APRIL 2026 QUALITY OF LIFE RESILIENCE PERFORMANCE RESOURCES Sustainable construction means The sustainable construction magazine by Saint-Gobain
The sustainable construction magazine by Saint-Gobain Sustainable construction means
ACCESS the online magazine Constructing a sustainable future INTRODUCTION Sustainable construction is often viewed through the lens of decarbonization and environmental impact. The 2026 Sustainable Construction Barometer confirms it once again: the energy efficiency of buildings and the use of more environmentally friendly materials are at the top of the list of criteria cited by industry stakeholders when defining responsible construction. But sticking to this interpretation alone would be insufficient, because sustainable construction encompasses other equally important aspects. By affecting our quality of life: poorly ventilated, poorly insulated homes that are uncomfortable in terms of temperature or noise have a direct impact on the physical and mental health of their occupants. In an increasingly urbanized world, sustainable construction solutions are proving essential. Faced with climate pressures – more frequent heatwaves, extreme rainfall, droughts, water stress, etc. – the adaptability and resilience of sustainable construction enable us to better protect populations and look to the future with greater peace of mind. In a demanding environment marked by cost volatility and increasingly stringent standards, sustainable construction is also emerging as a driver of performance, combining productivity, profitability, compliance, and differentiation. Lastly, the continued viability of the sector depends on better conservation of resources: reducing extraction, limiting waste, extending the life of structures, and incorporating circularity are becoming key requirements. This edition of Constructing a Sustainable Future explores this broader vision of sustainable construction as a driver of environmental, social, and economic value. 1. #QUALITY OF LIFE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ALSO MEANS PROMOTING WELL-BEING P. 20 2. #RESILIENCE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ALSO MEANS ADAPTING TO CLIMATE SHOCKS P. 44 3. #PERFORMANCE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ALSO MEANS BEING EFFICIENT AND PROFITABLE P. 72 4. #RESOURCES SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ALSO MEANS CONSERVING RESOURCES P. 100 05
Why has sustainability in construction so often been reduced to environmental performance? J. E.: To understand this, it helps to look back. When I was trained as a city planner nearly fifty years ago, climate change was barely visible on the horizon. The construction sector, like many others, paid little attention to environmental limits. As sustainability gradually entered the mainstream, it initially did so as an environmental agenda. From the 1970s onwards, environmental impact assessments played a decisive role. They introduced structured processes that forced developers, architects and planners to consider environmental consequences. Over time, this shaped how sustainability was understood and operationalized. Comparable tools for assessing social, cultural or human impacts simply did not exist. There was also a pragmatic element: environmental performance felt more manageable. Carbon emissions, energy use and pollution could be measured, regulated and audited. Human experience, by contrast, is far more complex and politically sensitive. As a result, sustainability became closely associated with what could be quantified, even if that meant narrowing its original scope. Has this environmental focus nonetheless played a positive role for the construction sector? J. E.: Yes, absolutely. The environmental focus has forced progress in sectors that are among the most carbon-intensive in the global economy, such as cement, steel and construction. These industries are difficult to transform, and sustainability pressure has pushed them to innovate, sometimes in quite radical ways. It has also helped shift perceptions. (1) A framework for analyzing organizational performance based on three inseparable dimensions (economic, social, and environmental), aimed at measuring overall value creation beyond financial results alone. 07 JOHN ELKINGTON British consultant with expertise in corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues, who introduced the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)(1) concept. For a long time, sustainability in construction has focused on environmental performance and carbon indicators. While this approach has led to progress in practices, it often overlooks the impact of buildings on people’s lives over time. In this interview, John Elkington, pioneer of the Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, prosperity), analyzes the origins of this environmental lens, what it has made possible, and why a sustainably human-centered vision is now essential. interview KEYNoTE
Climate change is no longer seen as a peripheral issue, but as a strategic and existential risk. The science is blindingly clear. Even in periods of political backlash, many large companies continue to work on climate issues behind the scenes because they understand that the risks are real and not disappearing. In that sense, the environmental agenda has helped mainstream sustainability. It has created a shared language, common metrics and a sense of urgency. Without that foundation, it would be very difficult to have a broader conversation today about resilience, long-term value and human well-being. What dimensions of sustainability have been sidelined as a result of this narrow focus? J. E.: The most obvious casualty has been the human dimension. Environmental performance is easier to quantify than social well-being, cultural relevance or mental health. As a result, these aspects have often been treated as secondary or optional. In construction, this has very concrete consequences. Too many buildings are designed with short time horizons, driven by efficiency and cost considerations rather than long-term quality of life. We build places that are technically functional but psychologically poor, monotonous or disconnected from how people actually live. Construction does not simply meet immediate needs. It shapes patterns of living, mobility and social interaction for decades. When we ignore these long-term human effects, we risk embedding stress, isolation and fragility into the built environment. These costs may not appear on balance sheets, but they are very real for societies. How does your Triple Bottom Line help broaden this perspective for the built environment? J. E.: The Triple Bottom Line was designed to encourage integration. In the context of construction, it helps highlight the fact that environmental performance, social well-being and long-term economic value are deeply interconnected. When the framework is used purely as a responsibility tool – a way of doing slightly less harm – it rarely leads to transformation. But when it is applied through the lens of resilience and regeneration, it becomes much more powerful. It prompts different questions: Will this building remain useful over time? Can it adapt to new uses? Is it sufficiently resilient? This kind of thinking moves sustainability toward long-term value creation. It recognizes that buildings and cities are systems that evolve, not static objects designed for a single moment in time. What does this mean in practical terms for how we design cities today? J. E.: In practical terms, it means rethinking time horizons. Much of what we build today is designed for relatively short operating lives and rushed by the housing crisis. That is a serious problem, because buildings often remain in place far longer than originally intended and in that sense, we are just creating the problems of the future. Designing with adaptability in mind is essential. The same applies at the urban scale. Cities that work well over time tend to be those that evolved gradually, rather than those imposed through rigid, industrialized planning models. It also means paying attention to how places feel to live in and the existing heritage. Human experience, renovation of older structures, cultural relevance and a sense of belonging are not luxuries; they are central to long-term resilience and social anchoring. Ignoring them may save time or money in the short term, but it creates vulnerabilities that are difficult to correct later. Looking ahead, what needs to change? J. E.: The most urgent shift is a change in mindset. Sustainability is not only a technical challenge; it is a psychological and cultural one. We are naturally inclined to focus on short-term problems and immediate returns, even when long-term risks are far more significant. Leaders in the construction sector need to invest much more time in learning and immersion in real world experiments aiming to create sustainable settlements. Education is not just for the young! Construction leaders need to visit projects that successfully integrate environmental, social and cultural dimensions, often in contexts very different from their own. Ultimately, construction is one of the most influential sectors in shaping the future. It builds not just structures, but ways of living. A truly sustainable approach must therefore think in terms of people and time — imagining how environments will support human life not just today, but for generations to come. “Construction does not only answer today’s needs. It locks in ways of living for decades. A sustainable built environment must work for people over time, not just perform against short‑term environmental metrics.” 09 08
Perceptions, obstacles and levers for progress, expected solutions, most active stakeholders… Each year since its launch in 2023, the Sustainable Construction Barometer by Saint-Gobain has measured worldwide progress on this priority issue. Together, let’s explore the key takeaways from this fourth edition. BAROMETER 11
27% 6% 67% Which of the following definitions best fits sustainable construction? First Total Base: stakeholders familiar with the concept of sustainableconstruction (4,512 respondents) – two possible answers Are you familiar with or have you heard of the concept of sustainable construction? KEY TAKEAWAY 1 Sustainable construction: now an established concept, but unevenly adopted Sustainable construction is now a widely recognized concept. 67% of stakeholders and 39% of citizens say they understand what the concept entails; 94% and 84% respectively are at least aware of it. However, this widespread recognition coexists with significant variations across regions and countries. Stakeholder awareness remains lower in Asia-Pacific (58%) than in the Middle East (75%), and there are sometimes considerable differences within the same region: in Europe, the gap between Romania (86%) and Czechia (40%) illustrates the difference in maturity between countries in the same area. Among citizens, familiarity with the concept remains socially differentiated, and is higher among young people and university graduates. KEY TAKEAWAY 2 Resilience gaining ground, benefits to be better highlighted to keep up the momentum Among the criteria cited to define sustainable construction, resilience continues to gain ground. After a sharp increase in the previous edition (up 8 points between 2024 and 2025), it gained another 5 points this year among both stakeholders and citizens, with a particularly strong importance in Africa and the Middle East, regions already exposed to extreme climates. Interviews with financial stakeholders highlight the growing attention paid to resilience, while also emphasizing the need to clarify its definition and demonstrate a clear return on investment. 67% 13 12 Energy-efficient construction Base: stakeholders (4.800 respondents) - single answer Yes, and I know exactly what it is about Yes, but I don’t really know anything about it No, I’ve never heard of it Construction using ecological materials Construction aimed at achieving carbon neutrality Construction able to withstand natural and climatic hazards Evolutive construction capable of adapting to new uses Construction aimed at reducing building waste Construction that uses fewer exhaustible materials Construction that promotes the well-being and health of occupants 17% 15% 15% 14% 11% 9% 9% 8% 33% 30% 26% 26% 22% 19% 19% 18%
KEY TAKEAWAY 3 The value of sustainable construction: a central issue Beyond knowledge of sustainable construction, the question of value proves decisive. 47% of stakeholders believe that sustainable construction creates greater value than traditional construction (a new question in 2026). This perception is weaker in some regions (38% in Asia-Pacific, 45% in Europe) and among elected officials, with only 34% saying they are convinced. The competitiveness of solutions remains perceived as a crucial driver for fast-tracking sustainable construction: as in the previous edition, it is cited by nearly one in three stakeholders. Furthermore, respondents in favor of “turning the clock back” (a minority opinion, representing only 6% of stakeholders) mainly cite excessive costs and a lack of performance guarantees for users. This finding makes demonstrating value a central issue in promoting adoption based on buy-in rather than compliance alone. It’s no longer just a question of asserting the ambitions of sustainable construction. There is a need to prove its value, demonstrating tangible benefits, guaranteeing performance for users, and improving the competitiveness of solutions in order to become firmly established in decision-making by stakeholders. In your opinion, today, sustainable construction, considering both its economic profitability and its overall value (environmental, social, heritage)… 19% 5% 8% 21% 47% 47% Creates more value than traditional construction Creates as much value as traditional construction Creates value but less than traditional construction Creates no value I don’t know Base: stakeholders (4.800 respondents) – single answer 6% 7% 8% 8% 10% 5% 8% 9% 51% 51% 38% 45% 65% 33% 18% 52% 21% 19% 18% 16% 23% 28% 26% 22% 19% 15% 22% 25% 21% 12% 23% 36% 3% 3% 1% 7% 6% 1% 8% 11% Africa North America Latin America AsiaPacific Europe Middle East India China Area Focus 15 14
KEY TAKEAWAY 4 Shared intentions, but limited action so far There is broad consensus on the need to speed up: 87% of stakeholders believe that there is a need to go further. Stakeholders upstream in the value chain (architects and engineering firms) continue to be identified as drivers (56%, stable), and the expected momentum is based on cooperation between stakeholders rather than on a single leader. However, for the third year running, practices are struggling to keep up. Only 32% of professionals routinely assess carbon footprints and 30% say they already carry out sustainable projects, compared with 55% who say that they “intend to do so”. Among elected officials, sustainability has become less important as a criterion in the awarding of public contracts (86% compared with 98% in 2025). Among students and associations, good intentions still weigh heavier than taking action: 78% of students value training in sustainable construction, but only 5% would categorically refuse a job offer from a company that is not committed to sustainability. 24% of associations have already boycotted unsustainable projects, while 50% might do so in the future. Base: professionals who are involved in sustainable construction (1,208 respondents) – single answer Do you assess the carbon footprint of your sustainable building projects? 28% 32% 32% 40% Yes, systematically Yes, but only occasionally No, never KEY TAKEAWAY 5 Citizen buy-in as a driver to fast-tracking deployment? The barometer also highlights the important role of citizens in accelerating the transition toward sustainable construction. 63% of citizens consider the development of more sustainable construction to be a priority, up 4 points from the previous edition. Citizens are also paying increasing attention to the health and well-being benefits for occupants: 19% of citizens now include this aspect in their definition of sustainable construction (up 4 points), particularly in Africa and Asia-Pacific, where more than one in four citizens cite this issue. Furthermore, nearly one-third of citizens and stakeholders believe that raising public awareness is essential to stepping up progress. Which of the following definitions best fits sustainable construction? Construction using ecological materials Energy-efficient construction Construction able to withstand natural and climatic hazards Construction aimed at reducing building waste Construction that uses fewer exhaustible materials Construction that promotes the well-being and health of occupants Construction aimed at achieving carbon neutrality Evolutive construction capable of adapting to new uses 20% 16% 16% 10% 9% 9% 9% 8% Base: citizens familiar with the concept of sustainable construction (25,328 respondents) – two possible answers 35% 31% 28% 19% 19% 19% 18% 15% First Total 17 16
FOCUS Competitiveness, awareness-raising, and alignment of stakeholders at the top of the agenda Like last year, nearly one in three stakeholder respondents cites two priority drivers for fast-tracking the sector’s transition: strengthening the competitiveness of sustainable solutions (32%) and raising awareness among the general public (31%) and stakeholders (30%). These two signals suggest that proposing new solutions (21%) is less important than providing the right conditions for deploying solutions that are already available. This means improving affordability while facilitating widespread adoption across the entire value chain (specifiers, financiers, contractors, users). While there is broad consensus on the priorities, regional differences nevertheless emerge: renovation is more to the fore in Europe (25%), while there is stronger interest in biomaterials in Asia-Pacific (32%). In your opinion, which of the following actions should be put in place as a priority to accelerate the development of sustainable construction? 32% Make sustainable materials, products, and solutions more competitive 31% Raise public awareness of the challenges of sustainable construction 30% Raise awareness among all stakeholders and strengthen their collaboration 27% Make the sustainable performance of constructions more visible and transparent 26% Prioritize the use of bio-materials over conventional materials 22% Train professionals more 21% Offers new innovative solutions 17% Renovate existing buildings Base: stakeholders (4,800 respondents) – several possible ranked responses – Only the top 8 responses are shown here (15 responses in total). Details of responses on page 53. Methodology The 2026 Sustainable Construction Barometer study was carried out between 16 October and 14 November 2025 among a sample of 4,800 individuals from 30 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya(1), Malaysia(1), Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania(1), Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam. This panel, which answered a self-administered online questionnaire, is broken down as follows: • 1,500 professionals (construction and public works, architecture, housing, professional organizations in the building trades, energy, industry, construction waste management) • 1,500 students (construction, building and public works, civil engineering, architecture, spatial design) • 1,200 members of associations (ecological transition, housing, construction, energy, climate change, circular economy) • 600 local elected officials or local government representatives (in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, in the absence of local elected officials, representatives of the public authorities were interviewed). Specific study method: questionnaire administered by telephone. In addition, 30,000 citizens aged 18 and over in 30 countries were also surveyed: 1,000 individuals per country (representative sample). Online omnibus questionnaire. (1) New countries in 2026. ACCESS the full 2026 Baromètre results 19 18
The air we breathe, the light that brightens our homes, the temperature that shields us from climatic extremes, the noise we strive to keep out: these are essential conditions for comfort rather than luxuries. They meet vital physiological needs and directly affect our ability to live in good conditions. Yet the solutions for improving our quality of life are also those that make our buildings more environmentally friendly. Optimized insulation, controlled ventilation, bioclimatic design, risk-free materials, and energy efficiency: these technical choices improve occupant comfort while at the same time reducing energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and pressure on resources. Better still, increased comfort has a tangible economic effect. Healthy indoor air, controlled acoustic comfort, stable temperatures, and wellbalanced natural light promote concentration, productivity, and academic success. Even investors place a higher value on certified buildings that are recognized for their enhanced comfort. This chapter explores the many ways in which construction can combine sustainability and comfort. PART SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ALSO MEANS Promoting well-being 21
SALESFORCE TOWER (UNITED STATES): This 61-floor skyscraper in San Francisco has so far obtained LEED Platinum pre-certification, with energy consumption 30% below the Californian standard. Underfloor air distribution, outdoor-air economizers, and a high-performance façade combining low-emissivity glazing and sunshades: together, these features provide 15,000 occupants with optimized thermal and visual comfort in a building that uses less energy than a standard office block. Comfort in a building is based on four main factors: air quality, natural light, acoustics, and temperature. These aspects directly impact our health, concentration, and well-being on a daily basis. Solutions exist to meet these basic needs: high-performance thermal and acoustic insulation, which drastically reduces energy consumption, limits CO2 emissions, and conserves natural resources. Quality of life and environmental performance are two sides of the same coin. An ideal building offers much more than just shelter: it provides clean air, a comfortable temperature, controlled acoustics, and plentiful natural light. This level of comfort is not a luxury: it meets basic physiological needs and directly influences our health, concentration, and well-being on a daily basis. SPOTLIGHT Quality of life and the environment: the same battle WHEN EVERYTHING COMES TOGETHER Four parameters work simultaneously to reduce a building’s carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and improve the well-being of its occupants. Take ventilation, for example. An effective system regulates CO2 and removes volatile pollutants: less fatigue and fewer headaches for occupants. But the dualflow version of the same ventilation system recovers up to 90% of the heat from the extracted air, reduces heating requirements by 25% to 45%, and limits CO2 emissions by the same amount. The orientation of the building and the size of the windows also play a dual role. They influence circadian rhythms, sleep, and mood, while reducing artificial lighting by 40% to 60% with a corresponding reduction in the electricity bill. The envelope of the building also contributes, by reducing outside noise. It makes it easier to concentrate and reduces stress. This same envelope, with reinforced insulation and airtightness, also blocks heat loss and thus plays a decisive role in terms of energy efficiency: walls and façades alone account for nearly one-third of a building’s heat loss. And the insulating materials used are becoming increasingly sustainable: reduced carbon footprint, recycled or bio-based content, reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds, etc. 23 22
Lastly, temperature. Maintaining a temperature of 20 °C-22 °C in winter and avoiding overheating in summer requires effective insulation, good thermal inertia, and appropriate sun protection, including solar control glazing to ensure optimal light levels. These measures stabilize indoor comfort while significantly reducing energy requirements: turning down the heating by just one degree represents an average of nearly 7% in energy savings and hence lower CO2 emissions. So there is no need for a trade-off between comfort and reduced environmental impact: solutions exist that allow progress to be made on both fronts at the same time. A passive building illustrates this perfectly, combining stable temperatures, constantly renewed air, and plentiful natural light, while its energy consumption drops by 75% to 90% and its CO2 emissions are virtually zero. ADDRESSING A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT WHAT SUSTAINABILITY REALLY MEANS All the lights seem to be at green for the systematic deployment of sustainable solutions aimed at greater comfort and well-being. Design tools are getting better, the technical solutions are proven, feedback is available, and economic benefits are well documented. International standards now recognize this convergence between environmental performance and quality of life: the Déclaration de Chaillot, the European Level(s) framework, and WELL and HQE (high environmental quality) certification all incorporate both aspects. Yet the 2026 Sustainable Construction Barometer reveals that only 18% of sector stakeholders around the world make the connection between sustainable construction and well-being and health of occupants. To overcome this perception barrier, the challenge now lies in the narrative we choose to deploy. Opting for a more detailed explanation of quality-of-life factors will enable us to move beyond an overly restrictive view of what sustainability really means. SPOTLIGHT RIEDBERG PRIMARY SCHOOL (GERMANY). In Frankfurt, this primary school complies with Passivhaus standards: enhanced airtightness, measured at a level approximately 25% more stringent than the Passivhaus threshold, and dual-flow mechanical ventilation with heat recovery via an air-to-air heat exchanger. After monitoring for thirty months, the results show an average temperature of 22.9 °C in summer without air conditioning, optimal air quality, and energy savings of 90% compared with conventional standards. Students can work in good conditions while the school has optimized its energy bills. THE SHANGHAI ASTRONOMY MUSEUM (CHINA), the world’s largest planetarium, was designed as a place of discovery where visitor comfort is at the heart of the experience. Gyproc supplied approximately 15,000 m2 of plasterboard for the partitions and ceilings, contributing to acoustic absorption and sound clarity, which are essential for understanding scientific content and ensuring a high-quality visitor experience. Their light weight also facilitated installation while limiting the load on the structure, in a building with a particularly complex shape, without no straight lines or right angles. 24 25
26 27 THE EDGE IN AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS) _ Each façade plays a different role according to its orientation. The atrium in the north maximizes natural light while the solar panels to the south protect against overheating, and an aquifer system stores summer heat at a depth of 130 meters for release in winter. It achieved a record BREEAM score of 98.4%. ALBLASSERDAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (NETHERLANDS) _ The combination of Isover and Gyproc insulation panels and Ecophon suspended ceilings reduced noise by up to 45 dB and significantly improved speech clarity. Comfort: recipes for success THE AMARYLLIS PHASE 2 IN NEW DELHI (INDIA) _ In this residential complex, Cool-Lite SKN 176 glazing lets through 70% of the natural light while blocking 63% of the solar heat gain. This allows occupants of this LEED Gold-certified complex to bathe in natural light without the risk of excessive energy consumption. COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER IN DENVER (UNITED STATES) _ During its expansion in 2024, high-performance filtration was combined with an ionization system capable of neutralizing viruses and bacteria. Particular attention was paid to the selection of materials: paints, adhesives, sealants, floor coverings, and the composite timber were chosen exclusively for their low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a heterogeneous group of gaseous substances that can be carcinogenic or toxic to human reproduction and development. Around the world, iconic projects demonstrate how design and material choices shape occupant comfort while optimizing environmental performance. Through acoustics, natural light, air quality, and thermal management, these projects offer concrete, measurable, and reproducible solutions that make buildings healthier, more energy-efficient, and better suited to today’s uses. PORTFOLIO
26% 1O pts 5% 1O Pts UP TO higher sales price for homes with high environmental comfort(3) gain in academic performance when classrooms are better ventilated(4) productivity gain in betterdesigned spaces(1) DATA 28 29 The impact that our living environments have on our well-being and health also has direct repercussions in terms of performance and economic benefits. This tangible link has been the subject of numerous studies, which prove that a healthy and well-designed living environment results in concrete gains. Homes In the United States, research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has shown that homes with better air quality, ventilation, material emissions, and natural light command a rental premium of 4% to 7% above comparable properties(2). In Europe, a recent study in Turin found that natural light has as much influence on house prices as surface area or floor space. The best-lit homes can command a premium of up to 26% in sales price and 21% in rent(3). Places of learning In schools, light and indoor air directly influence academic success for students and working conditions for teachers. Several studies show that increasing ventilation flow rates leads to an average performance increase of 5% in standardized assessments(4). Stabilized CO2 levels reduce drowsiness and improve concentration. Exposure to natural light is also a factor in academic success(4). (1) Ildiri, Bazille, Lou, Hinkelman, Gray, Zuo, Impact of WELL certification on occupant satisfaction and perceived health, well-being, and productivity: A multi-office pre- versus post-occupancy evaluation. Building and Environment, 2022. (2) Hano, Keitaro, The incremental value of smart buildings upon effective rents and transaction prices. MIT PhD thesis, 2018. (3) Loro P., Lo Verso V., Fregonara E., Barreca F., Influence of daylight on real estate housing prices, Journal of Building Engineering, 2024. (4) Heschong L. et al., Daylighting Impacts on Human Performance in School. Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, 2013. Offices A study published in Building and Environment(1) shows that very practical improvements in offices, such as better ventilation, more effective filtration, increased natural light, materials with low volatile organic compounds, and good thermal and acoustic comfort, result in an average increase of 10 points in employee productivity. In open-plan offices, the Center for the Built Environment (United States) has shown that a 10 dB reduction in ambient noise can improve concentration by 30%. Well-being in figures
As a social landlord, how would you define sustainability? L.deF.: A multifaceted definition, of necessity, because all factors must be reconciled! Social housing(1) should meet several objectives: comfort and affordability, compliance with environmental standards, and planning for resilience in the face of climate change. Today, sustainability and quality of life go hand in hand. Comfort, the design of living spaces adapted to their use, and the choice of responsible materials make it possible to build long-lasting properties that are appreciated by residents. Immobilière 3F attaches great importance to the esthetics and comfort of its social housing. Why? L.deF.: The esthetics are essential and contribute to the sustainability of our projects, because behind this notion of beauty lies a host of other concepts such as well-being, quality of use, efficiency, durability, etc. Beautiful, well-designed housing inspires respect and reinforces a sense of pride among residents. We want to break the negative image often associated with social housing by offering architecturally exemplary residences. Hence, our social housing project in Bagneux (France) won the Équerre d’Argent(2) award in 2024 for combining esthetics, thermal comfort and spatial quality, which was much appreciated by the tenants. READ the full interview in Constructing a Sustainable Future (1) In France, social housing refers to homes built, financed and allocated with the help of the State to enable households with modest or moderate incomes to find accommodation at a rent below market price. (2) The Équerre d’Argent is an architectural prize recognizing the best architectural project completed in France for its quality, integration and innovation. THE ÉQUERRE D’ARGENT JURY praised the functional qualities of the 76 social housing units proposed in Bagneux (France) by Immobilière 3F. “Social housing can combine sustainability and quality of life.” VIEWPOINT LUCA DE FRANCESCHI Architect, urban planner and Director of Architecture and Sustainability at Immobilière 3F, a real-estate subsidiary of French group Action Logement 30 31
“The momentum has been built up to make sure that health is permanently rooted in governance, public policy, and practices in the construction sector.” Certifications no longer judge buildings solely on their environmental impact, but also their effect on the health and performance of their occupants. Why is it crucial to include health and well-being among the essential criteria for building performance? J. H.: We’re starting to realize how much buildings influence our health. We spend nearly 90% of our lives indoors! Yet the indoor air is often three to five times more polluted than outdoor air, sometimes up to 100 times more. Designing living spaces that protect health is thus becoming a major issue. In my view, healthy buildings represent a new frontier in public health: architects and engineers could have an impact comparable to that of doctors. How does the WELL standard assess health and well-being? J. H.: The WELL standard is based on ten factors: air, water, nutrition, light, movement, thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, materials, mental health, and community. Each of these translates into concrete requirements: ventilation, natural light, spaces that promote activity, mental health and inclusion policies, and so on. The goal is to make the invisible visible in order to manage the health of occupants. “The purpose of the WELL(1) standard is to bring out the factors that impact the health of occupants.” JASON HARTKE Executive Vice President of External Affairs, Advocacy, and Policy at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) (1) WELL is an international certification system from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) that evaluates buildings based on their impact on the health and well-being of occupants, across ten dimensions including air quality, water, light, thermal and acoustic comfort, and mental health. Source: wellcertified.com. VIEWPOINT 33
What levers could speed up the integration of health and well-being into sustainable construction on a global scale? J. H.: The most forward-thinking companies now understand how buildings influence health, productivity, and employee retention. Wellbeing is becoming a strategic asset: when choosing between two employers, the one that puts health center stage has a clear advantage. With the rise in home working, the office must be “worth the trip” by offering an environment where employees feel more productive and better cared for. In economic terms, these buildings also command higher rents, longer leases, and better occupancy rates. Public authorities are also making progress: cities and governments are imposing air quality standards in buildings open to the public, as in Europe with the new energy efficiency directive. Lastly, investors are taking up the issue: ESG benchmarks such as GRESB(1) incorporate health and well-being as material performance indicators. The momentum has been built up, and now we need to make sure that health is permanently rooted in governance, public policy, and practices in the sector. ARQBOREA IN MADRID (SPAIN), an office building that has obtained WELL Health-Safety Rating certification and Platinum WELL Shell & Core certification. WATER STREET (UNITED STATES) is the first neighborhood in North America to receive WELL Community certification at Gold level, awarded by the International WELL Building Institute. Designed as a neighborhood focused on health and well-being, the project incorporates design principles into buildings and public spaces that promote natural light, a high-quality indoor climate, environmental comfort, and connections to the outdoors – all recognized factors that support residents’ physical and mental health. This holistic and coordinated approach makes this neighborhood an international benchmark for urban development based on well-being. (1) The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assesses the sustainability and governance of real estate portfolios. VIEWPOINT READ the full interview in Constructing a Sustainable Future 34
Exemplary comfort in four hospitals Comfort plays a particularly decisive role in healthcare settings. Here are four examples of hospitals that illustrate how sustainable construction contributes to a healthier, quieter, and brighter environment. Truly therapeutic architecture that promotes quality of life for staff and recovery for patients. OVERVIEW UNITED STATES WHERE THE SENSES TAKES CENTER STAGE: KIOWA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Rebuilt after a tornado in 2007, this LEED®(1) Platinum-certified hospital combines passive and active solutions adapted to the continental climate. Reinforced outside insulation, a ventilated façade, and low-emissivity glazing stabilize the temperature. Natural light sensors and automated blind controls promote well-being and improve energy efficiency. (1) LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. BRAZIL ACOUSTICS THAT CALM CHILDREN: ERASTINHO HOSPITAL Erastinho is the first pediatric oncology hospital(2) in Latin America to be LEED certified. It was designed to alleviate stress in young patients with bright, colorful spaces that stimulate vitality. Double walls and decorative acoustic ceilings absorb sound, reducing anxiety and fatigue. (2) Hospital providing care for children and adolescents with cancer. FRANCE THERMAL COMFORT AT THE HEART OF HEALTHCARE: NANTES UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL By 2027, the future Nantes University Hospital, designed as a bioclimatic(3) building, will offer a stable temperature in all seasons. Triple glazing with breathable window frames and sunshades will filter the heat and light. The south-facing rooms will benefit from heat gain in winter, while the greened roofs will moderate temperatures in summer, ensuring comfort all year round for patients and staff. (3) A design approach that adapts a building to its local climate to optimize thermal and lighting comfort while reducing energy requirements. SENEGAL FRESH AND HEALTHY AIR: EL HADJ MALICK SY HOSPITAL Rebuilt after a fire in 2022, this 300-bed hospital, entirely eco-designed, focuses on healthy indoor air and thermal comfort adapted to the tropical climate. Breathable plaster ceilings reduce VOCs(4) by up to 70%, while insulation and ventilation keep the air fresh and pure, essential for preventing the spread of disease. (4) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a heterogeneous group of gaseous substances that can be carcinogenic or toxic to human reproduction and development. 37 36
Iquique Beyond the building itself, the way we think about the city shapes the quality of life of its residents. Demographic trends have a major influence on urban development: rapid urbanization, aging populations in some regions and sustained growth in others, household restructuring, and internal migration. All these changes have a tangible impact on the need for housing, infrastructure, and services, and ultimately on how we experience city life. SPOTLIGHT Demographics: how can we ensure comfort for as many people as possible? More than half of the world’s population already lives in urban areas, and by 2050 this will be the case for almost 7 people out of 10! A development that often tests the planning and construction capabilities of cities. At the same time, some large cities need to adapt their housing stock to aging populations, while others face increased land and social pressure due to the arrival of new residents. For the construction sector, these demographic trends call for sustainable solutions that are both resilient and attentive to the comfort and well-being of the greatest number of people. COMBATING INFORMAL HOUSING In regions with high population growth, one of the challenges is to prevent the uncontrolled expansion of informal housing. UN-Habitat and the World Bank identify sub-Saharan Africa and several regions of Asia, notably Central and South Asia as well as East and Southeast Asia, as the most vulnerable areas, with their rapidly growing urban populations. Kenya. Providing housing for low-income families and reducing energy bills. In Nairobi, Kenya, access to safe and affordable housing remains a major challenge in this rapidly growing city. In response to this pressure, IFC supports the IHS Kenya Energy Efficient Housing program, which develops EDGE-certified apartments for low-income households, designed to reduce energy consumption. These buildings are designed to lower utility bills, improve thermal comfort, and reduce the environmental footprint. The Rent to Buy model aims to secure access to home ownership while avoiding systematic relocation to the suburbs, which often means long commutes and a lower quality of life. By combining energy efficiency, affordable prices, and proximity to economic hubs, the program offers a concrete and sustainable alternative to informal expansion. Chile. Housing that adapts. In other regions, which are not currently experiencing population explosions, informal housing inherited from past choices can still have a negative impact on quality of life and require innovative housing solutions. In Latin America, the Quinta Monroy project in the city of Iquique (Chile) is a global benchmark in adaptive social housing. Designed by the firm Elemental, it is based on an original principle: building a structurally sound “half-house” with foundations, load-bearing walls, roofing, and utilities, and giving families the opportunity to gradually expand their homes according to their needs and resources. By targeting low-income households already living in the city, with changing family circumstances and facing significant pressure on housing, the project illustrates a different Quinta Monroy project in Iquique (Chile). 38
Micro-maison Love2 House in Tokyo (Japan). Carmel Place in New York (United States). way of thinking about social housing: not as a fixed product, but as a framework capable of evolving over time. A qualitative demographic response based on residential stability, dignified housing, and longterm well-being. NOT ENOUGH FLOORSPACE, BUT PLENTY OF IDEAS In other countries, the lack of available land is an issue. Large cities in East Asia, Indonesia, and Europe are experiencing radically new forms of population density. Tokyo. Happy downsizing. In Tokyo, Japan, where land pressure is among the most intense in the world, the Love2 House micro-home, designed by Takeshi Hosaka, illustrates an architectural response that is both demographic and qualitative. On an extremely small plot, the project maximizes light, ventilation, and comfort through use of a skylight and large openings. It shows that it is possible to increase density without sacrificing quality of life. A key issue in a city where available space is limited while the urban population continues to grow. New York. Off-site construction to increase density. In Manhattan, where a shortage of land and the growth in one-person households are increasing demographic pressures, Carmel Place has become a textbook case study. The 55 prefabricated micro-units show how increased density can go hand in hand with real quality of use: large windows, generous ceiling heights, shared spaces. Designed in response to a call for proposals from the City of New York to meet the growing need for small housing units, Carmel Place illustrates a strategy: offering solutions adapted to new family configurations while limiting pressure on land use. WHEN PEOPLE AGED OVER‑SIXTY-FIVES OUTNUMBER THE UNDER-FIVES Aging is one of the most defining transitions of the century. In 2018, for the first time, people aged 65 and over outnumbered children under 5 worldwide, according to the United Nations. And by 2050, these seniors will outnumber the 15-24 age group globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cities need to incorporate three principles: accessibility, social inclusion, and proximity to services. Hong Kong. Housing and health. In Hong Kong, where the population is aging rapidly, the Hong Kong Housing Society has launched the Senior Citizen Residences Scheme, a housing program for people over 60. Residents benefit from lifetime leases and integrated services: care, assistance, adapted common areas, social activities. The model is designed to meet the health, accessibility, and social needs of an aging population, while ensuring a safe, stable, and comfortable environment. This program is recognized by the WHO in its work on age-friendly cities. Amsterdam. Modularity and reversibility. In the IJburg neighborhood, Amsterdam (Netherlands) is developing housing specifically designed for seniors, with a focus on modularity and circularity. The Van IJburg building features a timber structure that can be disassembled and adaptable modules, allowing spaces to be reconfigured according to the degree of autonomy of the residents. The project includes shared spaces and accommodation for caregivers, offering housing that can support life transitions without upheaval. For aging cities, it is a model of social infrastructure and sustainable comfort. Hence demographic realities, while changing the goalposts for societal balance around the world, also dictate the rules governing our collective well-being. And this makes the construction sector a key player in the equation. Tokyo SPOTLIGHT New York 41 40
In Africa, comfort threatened by the energy challenge “ We need to think of cities as a whole, with urban planning that anticipates their growth. ” VINCENT KITIO Architect and Unit Leader for Urban Energy at UN-Habitat. “In many African cities, the issue of energy efficiency is still relatively new, particularly because access to energy remains restricted for a significant portion of the population. In this context, the challenge is not only to reduce consumption, but also to tangibly improve living conditions for residents. Appropriate architectural design (building orientation, natural ventilation, solar protection, passive lighting) reduces the need for air conditioning or artificial lighting, while improving thermal comfort and indoor air quality. These choices have a direct impact on the health, well-being, and resilience of households, particularly in rapidly growing cities.” “That said, awareness is growing, although the situation varies greatly from one country to another. In countries where public policies encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy, the benefits are reflected not only in lower energy costs, but also in improved quality of life. The adoption of building codes, the spreading of best practice, and the training of stakeholders contribute to more comfortable housing that is better suited to local climates and more accessible to urban populations. In a context of rapid urbanization, these approaches are an essential lever for reconciling population growth, sustainability, and quality of life.” READ the full interview in Constructing a Sustainable Future VIEWPOINT 43 42
Prolonged heatwaves, extreme rainfall, flooding, storms, fires: climate hazards are no longer exceptional events, but a new reality that the construction sector must now deal with. Faced with this reality, two essential concepts emerge: adaptation and resilience. Not just in theory, but in practice to ensure the durability of buildings, infrastructure, and regions. Adaptation means planning for shocks that have become predictable. Resilience means being able to withstand these shocks, keep going, and bounce back quickly. These issues go far beyond the technical sphere alone. They raise questions about how cities protect themselves, how buildings ensure the safety of their occupants, how infrastructure guarantees the continuity of essential services, and how economic stakeholders, including insurers, integrate climate risk into their decision-making. Resilience is becoming a criterion for design, investment, and governance. This chapter explores how sustainable construction can stop putting up with the climate and instead adapt to it: through urban strategies, design choices, material solutions, industrial methods, and feedback from the field. In this era of climate deregulation, sustainability is no longer measured solely in terms of the CO2 emissions avoided, but also in terms of the ability to endure and protect. SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ALSO MEANS Adapting to climate shocks PART 45
For decades, buildings were designed for a stable climate. That is no longer the case. Climate shocks are no longer anomalies but the new normal. In fifty years, natural disasters have multiplied, putting buildings and infrastructure to the test. The result is that construction has entered a new era. In recent years, two new concepts have emerged, providing both food for thought and a basis for action, to ensure that buildings no longer suffer from the climate but begin to evolve with it: adaptation and resilience. But what exactly do they mean? How do they differ? Above all, what do these concepts mean in practical terms for construction and renovation solutions? And how does decarbonization fit in to all this? ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE: WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? Adaptation means planning for the negative effects of climate change and taking appropriate measures to prevent or minimize the damage they may cause, or to take advantage of opportunities that may arise. So adaptation is not limited to responding to extreme weather events: it also involves rethinking the design, construction, and management of buildings to cope with gradual climate change (rising average temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, etc.). The resilience of a building is defined as the combination of its resistance, adaptability, and ability to recover from climate shocks and stresses. A resilient building is thus able to absorb shocks without losing its function. This resilience is based on 3 pillars: • Robustness: resistant to damage (reinforced structure) • Adaptability: continues to operate despite constraints (backup systems) • Recovery: quickly returns to normal (modularity, repairability) Hence in Miami (United States), the Miami Forever Bond program, passed in 2017, will ultimately raise $400m, nearly half of which ($192m) will be dedicated to resilience in the face of rising sea levels and flooding. With drainage pumps, infrastructure elevation, and protection of critical areas, the goal is to transform a city that is regularly threatened into a region that can continue to function even during extreme events. While conventional urban surfaces are impermeable and exacerbate flooding and the heat-island effect, TÅSINGE PLADS IN COPENHAGEN (DENMARK) does exactly the opposite, with its light-colored permeable paving stones that absorb water and reflect heat. In normal weather, it’s a square. During extreme rainfall, it becomes a retention pond. This dual purpose is becoming the norm in urban planning. Source: Adapting Buildings to Climate Change, Collaborative report from Arup & Saint-Gobain, 2025. Arup is an international consulting firm specializing in the built environment and operating in more than 130 countries. It guides, plans, and designs the future of the built environment, providing extensive technical and strategic expertise to its clients. SPOTLIGHT Adaptation and resilience: be proactive 47 46
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