Building sustainability: circular and energy-efficient trends in European construction and the role of adhesives and sealants

The European construction sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the twin imperatives of climate action and resource efficiency. As one of the largest contributors to material consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, the sector is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices across the entire building life cycle. Central to this shift are two key trends: the push for energy efficiency and the embrace of circular economy principles. These trends are not only reshaping how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained, but also redefining the role of materials, such as adhesives and sealants, in enabling a more sustainable built environment.

Energy efficiency in buildings - enhancing performance through smart materials and design

Energy efficiency has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable construction, particularly in the context of the EU’s Green Deal initiative. Buildings account for approximately 36% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to heating and cooling demands. Improving thermal insulation and airtightness is therefore critical to reducing operational energy use and achieving net zero targets.

Adhesives and sealants play a vital role in enabling energy-efficient construction solutions. In external thermal insulation systems, adhesives provide durable and high-performance bonding of insulation panels, ensuring consistent coverage and reducing the risk of thermal bridging. Polyurethane (PU) foams, for example, are used to fill gaps around windows and doors, enhancing the overall insulation of the building envelope.

Airtightness is another key factor in energy performance. Air leakage can account for up to 50% of a building’s energy losses. Sealants and adhesive applications are uniquely suited to bridge seams between insulation elements and seal gaps around windows, preventing drafts and moisture ingress. These materials are indispensable in achieving the airtightness required by modern building standards.

In glazing applications, sealants are used to retain inert gas fillings between panes, improving insulation and extending the lifespan of windows by preventing moisture penetration. Advanced sealant technologies also enable the direct bonding of glazing elements to building envelopes, facilitating sleek, energy-efficient architectural designs.

Beyond passive insulation, adhesives and sealants are integral to the transition to renewable energy systems. They are used in the manufacture of photovoltaic panels, solar thermal units, and energy storage batteries - components that are essential for decarbonising building energy supply. By supporting the integration of these technologies, adhesives and sealants contribute not only to operational energy savings but also to the broader energy transition in the built environment.

Circularity and material efficiency - enabling reuse, recycling, and low-carbon construction

As buildings become more energy-efficient, the focus of sustainability efforts is shifting towards material efficiency and circularity. This involves reducing the embodied carbon of construction materials, extending product lifespans, and designing for reuse and recycling. Adhesives and sealants are increasingly recognised as enablers of these goals.

One of the most impactful strategies is the reduction of material use. High-performance adhesives allow for lightweight construction by enabling the use of thinner or alternative materials without compromising structural integrity. For instance, engineered wood elements bonded with adhesives can replace steel or concrete components, significantly lowering the embodied carbon of buildings. In glazing systems, sealants reduce the need for bulky metal profiles, further contributing to material savings.

The concept of renewable carbon is gaining traction in the adhesives and sealants sector. Rather than eliminating carbon - which is chemically integral to these products - the focus is on sourcing carbon from renewable or recycled origins. Biobased raw materials and chemical recycling of insulation foams are examples of how the industry is reducing its own footprint while supporting circularity.

Adhesives and sealants also facilitate maintenance, repair, and renovation, key aspects of material efficiency. By enabling the repair of building elements such as windows, facades, and rain gutters, these materials extend the service life of components and reduce the need for replacement. In machinery used in construction, adhesives are used for thread locking, sealing, and gasketing, supporting the longevity and reliability of equipment.

Reuse of building elements is another area where adhesives and sealants play a role. Prefabricated components bonded with adhesives can be designed for disassembly, increasing their potential for reuse. Selective debonding technologies, such as peelable tapes or adhesives that respond to heat or solvents, are being developed to facilitate the separation of materials at the end of life.

Recycling is a complex challenge in construction due to the long lifespan of buildings and the evolving nature of recycling technologies. However, adhesives and sealants are increasingly being designed to be compatible with recycling processes. In many cases, they can be removed mechanically or chemically, allowing the substrate materials to be recovered. For example, sealants used in window frames or insulation panels can be separated during recycling, and their residues are often neutralised during thermal processing.

Packaging sustainability is also being addressed. Adhesives and sealants are now offered in recyclable or lightweight packaging formats, such as steel containers, PE/PP cartridges, and fibre-based materials. These innovations reduce waste and support the broader goals of the EU Waste Framework Directive.

Smart materials and circular design driving sustainability across the European construction sector

The European construction sector is at a critical juncture, with sustainability imperatives driving innovation across materials, design, and life cycle management. Adhesives and sealants, often overlooked in discussions of green building, are proving to be essential tools in this transformation. From enhancing energy efficiency to enabling circularity, these materials offer versatile solutions that align with the EU’s climate and resource goals.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, the adhesives and sealants sector continues to be proactive in developing products that support controlled longevity, disassembly, and low-impact manufacturing. Through collaboration with architects, engineers, and policymakers, the sector helps shape a built environment that is not only functional and safe but also resilient and sustainable for generations to come.

For more information about adhesives and sealants in construction, consult this page.