Sustainable Construction Barometer 2025: Canada's Progress Lags Behind Global Trends
Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable and energy-efficient construction, has published the third edition of its Sustainable Construction Barometer. The report is based on a worldwide survey of 4,000 industry professionals and 27,000 citizens across 27 countries, tracking advancements in sustainable construction.
While Canada may often consider itself a leader in eco-conscious initiatives, the 2025 Barometer reveals that the country still faces significant challenges in sustainable construction. Despite efforts, Canada lags behind other nations in addressing this key issue.
With the ongoing housing crisis and an increase in extreme weather events due to climate change, the need for resilient, sustainable housing solutions has never been more urgent. This year’s findings underline the importance of collaborative action to meet these challenges head-on.
The construction industry stands at a crucial crossroads, confronted with demographic, social, energy, and climate challenges. To address these, the sector must accelerate its transformation toward sustainability, focusing on creating a built environment that promotes health, resilience, low carbon emissions, and accessible housing—without compromising quality.
This transition is dependent on the collective efforts of all industry stakeholders. In 2023, Saint-Gobain launched the Sustainable Construction Observatory, with the third edition of the Barometer conducted with Occurrence–IFOP, to track progress in sustainable construction.
The study is based on 24 questions posed to 4,000 sector professionals and an additional 27,000 citizens who answered four specific questions, providing key insights to help accelerate sustainable construction in Canada.
Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, states: “The conclusion is clear: action is needed now. Sustainable construction must be better understood and integrated into the expectations of both citizens and professionals. Beyond its environmental benefits, the advantages in comfort, health, and well-being are often overlooked. To scale up, a global approach adapted to local contexts is necessary.”
Jean-Claude Lasserre, CEO of Saint-Gobain in Canada, adds: “The housing and environmental challenges Canada faces today must be addressed together for a better future. The Barometer highlights the need for collaboration within the construction industry to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness of its benefits—environmental, social, and financial.”
Global Analysis: Advancing Sustainable Construction Worldwide
Launched in 2023, the Sustainable Construction Barometer now covers 27 countries, surveying a diverse range of stakeholders, including professionals, students, local government representatives, and association members. This year’s survey includes 27,000 citizens, further broadening the conversation on sustainable construction.
Key Takeaways:
Growing Awareness and Shared Sense of Urgency: There is widespread recognition of the need to advance sustainable construction, with 69% of stakeholders seeing it as a priority, and 60% of citizens agreeing. However, converting awareness into action remains a challenge. Regional Priorities: While the global consensus is to push for more sustainable construction, regional priorities vary. In Canada, affordability is a major concern, while other regions focus on issues like eco-friendly materials and building adaptability. Environmental Focus, But Resilience Gains Ground: Sustainable construction is still largely defined by environmental factors, such as energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials. However, resilience to climate hazards is becoming an increasingly important issue, especially in regions like Africa and Asia-Pacific. Human Well-Being Overlooked: Despite growing recognition of sustainability, only 15% of stakeholders and citizens link sustainable construction with improved well-being, highlighting an opportunity to elevate this aspect. Awareness Not Yet Leading to Action: While many stakeholders acknowledge the importance of sustainable construction, concrete actions remain limited. Training and education are critical to transforming awareness into tangible outcomes. Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable and energy-efficient construction, has published the third edition of its Sustainable Construction Barometer. The report is based on a worldwide survey of 4,000 industry professionals and 27,000 citizens across 27 countries, tracking advancements in sustainable construction.
While Canada may often consider itself a leader in eco-conscious initiatives, the 2025 Barometer reveals that the country still faces significant challenges in sustainable construction. Despite efforts, Canada lags behind other nations in addressing this key issue.
With the ongoing housing crisis and an increase in extreme weather events due to climate change, the need for resilient, sustainable housing solutions has never been more urgent. This year’s findings underline the importance of collaborative action to meet these challenges head-on.
The construction industry stands at a crucial crossroads, confronted with demographic, social, energy, and climate challenges. To address these, the sector must accelerate its transformation toward sustainability, focusing on creating a built environment that promotes health, resilience, low carbon emissions, and accessible housing—without compromising quality.
This transition is dependent on the collective efforts of all industry stakeholders. In 2023, Saint-Gobain launched the Sustainable Construction Observatory, with the third edition of the Barometer conducted with Occurrence–IFOP, to track progress in sustainable construction.
The study is based on 24 questions posed to 4,000 sector professionals and an additional 27,000 citizens who answered four specific questions, providing key insights to help accelerate sustainable construction in Canada.
Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, states: “The conclusion is clear: action is needed now. Sustainable construction must be better understood and integrated into the expectations of both citizens and professionals. Beyond its environmental benefits, the advantages in comfort, health, and well-being are often overlooked. To scale up, a global approach adapted to local contexts is necessary.”
Jean-Claude Lasserre, CEO of Saint-Gobain in Canada, adds: “The housing and environmental challenges Canada faces today must be addressed together for a better future. The Barometer highlights the need for collaboration within the construction industry to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness of its benefits—environmental, social, and financial.”
Global Analysis: Advancing Sustainable Construction Worldwide
Launched in 2023, the Sustainable Construction Barometer now covers 27 countries, surveying a diverse range of stakeholders, including professionals, students, local government representatives, and association members. This year’s survey includes 27,000 citizens, further broadening the conversation on sustainable construction.
Key Takeaways:
Sustainable Construction in Canada
Canada’s participation in this year’s global survey underscores the ongoing commitment of industry stakeholders to sustainable construction. However, there is a clear need for greater public awareness and education—only 22% of Canadians are familiar with sustainable construction.
Top Actions to Accelerate Sustainable Construction:
For Stakeholders:
Raise awareness and foster collaboration (40%) Provide more training for professionals (30%) Make sustainable materials more competitive (29%) Canada’s participation in this year’s global survey underscores the ongoing commitment of industry stakeholders to sustainable construction. However, there is a clear need for greater public awareness and education—only 22% of Canadians are familiar with sustainable construction.
Top Actions to Accelerate Sustainable Construction:
For Stakeholders:
For Canadians (General Population):
Make sustainable materials more competitive (38%) Prioritize the use of bio-materials (26%) Increase public awareness and transparency around sustainable construction (26%) Beyond the Barometer: The Sustainable Construction Observatory
The Sustainable Construction Observatory, launched in 2023, continues to drive discussions on sustainable construction through international talks and its online platform, "Constructing a Sustainable Future." This platform, now in its third edition, explores innovative solutions and strategies to accelerate the sector's transformation toward sustainability.
The Sustainable Construction Observatory, launched in 2023, continues to drive discussions on sustainable construction through international talks and its online platform, "Constructing a Sustainable Future." This platform, now in its third edition, explores innovative solutions and strategies to accelerate the sector's transformation toward sustainability.