainable Construction at Karlsruhe University (Germany). ©Boris-Zec 41
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