Developed by the Sustainable Construction Observatory, the fourth edition of the Sustainable Construction Barometer explores the state of sustainable construction around the globe and provides a unique perspective on where Canada stands on the issue and what needs to be implemented to further advance this long-term vision for the built environment.

Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, shifting international priorities and a persistent housing shortage, this year’s Barometer reveals that a majority of Canadian industry stakeholders and citizens (68% and 53% respectively) still believe that implementing more sustainable construction should be a priority, a sentiment and commitment that remains stable compared to a year ago (70% for stakeholders and 52% for citizens in 2025).

While Canada wants to accelerate sustainable construction deployment, both industry actors and general population agree that to enable it, the top barriers to be tackled revolve around 1) making sustainable materials, products and solutions more competitive and 2) offering more visibility and transparency around actual performance of sustainable construction. 

Additionally, on par with the rest of the world, Canadians believe architects and building engineers (59%) and private companies (32%) have legitimacy to advance sustainable construction, but where they differ is that they are more likely to expect more actions and accountability from their elected officials and government (48% in Canada compared to 30% globally). 

“More than ever, the Sustainable Construction Barometer pulse is an important indicator that building more resiliently and sustainably is a top priority for the betterment of our daily lives. Canadians message is clear, there is one way, forward, and they expect more out of their built environment,” shares Jean-Claude Lasserre, CEO, Saint-Gobain Canada. “As industry actors we have an active role to play, to accelerate collaboration between stakeholders, private and public, in order to deliver high-performing sustainable construction solutions at scale for the benefits of all Canadians.”

Canadians understanding of sustainable construction

Overall, Canadian industry stakeholders are knowledgeable around the topic and have the tools to advance sustainable construction practices. In Canada, the main challenge lies in helping the general population become better informed decision makers, as only 1 out of 5 (22%) of Canadian citizens claim they know exactly what sustainable construction is (compared to 39% globally). Unsurprisingly, with Canada’s unique conditions, including its Nordic weather, building sustainably is most associated with energy efficiency (85% vs. 63% worldwide) and using renewable and carbon-free energies (78% vs. 62% globally).

Findings at-a-glance

• 64% of industry stakeholders in Canada have heard about sustainable construction and know exactly what it is about, on par with the worldwide results (67%)
• But there is a lack of understanding in the general population where only 22% know exactly what sustainable construction is about (vs. 39% globally)
• Notably, we see a higher proportion of Canadian stakeholders associating the following with sustainable construction compared to global respondents:
  • Building energy efficiency at 85% (vs. 63% worldwide),
  • Reusing materials at 78% (vs. 59% globally),
  • Using renewable or carbon-free energies at 78% in Canada (vs. 62% globally)
• Top 3 definitions that best fit sustainable construction according to:
  • Stakeholders:
    1. Energy efficient construction (37%)
    2. Construction aimed at achieving carbon neutrality (32%)
    3. Construction using ecological materials (24%)
  • Canadians (General population):
    1. Construction aimed at reducing building waste (30%)
    2. Energy efficient construction (30%)
    3. Construction using ecological materials (29%)

State of sustainable construction in Canada

Both stakeholders and citizens believe that implementing more sustainable construction solutions is a priority or important (94% and 93% respectively) and there is a general consensus that we need to do more in this field.

Findings at-a-glance

• 88% of stakeholders believe that we need to do more when it comes to sustainable construction – this was comparable to 2025, where 91% believed we needed to do more
• 68% of stakeholders believe implementing more sustainable construction solutions is a priority vs. 53% in the general population
  • Stakeholders believed in 2025 at 70% that it was a priority

How to advance sustainable construction practices

Canadian stakeholders believe that actors with the power and legitimacy to advance sustainable construction should foster more collaboration. An additional barrier that needs to be overcome and is clear in the data from the Barometer is that sustainable solutions must prove further their competitiveness and their overall performance to succeed.

Findings at-a-glance

• Canadian stakeholders believe people that have the most legitimacy to advance sustainable construction are:
  • Architects and building engineers (59%)
  • Local elected officials or local government representatives (48%)
    • Canada differs from rest of the world as globally only 30% believe elected officials have a role to play
  • Construction companies in the private sector (32%)
• 54% of stakeholders believe sustainable construction creates more value (economic, environmental, social and heritage) than traditional construction
• Top actions that need to be put in place to accelerate the development of sustainable construction:
  • Stakeholders
    1. Make sustainable materials, products and solutions more competitive (35%)
    2. Raise public awareness of the challenges of sustainable construction (35%)
    3. Raise awareness among all stakeholders and strengthen their collaboration (34%)
    4. Make the sustainable performance of construction more visible and transparent (29%)
  • Canadians (general population)
    1. Make sustainable material, products and solutions more competitive (37%)
    2. Make the sustainable performance of constructions more visible and transparent (28%)
    3. Prioritize the use of bio-materials over conventional materials (27%)

Beyond the Barometer, the conversation continues 

The Sustainable Construction Observatory, launched in 2023, also organizes Sustainable Construction Talks and an online media Constructing a Sustainable Future, which publishes today its fourth special edition on the theme: “Sustainable construction means decarbonization… and more.” Through the eyes of experts and inspiring projects from around the world, this edition explores how we can accelerate sustainable construction.

Methodology 

The Sustainable Construction Barometer 2026 is based on a quantitative study conducted by Occurrence–Ifop between October 16 and November 14, 2025, across 30 countries. 

It combines two complementary samples: 4,800 stakeholders (professionals, students, association members, and local or public authority representatives) surveyed via a self-administered online questionnaire and 30,000 citizens, with 1,000 respondents per country, drawn from representative national samples. 

The citizen survey was conducted through an online omnibus questionnaire among individuals aged 18 and over. Together, these approaches ensure both expert and public perspectives on sustainable construction issues at a global scale. 

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services adapted to the residential, non-residential and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions provide sustainability, performance and well-being for its customers. The Group is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.5 billion in sales in 2025

More than 162,000 employees, locations in 80 countries

Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050