Saint-Gobain's 3rd Sustainable Construction Barometer reveals little progress and 3 major challenges

The third Sustainable Construction Barometer, developed by Saint-Gobain's Sustainable Construction Observatory, highlights the urgency of accelerating the sector's transformation towards construction with a lower environmental impact and greater efficiency, both in terms of carbon footprint and in terms of protecting resources and guaranteeing a better quality of life.

The most important conclusions of the report, which covers 27 countries including Latin America, point mainly to these three challenges:

1. Strengthen knowledge on sustainable construction.
2. Broaden its focus so that it is no longer seen as a purely environmental issue and its social (health and comfort) and economic impact is valued.
3. Promote professional training in this area.

Some important background information:

• The report highlights that, by 2050, there will be more than 9.6 billion human beings, 70% of whom will live in cities. The way these cities are built now will determine the quality of life of future generations.
• Although 50% of the buildings of 2050 have not yet been built, 80% of those that will be in use by then already exist. Hence, in a world where the housing crisis is intensifying, every construction or renovation project is an opportunity to promote sustainable construction.
• According to the WHO, improving housing conditions can save lives, prevent disease, improve quality of life, reduce poverty, mitigate the effects of climate change and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For this reason, progress is urgently needed.
• The sector accounts for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, consumes 50% of natural resources and generates 40% of solid waste, accelerating its transformation towards increasingly sustainable construction can also bring about significant environmental changes.
• According to Silvia Andino, marketing manager for Saint-Gobain Imptek, the Ecuadorian reality is no exception. "Ecuador's demographic profile reflects a higher concentration in urban areas according to INEC, with 63.1% of the total population. On the other hand, 6% of homes in Ecuador have solar panels to reduce their energy consumption, according to the latest INEC environmental statistics bulletin (2024). Reducing this consumption and building more efficient cities through more sustainable architectural practices is crucial to mitigate the impact of climate change". In this regard, Saint-Gobain has a clear goal and that is to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in its global operations.

Main findings:

• Globally, 82% of citizens say they have heard of sustainable construction, but only 38% say they "understand well" what it is. In Ecuador, the reality is no different according to studies conducted locally by the brand Saint-Gobain Imptek in conjunction with MarketWatch practically unknown what is involved in this new concept of construction.
• The majority of citizens associate this concept, above all, with the use of environmentally friendly materials (38%); this result is particularly high in Latin America (57%) and Europe (46%).
• Similarly, for most people, sustainable construction has an environmental significance and very few identify its social impact. Thirty-five percent relate it to the energy efficiency of buildings, 31% to the use of environmentally friendly materials. This environmental aspect is particularly noticeable in Latin America (48%), where it ranks high.
• As for the priorities in the objectives of sustainable construction, most of them are also linked to environmental protection and the fight against climate change, without taking into account a more focused approach to the fundamental needs of citizens: health, safety, comfort and savings.
  • Environmental protection (39%, a slight increase over the 2nd Barometer).
  • Fight against climate change (22%).
  • Reduction of energy costs (15%).
  • Lower costs (5%).
  • Inhabitants' health (7%).
• Another important finding is the delay in training in the challenges of sustainable construction: only 22% of professionals believe they are fully trained on the subject, and only 35% have already undergone specific training, a rather weak and decreasing result.

To achieve a transformation of the sector, it is necessary to mobilize all the actors in the sector. This is what led Saint-Gobain to create the Sustainable Construction Observatory. Since unifying the value chain involves identifying priority fields of action on which to concentrate collective efforts, this is why the Observatory conducts an annual International Sustainable Construction Barometer.

About Imptek:

Imptek-Chova del Ecuador S.A. is an Ecuadorian company of the Saint-Gobain Group with 45 years in the waterproofing, road and light construction market.

Its commitment to quality and innovation, the application of processes, its national and international certifications, its qualified personnel and environmentally responsible practices are some of the reasons why it is part of the 1000 most important companies in Ecuador. Since 2021 and to date it is a Great Place to Work certified company. Imptek has been exporting its products for 30 years to more than 8 countries in Latin America.

• 18 million in sales in 2024
• 100 employees, locations in 1 country
• Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050

For more information about Imptek, visit us: http://www.imptekcorp.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram,YouTube and Tiktok.

About Saint-Gobain:

A world leader in lightweight and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, lightweight construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a process of continuous innovation and deliver sustainability and performance. The Group, which celebrates its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".

• €46.6 billion in sales in 2024 
• 161,000 employees, presence in 80 countries
• Committed to achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2050