In today’s rapidly changing climate, the definition of sustainable building is evolving, and resilience is emerging as its essential counterpart. At Chryso and Saint-Gobain, we believe that true sustainability must go beyond carbon reduction and energy efficiency. It must also ensure that buildings can withstand the increasing threats of natural disasters, climate volatility, and long-term environmental stressors. 

Why Resilience Matters 

The 2015 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction defines resilience as the ability to “prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks.” Yet, this concept remains underrepresented in mainstream construction dialogue. If a building is “green” but cannot endure a disaster, its environmental impact doubles when it must be rebuilt. 

Recent findings from the Saint-Gobain Sustainable Construction Barometer reinforce this urgency. The percentage of industry stakeholders prioritizing resilience jumped by 21%, the largest increase to date. However, only 15% of respondents associate sustainable construction with improved occupant well-being, revealing a gap in how we connect environmental performance with human-centered design. 

Concrete’s Role in Resilient Design

Concrete, often scrutinized for its emissions, is also one of the most resilient materials available. When engineered with performance-based solutions, it becomes fire-resistant, structurally robust, and capable of absorbing CO₂ over time. These attributes make it a cornerstone of resilient construction, especially in regions prone to seismic, wind, water, and fire hazards. 

The Economic Case for Resilience 

According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, conservatively every dollar invested in resilient design saves four dollars in recovery costs. This isn’t just good practice, it’s smart economics. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, the cost of inaction grows exponentially. 

Leading the Conversation 

Our own Dr. Cesar Constantino, Senior Director of Innovation at Chryso, recently authored a thought-provoking article in Green Building & Design Magazine that challenges conventional sustainability benchmarks and advocates for resilience as a core design principle. His insights draw on over two decades of experience in civil engineering and leadership, as well as recent research from Saint-Gobain. 

Join the Movement

We’re proud to be part of a growing community that’s redefining what it means to build sustainably. Whether through innovative materials, data-driven design, or cross-sector collaboration, resilience is no longer optional, it’s foundational.