The Centre for Worldwide Sustainable Construction (CWSC) is a global research, innovation, and knowledge hub working to advance a more sustainable, inclusive built environment - for all.
Why CWSC exists
Today, buildings are responsible for 42% of global carbon emissions - and we are adding to it rapidly. Meeting global housing needs alone means building the equivalent of one New York City every month until 2060 and an estimated two thirds of the infrastructure in use by 2050 has not yet been built.
Most of this growth will happen in emerging economies, especially across Africa, where rapid urbanisation will shape the future environmental impact of construction.
We have a narrow window to act. If we don't scale sustainable practices now, we risk locking in decades of carbon-intensive development.
CWSC is here to make sustainable construction accessible, affordable, and achievable worldwide - creating a built environment that is sustainable, resilient, fair, and inclusive for generations to come.
CWSC delivers across four key pillars:
Research
We conduct evidencebased research that deepens understanding and delivers more effective sustainable construction solutions.
Education
We deliver world-class educational programmes that build the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed to deliver best practice and policy for sustainable construction.
Innovation
We deliver transformative technologies and practices through industry-wide collaboration, to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable construction worldwide.
Policy
We deliver advice, evidence resources and support that enable policymakers to implement effective sustainable construction practices.
Our Partners
CWSC works with leading global initiatives to accelerate the transition to sustainable construction. Together, we drive progress in low-carbon materials, open data, and new ways of building. Explore the work of initiatives such as Limestone Calcinated Clay Cement (LC3) and the Global Building Data Initiative (GBDI) below.
Limestone Calcinated Clay Cement (LC3)
Limestone Calcinated Clay Cement (LC3) is a low-carbon alternative to conventional cement, replacing much of the energy-intensive clinker with calcinated clay and limestone.
These abundant materials reduce reliance on clinker, the main source of emissions, cutting CO2 by up to 40%. LC3 matches the strength, durability, and performance of Portland cement and can be produced with existing equipment, making it a practical, scalable solution for more sustainable cement manufacturing.
Global Building Data Initiative (GBDI)
GBDI supports industry leaders and policymakers with open, globally coordinated standards for life cycle data generation, exchange, and assessment, informing critical decisions to improve resource use, emissions and whole life cycle performance of buildings.
GBDI promotes global cooperation for resilient, sustainable construction with a focus on Global South partnerships. Partners using GBDI's open-source methods and tools benefit from comprehensive analytics and robust benchmarking to drive rapid, equitable decarbonisation action.
The Future of Construction in Africa CWSC to Host Expert Panel Event at EPFL, Lausanne
Tuesday 16 September 2025,
16:00 to 19:00, at the Starling Hotel, EPFL, Lausanne.
This September, The Centre for Worldwide Sustainable Construction (CWSC) will host a special event, featuring expert insights from:
Karen Scrivener
Head of the Laboratory of Construction Materials and Professor at EPFL
Aziza Chaouni
Associate Professor, University of Toronto
Daniel Wyss
Urban Development and Construction Industry Specialist, Skat Consulting Ltd
The event will explore challenges and opportunities shaping sustainable construction across the African continent, with a focus on innovation, materials, and policy. A drinks reception will follow.