Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Saint-Gobain launches Sustainable Construction Observatory for monitoring the sector

May 12, 2023
Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain launched the Sustainable Construction Observatory, which aims to bring together the main stakeholders in the construction industry to promote the sharing of knowledge and accelerate the transformation of the sector worldwide.

In this context, Saint-Gobain presents the findings of the first International Sustainable Construction Barometer, a study conducted by the CSA Institute with sector professionals, public officials, associations, and students.

More than 800 stakeholders from 10 countries including India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the USA participated in this survey. Their feedback provides a snapshot of the development of sustainable construction around the world and identifies the expectations, drivers and trends needed to make sustainable construction a shared reference.

Commenting on the findings, B. Santhanam, CEO Asia Pacific and India Region, Saint-Gobain and Chairman, Saint-Gobain India, said, “In the run up to our objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, we have the responsibility of action, and we have to act fast. Among the many initiatives that are being organised collectively at the Group level, is the creation of the Sustainable Construction Observatory with the threefold objectives of Listen, Inform and Unite.

Some of the key findings of the Sustainable Construction Barometer are:

  • In India, 84% of respondents say they are familiar with the concept of sustainable construction
  • For 44% of respondents, sustainable construction is defined as construction with a reduced environmental footprint. For 39% it must also promote the well-being and health of the occupants
  • 74% of respondents believe that it is a priority to implement more sustainable construction
  • According to the respondents, the two main issues holding back the development of sustainable construction are:
  • Lack of training and qualification of professionals, at 72%
  • Lack of knowledge of the general public, at 66%
  • The two main levers identified by the respondents to accelerate the development of sustainable construction are:
  • Have more competitive sustainable solutions, at 49%
  • Strengthen regulatory requirements to build more sustainably, at 42%
  • According to the respondents, the two most legitimate actors to advance sustainable construction are elected officials (54%) and architects (41%)