Driving Sustainable Construction: Insights from the 2025 Barometer

The 2025 Saint-Gobain Sustainable Construction Barometer, is a comprehensive global survey of people in 27 countries that captures the sentiments and priorities of stakeholders across the construction industry towards sustainable construction. This year, the barometer expanded its scope to include the general public, providing a holistic view of the awareness and urgency surrounding sustainable construction among the public The survey's findings reveal the ‘state of play’ today and where louder calls for collective action are necessary.

1. Awareness and Urgency on the Rise

Awareness of sustainable construction is steadily rising. A notable 67% of stakeholders globally report familiarity with the concept, marking a 6-point increase from last year, with elected officials showing the largest increase - a 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 

However, there are regional disparities. For instance, in the UK, only 61% of stakeholders are familiar with sustainable construction, compared to 67% worldwide. And among the general public, only 24% in the UK are aware of sustainable construction, compared to 38% worldwide.  This highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns to ensure no region is left behind and here in the UK we have more to do.

2. Diverse Priorities Across Regions

The desire to push the boundaries and go further on sustainable construction is clear, with 87% of respondents agreeing that we "need to do more". However, the priorities vary across regions. In the UK, sustainable construction is mostly associated with achieving carbon neutrality, with 58% of stakeholders prioritizing this aspect, compared to 29% worldwide. This indicates a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions in the UK. Conversely, construction that is able to withstand natural and climatic hazards is less of a priority in the UK (13%) compared to the global average (21%). Considering the impact of the increasing number of storms and floods we’ve experienced in the Uk over recent years this is a little surprising. 

3. Stakeholders' Priorities for Accelerating Sustainable Construction

In the UK, stakeholders prioritise regulations to increase energy renovations and energy efficiency renovations themselves. Specifically, 16% of stakeholders believe that establishing regulations to help increase energy renovations is the number one priority to accelerate sustainable construction, compared to 4% in the rest of Europe. Additionally, 14% of stakeholders in the UK put as top priority renovating existing buildings, compared to 7% worldwide . These findings underscore the importance of regulatory frameworks and retrofitting existing homes and infrastructure to drive sustainable construction.

4. Public Sentiment on Sustainable Construction

The general public in the UK, like elsewhere in the world, believes that making sustainable materials, products, and solutions more competitive is the most important action to accelerate sustainable construction. This sentiment is shared by 38% of the UK public, compared to 32% globally. This highlights the need for innovation and cost-effective solutions to make sustainable construction accessible to all and to highlight the operational cost savings often associated with buildings that demand less energy to heat and cool them. 

Interestingly, the UK mirrors a global sentiment that places "construction that promotes the well-being and health of occupants" at the bottom of the list of definitions that fit sustainable construction. Only 10% of the UK public associates sustainable construction with promoting well-being and health, compared to 15% worldwide. It continues to be critical raise awareness about the broader benefits of sustainable construction beyond environmental impact.

The findings of the 2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer highlight the progress made in raising awareness and prioritising sustainable construction. However, significant gaps remain, and collective action is required to bridge these gaps. Here are some key steps to accelerate sustainable construction:

1. Enhancing Awareness and Education

Targeted awareness campaigns are essential to ensure that all regions and demographics are informed about sustainable construction. Educational initiatives should focus on the benefits of sustainable construction, including environmental, economic, and social impacts. 

2. Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks

Regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in driving sustainable construction. Governments and policymakers have a big part to play in establishing and enforcing regulations that promote energy efficiency, carbon neutrality, and resilience to climate impacts. Incentives and subsidies can also encourage stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices and technologies.

3. Promoting Innovation and Competitiveness

Innovation is key to making sustainable construction materials, products, and solutions more competitive. Investment in research and development can lead to the creation of cost-effective and high-performance sustainable construction solutions. Collaboration between private and public sectors can accelerate the development and deployment of innovative technologies.

4. Fostering Collaboration Across the Value Chain

Sustainable construction requires collaboration across the entire value chain, from architects and engineers to contractors and suppliers. Stakeholders should work together to share best practices, develop standards, and implement sustainable construction projects. Industry associations and professional networks can facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.

5. Emphasising the Broader Benefits of Sustainable Construction

Raising awareness about the broader benefits of sustainable construction, including health and well-being, can help shift public perception and priorities. Highlighting case studies and success stories that demonstrate the positive impact of sustainable construction on occupants' health and quality of life can inspire more stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.

And finally

As we move forward, it is essential to remember that sustainable construction is not just about reducing carbon emissions or improving energy efficiency. It is about creating buildings and infrastructure that are resilient, healthy, and benefit both people and the planet now and for generations to come.