Sustainable Construction Observatory

The construction sector is at the heart of the major challenges shaping our future, standing at the crossroads of demographic, social, energy, and climate issues that human communities face. These challenges cannot be met without the sector accelerating its transformation towards ever more sustainable construction: a built environment that positively contributes to people's health and well-being, is resilient to climate hazards, low in carbon emissions, and provides accessible housing for all without compromising on quality and performance.

This transition requires the collective mobilization of all stakeholders—professionals, institutions, and citizens. This is why Saint-Gobain launched the Sustainable Construction Observatory in 2023, positioning itself as a leading company, both a pioneer and a driving force as a pioneering and driving force to accelerate sustainable construction worldwide by bringing together all stakeholders.

“By 2050, there will be 9.6 billion humans on this planet and 70% of us will live in cities. The way we build and renovate today will determine future generations’ quality of life. While 50% of the buildings expected in 2050 still need to be built, 80% of those that already exist will still be in use by then.

Sustainably transforming the existing built environment and designing the infrastructures of tomorrow with high standards are two inseparable imperatives. In a world where the housing crisis is intensifying, each construction or renovation project is an opportunity to meet the needs of populations while reducing the environmental impact of the sector, both in terms of carbon footprint and resource protection. According to the WHO, improving housing conditions can save lives, prevent disease, increase quality of life, reduce poverty, help mitigate climate change, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is therefore an urgent need to move forward.

As the industry accounts for almost 40% of CO2 emissions, consumes 50% of natural resources, and generates 40% of solid waste, its transformation toward ever more sustainable construction also has the power to shift the environmental balance.”

To do so, mobilizing all stakeholders in the sector is essential.”

Benoit Bazin

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain

An Action Paper to drive sustainable construction forward

LISTEN

Why?
The Observatory takes the pulse of sustainable construction in the world: perceptions, barriers and progress levers, anticipated solutions, the most active stakeholders, and so on. It allows us to measure progress and identify action areas in which to focus our collective efforts.

How?
The Sustainable Construction Observatory sets up an international Sustainable Construction Barometer each year and shares it with stakeholders and the general public.

2026 Sustainable Construction Barometer

2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer

2024 Sustainable Construction Barometer

2023 Sustainable Construction Barometer

INFORM

Why?
The Observatory compiles knowledge, testimonials and analyses relating to the challenges and solutions of sustainable construction: it is intended to be a tool for teaching and raising awareness, and an aid to decision-making for all the stakeholders concerned.

How?
The Sustainable Construction Observatory has launched a media, Constructing a Sustainable Future to shed light on sustainable construction, its impact on the climate and society, and to discover innovative solutions and inspiring projects.

The sustainable construction magazine

Annual editions

UNITE

Why?
The Observatory brings together key figures from a still-fragmented worldwide market. Uniting construction professionals, institutions and citizens, it promotes the sharing of ideas and best practice and helps to create and roll out solutions.

How?
The Observatory holds Sustainable Construction Talks – frequent international meetings at major multilateral events, as well as at national level.