In a world grappling with rising energy demands, climate change, and shifting buyer expectations, the homebuilding sector is undergoing a radical transformation. From Riyadh to Rome, and from Delhi to Vancouver sustainability is no longer a buzzword – it’s a non-negotiable business imperative. At Schneider Electric, we recognise both the challenge and the opportunity. That’s why we’ve placed sustainability at the centre of how we support builders and developers. With our Environmental Data Program (EDP), we are giving them clear and most importantly actionable environmental insights – including product carbon data – so they can concentrate on building more sustainably.
The urgency: Why sustainable housing matters now
As per Schneider Electric sustainability institute, Homes contribute 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions – highlighting the urgent need to rethink how we design, build, and operate them.
In Saudi Arabia, for example, the challenge is critical. With rapid residential growth, the Kingdom is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060, aligned with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. These efforts reflect a wider societal move toward cleaner, smarter living.
Globally, similar trends are emerging. Canada plans to ban new fuel-powered cars by 2035, France is mandating energy-positive new buildings, and the EU’s Green Deal targets climate neutrality by 2050. Sustainability is fast becoming the new standard in construction.
Understanding the shift: Sustainability as a buyer decision driver
The transformation is being driven not only by regulation but also by consumer demand. A Schneider Electric survey conducted among 9,000 respondents in seven countries across Europe, US and Australia revealed:
- 92% of potential homebuyers are showing increasing interest in sustainable and green home design.
- 59% expect new builds to include smart technology.
And:
- By 2050, residential electrical consumption is projected to double, according to the International Energy Outlook.
Today’s buyer doesn’t just want a home: they want a low-carbon, digitally enabled, future-proof living space. Builders that meet this demand can increase project value, reduce lifecycle costs, and differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market.
Schneider Electric’s commitment: The Environmental Data Program (EDP)
We’re helping homebuilders respond to this demand through our Environmental Data Program (EDP) – a cornerstone of our new sustainability strategy.
The EDP is Schneider Electric’s fact-based methodology for measuring and categorising the environmental footprint of our products across their entire lifecycle. We don’t tell our partners what to use – we empower them with transparent carbon unit data to make informed, sustainable decisions.
What does the EDP cover?
Our EDP dives deep into four sustainability pillars:
1. Repack and Remanufacture
- Dismantling, take-back, recyclability
- Circular economy practices through sustainable packaging and material reuse
2. Lifetime Extension
- Repairability and reliability to reduce unnecessary replacement and waste
3. Materials and Substances
- Use of low-impact plastics, aluminium, and steel
- Elimination of harmful substances and eco-packaging
4. Energy Efficiency
- Carbon savings through lower energy consumption
- Avoidance of emissions over the product’s lifetime
By making this level of detail available to builders, specifiers, and developers, we’re not just offering products – we’re offering transparency, traceability, and trust.
Supporting homebuilders: Three strategic streams
At Schneider Electric our support to homebuilders comes in three focused streams to make your sustainability journey practical, actionable, and profitable.
1. Expanding Solutions & Expertise
We offer a full range of residential solutions – from smart energy systems to sustainable infrastructure and expert support to help builders create:
- Energy-efficient homes with digital monitoring
- Resilient homes ready for self-generation
- Sustainable homes using low-carbon, recyclable, and biobased materials
2. Practical Tools for Builders
We provide:
- Product Environmental Profiles (PEPs) – “Environmental passports” showing energy use, carbon impact, and recyclability for certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Mostadam
- BIM Libraries – Digital modeling tools for efficient planning, material optimization, and reduced waste
3. Training for Sustainable Success
Sustainability isn’t just about technology – it’s about people. That’s why we offer:
- The Schneider Electric Sustainability School – Teaches builders and specifiers sustainable construction and how to communicate green value
- Specialist Courses – Train in using environmental data and aligning with global green building standards
The Saudi example: Regulations and opportunity
In Saudi Arabia, sustainability isn’t optional – it’s embedded into the national framework. Builders are increasingly expected to align with:
- Mostadam Certification: Tailored to local climate and lifestyle, focusing on energy, water, and health standards.
- Saudi Building Code (SBC): Updated to include sustainability, efficiency, and safety benchmarks.
- Environmental Mandates: Requirements around solar panels, water conservation, and energy-efficient designs.
Schneider Electric’s tools and EDP align with these frameworks, giving builders a head start in compliance – and a competitive edge in the market.
Key sustainability inputs for future homes
To meet new standards and buyer expectations, housebuilders must integrate:
1. Energy-Efficient Design
- Solar readiness, EV charger infrastructure, and Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS)
2. Low-Carbon Materials
- Durable, recyclable products with verified environmental data
3. Waste Minimization
- Smart planning with BIM tools to reduce onsite material waste
4. Sustainable Partnerships
- Collaborating with suppliers that align with green principles and offer transparent data
Creating impact together
Sustainable housing is no longer a niche trend – it’s a defining pillar of the modern construction industry. Builders and developers who embrace this shift will unlock new markets, meet evolving regulatory standards, and deliver homes that meet the demands of tomorrow’s buyers.
At Schneider Electric, we’re proud to be both a sustainability enabler and a sustainability practitioner. Through our Environmental Data Program, eco-design principles, and end-to-end support for builders, we’re helping transform the residential sector – in the Middle East and across the world.
The time to build better is now.
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