The construction sector is a key contributor to energy consumption and green-house gases emissions worldwide. For that reason, its role in energy transition and decarbonisation is major. Impacts on the environment happen during the whole life cycle of the building: construction, operation, and even deconstruction. Saint-Gobain, as a building materials manufacturer, is deeply engaged in this transition, to ensure we work with our customers to build better for the planet.
How to build better?
Several strategies can be applied to reduce buildings' impact on energy consumption and carbon emissions, and they should all be considered when working on a new project.
Increase energy efficiency
To decrease the electricity consumption during the building's lifecycle and reduce the associated carbon emissions
Reduce embodied carbon emissions
To supplement the reduction of operational carbon
Increase the use of renewable energies
To supply the remaining energy need with reduced carbon emissions
Sequester atmospheric carbon
To ensure buildings have a positive impact on their environment.
Once the energy needs have been reduced to the minimum, the remaining needed energy should be supplied with renewable and decarbonized sources, locally produced if possible.
