![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sustainability-architecture-1080x500.png)
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sustainability-architecture-1080x500.png)
![usp](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/themes/usp/public/img/bg/bg-4.png)
News I published 07 November 2023
Which innovative sustainable solutions are hot or not?
Sustainability and circularity are hot topics in the world of building construction. Although clients of architects may not always be willing or able to pay the often higher price for more sustainable options, demand for sustainable buildings and circular construction is still high in these times of high energy prices and climate change. Â
To answer that demand, many companies invest heavily in developing sustainable construction materials and products. Consequently, architects are confronted with a multitude of innovative solutions for more sustainable and circular construction to choose from. The question is, which innovative solutions are being adopted?Â
Energy-saving and renewable Â
To find out, we asked architects from eight European countries what solutions and products for sustainability and circularity are already being used. Given the recent, rather dramatic increases in energy prices, it does not surprise that architects mention insulation the most. Similarly, it does not surprise that solar panels are the second-most-mentioned solution.Â
What is interesting is that architects specifically mention bio-based insulation. That focus on bio-based products shows that this is not just a reactionary concern about energy savings. It also betrays a deeper interest in the origin of the material, and greater value is placed on renewable sources. Â
Circular materials Â
The third most mentioned are recycled and reused materials, which is a broader category of materials linked to sustainability. Recycling and reusing materials is also an essential practice for circular construction, which strives for continuous reuse of materials. Â
Interestingly, further down the graph, we find some specific mentions of circular or reused materials. Circular concrete, insulation from waste material, and circular wooden frames are mentioned by 6%, 6%, and 5% of architects, respectively. These are not very high percentages, but together they show that circularity is gaining interest. Â
It has to be mentioned though, that the above-mentioned circular or reused materials are mainly mentioned by French architects. For instance, 21% of French architects mentioned circular wooden frames as an innovative solution that is currently being used, while the share of architects mentioning this in other countries varies from 0% to 6%.Â
Country differences show what is hot or not.
Clearly, country differences show that the innovative solutions regarding sustainability and circularity that are currently used, according to architects, differ from area to area. For instance, France is more material-based when looking at sustainability, as bio-based and cross-laminated timber, and the aforementioned circular and reused materials are mentioned a lot. Â
In Italy and Germany, on the other hand, the focus is more on renewable energy, as solar panels are currently mentioned the most as innovative solutions that are already being used, according to architects. On the other hand, none of the Dutch architects mentioned solar panels, which is a great example of the caution that is needed when interpreting these results. Â
…and what architects in certain markets consider to be innovative Â
The fact that Dutch architects do not mention solar panels as innovative solutions that are already being used does not mean solar panels are not being used. Solar panels are being installed in record numbers in the Netherlands every year. What this indicates is that solar panels are so normal in the Dutch market that architects do not consider them innovative solutions any more, but just normal solutions. Â
This shows how important it is for manufacturers of materials and solutions for more sustainable and circular building construction to know the fine details of and differences between specific markets to truly understand the playing field. For a full overview of architects’ thoughts and attitudes about sustainable and circular construction and which innovative sustainable solutions are currently hot in eight European countries, we refer you to USP Marketing Consultancy’s European Architectural Barometer. Â
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/themes/usp/public/img/bg/house.png)
Read more about the subject
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-pixabay-301703-300x200.jpg)
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-pixabay-301703-300x200.jpg)
18 July 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Willingness to invest of European consumers in sustainability improvements of their houses lower in 2024 than in 2023
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-700x350-1-300x200.jpg)
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-700x350-1-300x200.jpg)
02 July 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
BIM adoption among European HVAC installers remains low
![European Electrical Installation Monitor: Market Research Report](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-kindel-media-9875418-300x200.jpg)
![European Electrical Installation Monitor: Market Research Report](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-kindel-media-9875418-300x200.jpg)
06 June 2024 I Maja Markovic
Sustainability in the electrical installation sector; slow but steady growth
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/scott-blake-x-ghf9LjrVg-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/scott-blake-x-ghf9LjrVg-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
06 June 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Trends in construction material usage
![](https://www.usp-research.com/wp-content/themes/usp/public/img/bg/house.png)
Fresh Insights Await
Our latest reports
Delve into the newest findings across various market segments, crafted for a cutting-edge overview. Explore our latest reports, brimming with up-to-date data, trend analyses, and in-depth examinations, all tailored to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current market dynamics.
Construction
Home Improvement
Installation
Construction
Trends in material usage Q1 2024
2024 102 pages
Explore the evolving trends in material usage among European architects in Q1 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.
1,850 Euro
Construction
Media orientation H2 2021
2024 161 pages
Explore the media engagement patterns of contractors to optimize your marketing strategies. Dive into a pool of insights that unveils how contractors interact with different media channels.
6,300 Euro
Construction
European Green Deal Q4 2021
2024 88 pages
Explore the impact and reception of the European Green Deal among architects. Understand how the initiative is influencing architectural practices and sustainability measures.
1,850 Euro
Construction
BIM Q4 2023
2024 246 pages
Key insights regarding the BIM usage and behaviour of European architects, and our latest future building volumes prognoses
1,850 Euro
Construction
Purchase Channels H2 2023
2024 123
Explore the buying and ordering behaviour among contractors in H1 2023. Uncover the key channels used, share-of-wallet and much more.
6,300 Euro
Construction
Behavioural segmentation and media usage report 2023
2023 75 pages
This report provides a comprehensive overview of purchase behaviour, products, and media usage, specifically focusing on European handymen. It delves into how handymen use media, and for what purposes, and examines their habits and preferences in terms of purchasing behaviour.
8,400 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY versus DIFM Q4 2021
2024 113 pages
This report is a must-have if you’re in the home improvement industry. It provides a wealth of information on the behaviour of DIY and DIFM consumers, their motivations, and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY or DIFM Q4 2023
2024 70
Explore the prevailing trends between DIY and DIFM in Q4 2023. Understand consumer preferences and the factors influencing their choice between DIY and DIFM.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Branding Q3 2023
2023 93 pages
This report offers an extensive overview of the home improvement industry, with a focus on branding and the most popular brands within different categories. Within this report, you will gain insights into how customers perceive home improvement brands and what motivates them to buy certain products.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Purchase channels Q2 2023
2023 114 pages
The European Home Improvement Monitor offers valuable insights on purchase channels in the European home improvement industry, examining the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers across traditional retail and emerging online platforms.
3,150 Euros
Home Improvement
Purchase Channels Q2 2022
2022 124 pages
Uncover the prevalent purchase channels in the home improvement sector during Q2 2022. Delve into consumer preferences and the factors influencing their purchasing decisions.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Do-it-yourself or do-it-for-me Q4 2022
2022 93 pages
Explore the prevailing trends between DIY and DIFM in Q4 2022. Understand consumer preferences and the factors influencing their choice between DIY and DIFM.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Smart & Connected Products Q2 2024
2024 120 pages
This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among electrical installers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Sustainability Q1 2024
2024 81 pages
Delve into sustainability trends in the home improvement sector in Q1 2024. Discover consumer preferences and the shift towards eco-friendly home improvement solutions.
3,150 Euro
Installation
BIM Q1 2024
2024 84 pages
The European Mechanical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the plumbing and HVAC industry. This report specifically focuses on BIM adaptation in the industry.
2,650 Euro
Installation
Sustainability Q1 2024
2024 99 pages
The European Electrical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the sustainable solutions in the installation industry. This report specifically focuses on sustainability aspects in the industry.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Challenges toward sustainable future Q4 2021
2024 111 pages
2,650 Euro
Installation
Purchase channels Q4 2021
2024 106 pages
Delve into the training needs within the electrical installation sector. Understand the areas requiring skill development to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
3,150 Euro