Towards sustainable construction: trends for 2025

Construction innovations are evolving rapidly, fueled by a growing need for sustainability and efficiency. In 2025, significant changes are taking place in architecture, material selection, and employed technologies. This article highlights the main trends shaping sustainable construction this year, offering a fascinating insight into the innovations and adjustments to anticipate.

Sustainable and Smart Materials
Digital Transformation in Construction Technologies
Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency
Modular and Prefabricated Construction
New Regulations and Certifications

Sustainable and Smart Materials

Eco-friendly construction materials are more than just a passing trend; they represent a real shift in the perception of construction practices. Research focuses on materials that reduce the carbon footprint of buildings while optimizing energy efficiency. In this regard, several materials stand out in 2025.

Material	Description	Benefits
Self-Healing Concrete	Incorporates microcapsules to automatically fill cracks.	Increases the durability of structures and reduces repairs.
Biomaterials	Nanotechnology materials made from wood and insulation derived from fungi.	Eco-friendly and high-performance alternatives.
Transparent Solar Panels	Installed in windows to produce energy.	Combine modern aesthetics with energy production.
Carbon Absorbing Bricks	Solidify by absorbing carbon dioxide.	Provide an alternative to traditional construction while reducing emissions.

Companies like Saint-Gobain and Lafarge are taking the lead by integrating these innovative materials into their projects. For example, they invest in research to improve low-carbon concrete formulations, which excel environmentally. In addition to innovations, the choice of materials incorporating recyclable components becomes central. Natural paints and coatings, for example, solvent-free, are gaining popularity.

Biomaterials and their Adoption

Biomaterials, such as those made from organic waste or renewable materials, are also proving essential. They not only offer exceptional thermal properties but also reduce construction waste. With the growing emphasis on responsible building standards, these materials are taking a prominent place.

Digital Transformation in Construction Technologies

Digitalization is revolutionizing the construction sector in 2025, making processes much more efficient and minimizing costs. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing are becoming indispensable tools for construction companies.

Technology	Functionality	Impact on Construction
Artificial Intelligence	Risk analysis and project management.	Facilitates error detection and optimizes timelines.
3D Printing	Rapid production of buildings.	Reduces costs and construction time.
Digital Twins	Virtual replicas for real-time monitoring.	Enhances performance analysis and maintenance.
Robotic Systems	Robots for laying and welding tasks.	Accelerates construction while ensuring precision.

The use of these technologies, like the one developed by Icopal, optimizes resource use and improves project quality. With project management assisted by AI, companies can respond more effectively to industry challenges.

Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency

By emphasizing energy efficiency, the construction of green buildings becomes a major objective. In 2025, energy efficiency standards are stricter, prompting companies to design environmentally friendly structures.

Feature	Environmental Impact	Example
Low Consumption Insulation	Reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.	Use of Knauf for enhanced thermal insulation.
Integrated Solar Panels	Renovate façades while producing energy.	Buildings equipped by Sika.
Rainwater Harvesting	Utilizes natural resources to reduce water consumption.	Installations by Rockwool.

These buildings are no longer just functional; they fit into a broader framework of sustainability. Construction companies are closely collaborating with experts in ecosystems and recycling, like Cemex, to promote the circular economy in their projects.

Modular and Prefabricated Construction

In a constantly evolving world, modular and prefabricated construction methods are experiencing exponential growth. Off-site construction reduces manufacturing timelines while maintaining optimal construction quality. In 2025, this technique proves itself more than ever.

Advantage	Description	Impact
Speed of Assembly	Assembly can be 50% faster than traditional methods.	Allows for shorter delivery times.
Waste Reduction	Factory manufacturing that minimizes material waste.	Decreases environmental impact.
Enhanced Flexibility	Structures that are easily reconfigurable as needed.	Quick adaptation to changing needs.

Modular projects allow customization according to the specific needs of clients, an essential aspect in the current context. Furthermore, the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) models facilitates the design and management of projects, thereby ensuring a positive impact on budget and completion time.

New Regulations and Certifications

The growing awareness of environmental issues has led to the emergence of new regulations. In 2025, standards such as the environmental regulation RE 2020 encourage reconsideration of how buildings are designed and constructed.

Regulation	Objective	Expected Impact
Standard RE 2020	Taking into account the carbon footprint from the design phase.	Creation of more ecologically responsible buildings.
Accessibility for Persons with Reduced Mobility	Ensuring suitable housing for people with disabilities.	Making public spaces more inclusive.
Environmental Labels	Promotion of buildings with high environmental quality.	Establishing performance criteria in the market.

With the rise of labels like HQE (High Environmental Quality) and BBC (Low Carbon Buildings), companies are encouraged to enhance their practices, increasingly adopting materials from recycling, promoted by players like Bostik and Aluk.