Sustainable construction: What's needed to drive action in 2025 and beyond?

In an era marked by major demographic, social, energy and climate challenges, sustainable construction is no mere trend – it’s an urgent necessity. As the construction sector faces the task of accelerating its transformation to meet immense challenges, the 2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer, a global survey published by Saint-Gobain’s Sustainable Construction Observatory, offers critical insights demanding immediate action across the construction value chain.

The Barometer surveyed stakeholders (professionals, students, associations, local elected officials and government representatives) across 27 countries and, for the first time this year, included the general public. It provides a compelling snapshot of where we stand in our pursuit of a more sustainable built environment. The findings not only highlight the progress we’ve made in terms of the necessary awareness as a vital foundation for progress, but also reveal the significant gaps that remain, creating an urgent call for collective action.

Awareness of sustainable construction is steadily rising. A notable 67% of stakeholders report familiarity with the concept, marking a 6-point increase from last year, with elected officials showing an impressive 32-point jump. The sense of urgency is palpable, with 69% of stakeholders viewing sustainable construction as a priority, echoed by 60% of the general public, while 95% consider it important at least. There are some regional disparities, however — for example, in the US, where 34% of the public is still unaware of sustainable construction. To move forward globally, we must ensure that no region is left behind.

The desire to push the boundaries of sustainable construction is prevalent, with 87% of respondents agreeing that we "need to do more" in this area. However, who should lead this change? According to the Barometer, private actors are seen as the most legitimate drivers, with architects and engineering firms at the forefront (56%) followed by private companies in the construction sector (44%).

Regional priorities, however, differ. In Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, adapting buildings to natural and climatic hazards is paramount, while in Latin America, the use of ecological materials takes precedence. Europe focuses on renovation of existing buildings, and North America grapples with affordability. This diversity underscores the need for strategies that are globally aligned yet locally adapted.

While Europe has historically been a leader in sustainable construction, small signs of waning enthusiasm should not go unnoticed. Although the overall desire for more action remains very strong (86% in Europe vs 87% globally), a higher share of the remaining minority of respondents in Europe believe we should "go backwards", while elsewhere, most favour the status quo ("it’s fine the way it is"). Though marginal, this is surprising given the momentum sparked by Déclaration de Chaillot one year ago, which rallied support for sustainable building practices. Could this reflect frustration with ever-changing regulations in some regions or perhaps a broader backlash against environmental issues?

While sustainability has historically been defined in narrow terms, often focusing solely on the environment, buildings’ resilience to climatic events is emerging as a key topic. The Barometer reveals that 21% of stakeholders now cite resilience, with this number growing particularly in Africa and Asia-Pacific. This shift reflects the growing urgency of climate adaptation, especially in regions more vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Still, the human dimension of sustainable construction remains neglected. Only 15% of stakeholders and public respondents link it to improved occupant well-being. To address earlier challenges and re-engage marginal stakeholders who believe we should move backward, highlighting the benefits of sustainable construction in terms of health and well-being could make a difference. A clearer understanding of its critical role in human comfort and health should help drive broader adoption.

Awareness is growing, but action is lagging. While 67% of professionals claim to evaluate their projects’ carbon footprint, only 30% do so systematically. And although 51% of elected officials want to exclude public construction contracts that do not consider sustainable construction methods, just 37% have taken action (despite a 26-point increase from 2024). This disconnect between ambition and action is a major obstacle to progress and deserves closer attention.

Lack of training may be one reason. Only 28% of stakeholders feel they fully understand what sustainable construction entails, with professionals and students trailing elected officials and associations. Indeed, only 35% of professionals have received specialized training, and only 28% of students receive regular training. Closing this training gap could be the key to converting awareness into action.

The message is clear: the transformation of the built environment is urgent, and we are at a critical juncture. Stakeholders across the construction value chain must unite to drive concrete actions toward a sustainable future.

The 2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer is a call to action for us all. The sector has made significant strides, but much work remains. It’s time to turn awareness into action. Mobilizing all stakeholders – from design to execution – is essential to creating a resilient, sustainable and liveable built environment for future generations.

Construction professionals, elected officials and citizens are crucial to this transition. The future of our cities, their inhabitants’ well-being and the health of our planet depend on the decisions we make today.