The trajectory of global warming is concerning, particularly in Southeast Asia, where temperatures have risen by 1.2°C. The construction industry, responsible for over 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand, acknowledges its role and aims to revolutionize its practices to combat climate change and reduce investment costs.
"Heat in the region is the primary differentiating factor in the market's demand. Therefore, solutions to our local challenges must differ from those we offer in Europe or America. Residential, commercial, and hospitality buildings need to be insulated against the extreme external temperatures to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions from air conditioning," stated Benoit Bazin, CEO of the Saint-Gobain Group.
Saint-Gobain Group, a global manufacturer and distributor of building construction solutions known for providing materials for iconic structures such as The Palace of Versailles and The Louvre Pyramid, has been in the construction business for over 350 years. The company has recently supplied construction materials for the Olympic Village in Paris and is dedicated to "Making the World a Better Home."
Awareness of sustainable construction practices in Thailand has been slow to spread due to rapid population growth and increased housing demands. Rising costs of traditional materials like concrete, bricks, and plastic have raised concerns about new investments and put pressure on green policies. Saint-Gobain Group's innovative approaches to construction materials aim to address these regional challenges.
Committed to an ambitious carbon-neutral policy and the implementation of circular economy principles, the company has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions during the manufacturing process by 37% and continues to explore new innovative sustainable solutions for building materials, fiber-plaster, and mortar. Using by-products and materials to reduce the proportion of cement in its advanced mortar solutions or increasing the proportion of recycled gypsum for its plaster solutions contributes to greatly reducing CO2 emissions and natural resources consumption. As part of its transition to carbon neutrality by 2050, the company has achieved a worldwide 27% reduction in CO2 emissions (scope 1 and 2) and avoided the removal of 9.4 million tonnes of virgin raw materials.
"Our vision, 'To be the worldwide leader in Light and Sustainable Construction,' aims at offering lighter and more sustainable materials to our customers, helping them reduce their energy consumption and environmental footprints," Benoit Bazin added.
"For instance, in Thailand, abundant locally-sourced palm tree waste and deconstruction waste have undergone recycling processes, ensuring our material has a lower carbon footprint than traditional alternatives."
Nevertheless, the success of long-term construction investments depends on preliminary design planning.
"With the installation of thermal-resistant roofing, ceilings, glass, facades, and air duct insulation, homeowners, SMEs, or hoteliers can create buildings that withstand heat, reduce internal temperatures, and lower electricity consumption, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions while increasing comfort and well-being for the users."
In addition to thermal reduction technology, lightweight materials like insulated wall panels offer flexibility for future renovations without excessive labor or traditional materials like bricks or concrete.
Architects, building designers, contractors, dealers, hardware store owners, and salespeople play a vital role in educating and encouraging "green consumers" among building owners, both old and new, contributing significantly to reducing global warming.
Since 2016, Saint-Gobain Group has already achieved a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Europe through CO2 reduction in manufacturing processes and the development of heat-mitigating solutions.
"Thailand, like many countries, has the potential to achieve carbon neutrality with support from policymakers. Continual carbon evaluation among stakeholders and trade partners is essential for everyone to understand their roles in finding solutions to decarbonize construction," concluded Benoit Bazin, CEO of the Saint-Gobain Group.
Saint-Gobain remains dedicated to improving living spaces and aims to provide occupants worldwide with the comfort of home and a greener environment by 2050. The group's commitment to innovative technologies is expected to extend beyond the target year. For more information on Saint-Gobain Group's innovation and products, please visit www.saint-gobain.co.th.
