Sustainable Construction Observatory
According to UN-Habitat, over 200 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 62% of the region’s urban population, live in informal settlements, at the forefront of consequences from climate events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts. This highlights the urgent need for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable construction across the continent.
The foundation of sustainable construction is an understanding of what it means, why it matters, and an alignment on the way forward. As Africa faces rapid urban development parallel to accelerating climate-related incidents that exacerbate existing socio-economic challenges, it matters now more than ever to unite in action towards sustainable construction that meets local realities.
With its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the Saint-Gobain Group has voiced its ambition to be the worldwide leader in sustainable construction. The Saint-Gobain Observatory invites stakeholders to listen in on what drives sustainable construction, share knowledge of key-levers, and unite towards sustainable construction.
LISTEN
Why?
The Observatory takes the pulse of sustainable construction in the world: perceptions, barriers and progress levers, anticipated solutions, the most active stakeholders, and so on. It allows us to measure progress and identify action areas in which to focus our collective efforts.
How?
The Sustainable Construction Observatory sets up an international Sustainable Construction Barometer each year, inviting stakeholders and citizens to share their perceptions on the priorities and progress of sustainable construction.
The Observatory offers a global overview of sustainable construction, including perceptions, obstacles, advancements, solutions, stakeholders, and more. It aims to assess progress and identify focus areas for collective improvement.
INFORM
The Sustainable Construction Barometer is a tool that invites readers to reflect on how sustainable construction is perceived and prioritised amongst citizens and industry stakeholders across the globe as a first step towards action. Here’s what’s new in 2026:
- Kenya joins the Barometer for the first time, strengthening representation from Africa alongside South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.
- Introduction of new research on the economic value of sustainable construction.
- First-ever qualitative international study with banks and insurers on resilience, adaptation, and investment decision-making.
Insights reflect perspectives from:
- 4,800 stakeholders.
- 30,000 citizens.
- Across 30 countries worldwide.
Why?
The Observatory compiles knowledge, testimonials and analyses relating to the challenges and solutions of sustainable construction: it is intended to be a tool for teaching and raising awareness, and an aid to decision-making for all the stakeholders concerned.
How?
Constructing a Sustainable Future
The Sustainable Construction Observatory has launched, the digital magazine Constructing a sustainable future, to shed light on sustainable construction, its impact on the climate and society, and to discover innovative solutions and inspiring projects.
Sign up here to our newsletter to stay informed.
UNITE
Why?
The Observatory brings together key figures from a still-fragmented worldwide market. Uniting construction professionals, institutions and citizens, it promotes the sharing of ideas and best practice and helps to create and roll out solutions.
As Africa faces disproportionate consequences of climate change, it matters now more than ever, to align on sustainable construction catered to local realities.
How?
The Observatory holds Sustainable Construction Talks – frequent international meetings at major multilateral events, as well as at national level.
Sustainable Construction Talk New York City 2024
Watch highlights from the Sustainable Construction Talk in NYC during Climate Week 2024.
Sustainable Construction Talk Dubai 2023
Highlights of the Sustainable Construction Talk in Dubai in conjunction with COP28.
