Building New Mobilities

With 23% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, transport is not just one of the most polluting sectors in the world – it is also one of the few where emissions are continuing to rise, increasing by 3% between 2021 and 2022. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) , “getting on track with the NZE Scenario would require transport emissions to fall by about 25% to around 6 Gt by 2030.” Decarbonizing the sector is a top priority for both public and private actors worldwide. While the spotlight often falls on technology and devices such as electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered engines, infrastructure and urban planning are equally crucial for greening mobility. This is where the construction industry comes in.

• As cities worldwide prioritize cleaner modes of transportation such as walking and cycling, the design and construction of urban spaces must undergo a profound transformation. In European cities, local governments are increasingly implementing policies to encourage biking. Cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Oslo have all reinforced their commitment to creating more bike-friendly policies and spaces.
• Electrification is another crucial aspect of decarbonization, relying heavily on widespread changes in infrastructure. A key factor that will determine the success of electrification is the availability of charging infrastructure in cities, on highways, and in private homes. Beyond enabling electrification, infrastructure itself must undergo a sustainable transition.
• The construction industry plays a crucial role in this collective effort. A prime example is the collaborative infrastructure project between the Eindhoven University of Technology and construction company BAM Infra Nederland in the Dutch town of Gemert. Together, they created a 26-foot bike bridge spanning a canal using an innovative 3D printing process with 800 layers of reinforced, pre-stressed concrete.
• Encouraging cycling also means improving comfort and safety for cyclists. Roadway products like CHRYSO ’s luminescent concrete enhance visibility and safety at night. Additionally, Saint-Gobain PAM UK ’s dual-layer, high-friction access cover surface offers better skid resistance.
• As the way we build roadways plays a key role, so does the way we use them. Carpooling and carsharing are gaining traction, especially in less densely populated areas where public transit is limited – a shift companies can support at the corporate level. For example, Saint-Gobain has co-signed ADEME ’s carsharing charter, pledging to promote carpooling solutions among its 37,000 employees in France to reduce the 70% of home-work commutes made by individual vehicles.
• We tend to focus on mobility of people rather than goods, but decarbonizing mobility cannot be achieved without decarbonizing logistics through, for example, shifting to more sustainable modes like waterways and rail.
• Saint-Gobain is leading by example, utilizing waterway logistics for the construction of the Olympic Village in Paris. By partnering with HAROPA PORT and Voies navigables de France , POINT.P - SGDB France facilitated the delivery of building materials via two rotating barges, cutting CO2 emissions by 50% compared to road transport. This innovative approach has avoided the transport of 1,500 tons of materials and 60 trips by 25-tonne trucks since the project’s inception, significantly reducing the environmental impact.
• While developing rail or waterway logistics takes time, a short-term solution is shifting to biofuels for trucks. The Blueway by PAM service utilizes trucks running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel made from waste products. This circular approach reduces CO2 emissions by over 83% compared to diesel.
• As a major contributor to global warming, the construction sector must focus on reducing its own carbon emissions. It also plays a crucial role in decarbonizing various other essential sectors and industries. In fact, our ability to create a more sustainable world depends largely on how we move around, inhabit cities, and produce energy, all of which are fundamentally linked to our construction and infrastructure.

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Innovation station

The first low-carbon glass for automotive glazing has arrived, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry's shift towards a more sustainable future.

• Saint-Gobain Sekurit has launched OTAE?, an important step towards the decarbonization of the automotive industry. Made of 60% recycled glass (cullet), OTAE reduces the CO2 footprint of Saint-Gobain Sekurit glazing solutions by 20 to 30% compared to standard product, for the same performance.
• Welcome to a new experience!

Window to the future

Shaping the buildings of tomorrow demands a blend of traditional expertise and fresh insights.

• The Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest celebrates emerging talent and innovative ideas for sustainable construction. This year, winners from the University of Porto impressed with their "Sieni Park" project, showcasing the readiness of future architects to revolutionize the industry.
• According to Benoit BAZIN , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain, engaging and empowering students while imparting foundational knowledge is crucial. "Through this contest, we aim to stimulate reflection and foster new ideas to address global challenges. It's our collective responsibility to transform our cities into safe, resilient spaces that adapt to different life stages while reducing environmental impact."
• This ethos resonates with Saint-Gobain’s partnership with the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture, recognizing architects dedicated to sustainable solutions in architecture and urban planning annually.

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Can you guess

Are you ready to take your outdoor spaces to the next level?

• Saint-Gobain Weber France offers the perfect solution for creating aesthetic and functional tree base outlines. In just under two minutes, their experts will guide you through the steps to achieve the perfect look.
• From selecting the right materials to mastering intricate shaping techniques, this video tutorial will provide you with the tools to bring your vision to life. ??

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Pioneers

Chryso inaugurated its new Finnish plant, the largest of its kind built according to the principles of a circular economy.

• With this brand-new production line at the Hyvink?? plant near Helsinki, Finland, Chryso expands its presence in the Scandinavian region and introduces tailor-made admixtures for the precast and ready-mix concrete industries.
• The teams in Hyvink?? are proud to support the local market's decarbonization efforts by providing Finnish customers with innovative, high-quality solutions that promote sustainability.?

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Building Bridges

When the best way to bridge the past and the future of infrastructure is through… new bridges!

• Saint-Gobain Océan Indien 's innovative solutions recently played a pivotal role in the construction of the 330-meter Sir Anerood Jugnauth bridge in Mauritius.
• Considering Mauritius’ reliance on its natural beauty for tourism, the use of Saint-Gobain products ensured minimal impact on sensitive riverine and oceanic wildlife. Bridging sustainability with construction, Saint-Gobain remains committed to providing solutions that minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

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Expanding our horizon

Struggling to find a skilled bricklayer? Get ready for "Pedreiro Top Brasil"!

• Registration is now open for the second season of Quartzolit 's hit reality show, "Pedreiro Top Brasil," celebrating the finest masons, construction professionals, and building material retailers in the country.
• With over 60 professionals set to be recognized and a total prize pool exceeding R$300,000, "Pedreiro Top Brasil" promises another thrilling celebration of Brazil's construction talent. Curious to know who will be this year’s Golden Spoon Trophy? Tune in!