From Environmental Performance to True Sustainability: Strengthening the Social and Economic Pillars of Precast Concrete
For many years, sustainability in construction has been understood mainly through an environmental lens. Reducing CO₂ emissions, improving energy efficiency and lowering the carbon footprint of materials remain essential priorities. But sustainability is more than this. It also means building an industry that is economically viable, socially responsible and resilient in the long term.
Precast concrete embodies this broader vision. Industrialised production ensures high quality, fast erection and resource efficiency, while offering stable, skilled jobs and strong local value creation. Precast solutions support affordable, durable and resilient buildings and infrastructures, contributing directly to social cohesion and economic stability. In a context of housing shortages, climate adaptation needs and growing pressure on competitiveness, sustainability must be approached as a balanced combination of environmental performance, economic robustness and social responsibility.
This shift requires collective action. No single company, sector or country can address these challenges alone. Cooperation at national level, including with German partners, and at European level is essential to create coherent frameworks, realistic regulations and effective innovation pathways. Only by working together can we ensure that sustainability policies support both climate objectives and industrial competitiveness, while safeguarding jobs and skills across the value chain.
In this spirit of dialogue and collaboration, we warmly invite the sector to the BIBM Congress 2026 in Rome. Under the theme “Think Concrete, Go Precast! Innovative Pathways to Sustainable Construction”, the Congress will bring together industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to explore how precast concrete can drive sustainable, resilient and affordable construction across Europe. It will be a key moment to strengthen cooperation and shape a truly holistic vision of sustainability for our industry.
Yours sincerely,
Stefan van Buggenhout
