Modern-day buildings no longer serve as mere spaces. They are statements of engineering excellence, demonstrating longevity, comfort and sustainability. But what necessitates sustainability in the construction industry in the first place? There are several answers, starting with reduced environmental impact, which is already a growing priority for many nations across the world.
Additional reasons include dwindling natural resources, rising energy demands and more extreme weather events, which further corroborates the need for incorporating resiliency and sustainability in construction industry processes.
Now that we’re sitting at the crossroads of immense environmental impact and massive economic opportunity, sustainability in construction is a strategic imperative.
Why Sustainability is Integral to Construction Processes
The construction sector accounts for about 37% of global carbon emissions and consumes nearly 50% of the world’s natural resources, making its role in climate action undeniable. At the same time, the industry is on track to reach $14 trillion in value by 2027, highlighting a critical tension between growth and responsibility. This growth also presents significant manufacturing career opportunities for those committed to sustainability. To meet the UN’s net-zero mandate by 2050, it’s a cue for manufacturing companies to act now.
At Saint-Gobain North America, we are at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing and sustainability in the construction industry, backed by our science-based net-zero pledge by 2050 and validated 2030 carbon reduction targets.
We’re leading the shift towards sustainable construction solutions that serve both people and the planet, creating meaningful careers in the manufacturing industry focused on positive impact.
Reaping Long-Term Rewards for Future Generations with Sustainability in the Construction Industry
In Making the World a Better Home, we must look at the reasons to carry out sustainable construction. These reasons are not just functional. Sustainably built establishments are also comfortable, responsible and resilient.
So, by rethinking how we design and develop our spaces, we can bring lasting value for people, the planet and future generations. The benefits are wide-reaching and deeply impactful:
- Environmental Benefits: Environmentally conscious construction activities do more with lower energy, less waste and fewer emissions. From using low-carbon materials, such as CertainTeed’s CarbonLowTM wallboard, to optimizing thermal and acoustic performance, the focus is on reducing the impact of manufacturing activities at every stage of the building’s life cycle. These practices contribute to cleaner, more resilient ecosystems.
- Social Benefits: The purpose of sustainability in the construction industry is a commitment to well-being. Healthier indoor environments, made possible through better ventilation, daylighting and thermal comfort, support productivity, safety and peace of mind. These buildings foster inclusive, connected communities by making spaces more accessible, adaptable and responsive to human needs.
- Financial Benefits: Sustainability in the construction industry drives operational savings from day one, while thoughtful design extends the life of the building and reduces maintenance. Energy efficient systems often lead to a higher property value, stronger asset performance and increased appeal to tenants, buyers and investors alike.
Key Sustainability Challenges in Construction
As the built environment continues to grow, so do the pressures it places on the planet. The construction industry faces complex sustainability challenges that demand urgent action and innovative thinking. Among the most critical:
- Carbon Emissions: Reducing emissions requires a shift toward low-impact materials, energy-efficient building systems and decarbonized construction methods. It also means rethinking the entire building life cycle, from design to demolition for minimizing embodied and operational carbon at every stage.
- Rapid Resource Depletion: Rapid urbanization is leading to the depletion of raw materials that are vital to construction, such as sand and gypsum. Since these resources are already scarce, prioritizing renewable resources becomes important. This also involves extending material life cycles, creating circular economies in our production and designing for deconstruction and reuse.
- Waste Generation: Construction and demolition activities produce vast amounts of waste, much of which ends up in landfills. Without intervention, this volume will continue to climb. Taking this challenge requires more than just waste sorting; It demands systemic change.
At Saint-Gobain, we have scalable reuse programs, efficient off-site manufacturing, digital planning tools and cradle-to-cradle design strategies in place to minimize carbon emissions, waste and maximize material recovery.
Redefining Construction with Sustainability Trends in 2025
Decarbonization Revolution
Sustainability in the construction industry is increasingly being adopted for low-carbon materials such as engineered timber, recycled steel and carbon-sequestering concrete. Saint-Gobain’s Montreal gypsum plant exemplifies this innovation as the world's largest net-zero facility for scopes 1 and 2, powered entirely by renewable energy via its partnership with Hydro-Quebec.
Circular Economy Integration
The move toward a circular economy, recycling and reusing materials has become integral to sustainability efforts. Saint-Gobain sets a bold precedent by aiming for an 80% waste reduction and a 30% decrease in virgin material use by 2030. In North America, Saint-Gobain is making many efforts, including recycling and reuse of vinyl siding back into production.
Technology-Driven Efficiency
Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are rapidly transforming the industry. Tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) streamline operations by accurately tracking every stage in the project life cycle, from concept to end of life.
Alternative Energy Solutions
Strategic renewable energy partnerships, including Saint-Gobain’s Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) with the Cottonwood Bayou and Danish Fields solar projects and the Blooming Grove wind farm, are currently offsetting approximately 55% of the company's Scope 2 emissions. The full annualized impact is expected to reach 70%, highlighting the growing intersection of sustainability and economic viability.
How Saint-Gobain is Achieving Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Driving sustainability in construction requires more than ambition. It takes action at every level of the value chain. Apart from being a steadfast advocate for sustainability in the construction industry, we’re also actively integrating environmentally responsible practices into every facet of our operations:
Life Cycle Assessment: We prioritize transparency and accountability through entire life cycle assessments of our products. This means evaluating environmental impact from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal, thus contributing to lower emissions, reduced resource use and long-term performance.
Circularity Initiatives: Through initiatives like Renucore, Building Circularity and other innovative recycling programs, we’re rethinking how materials are used, reused and recovered. These programs, supported by skilled manufacturing and operations jobs, provide a practical, scalable approach to circular economy principles by minimizing waste, extending material life and shifting away from linear consumption.
Supply Chain Responsibility: We're proactively working toward a 16% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, addressing the environmental impact across our entire supply chain. From sourcing to distribution, we're partnering with suppliers to drive sustainable practices, measure impact and raise standards across the board.
Building a Legacy of Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Construction and sustainability are two sides of the same coin that can lead to sustained progress. Think energy efficiency, smart materials and spaces that feel just as good as they function. At Saint-Gobain, we’re proud to be leading with purpose and helping define what sustainability in the construction industry looks like in action.
With construction productivity projected to surge by 70% by 2040, there's a unique opportunity to redefine industry growth responsibly and sustainably. The future is clear: sustainability is not a bonus, but rather a baseline. It’s time to build smarter, stronger and more resilient structures for the upcoming generations!