Manufacturing and logistics: the keys to low-carbon design & build

There’s no looking back: the real estate sector must face the challenges of climate change and stricter environmental regulations. Low-carbon construction has become essential, particularly in manufacturing and logistics. As a general contractor in commercial real estate, GSE has developed an effective range of solutions: The Blue Suite*. It helps project owners design & build facilities that combine business performance with environmental responsibility.

Addressing the challenges of today with a new approach to construction

The construction industry accounts for some 40% of global CO₂ emissions. Taking action at the design stage can significantly reduce a project’s environmental footprint. For logistics platforms, production facilities and warehouses, this would involve low-carbon materials, optimised construction processes and a comprehensive approach to energy performance (the “operational carbon” in use).

As a general contractor, GSE manages every stage of the project – from design to handover – with a focus on environmental issues. Our comprehensive expertise enables us to offer concrete, measurable solutions that are perfectly tailored to each project’s specific objectives.

The Blue Suite™: three levels of low-carbon solutions

GSE’s Blue Suite™ provides a set of flexible and customisable turnkey solutions that meet the specific needs and objectives of each client. Clients can aim for one of three levels:

• Essential: this level covers the fundamental principles green construction, including compact building design (including multistorey) and the use of lower-impact materials – such as low-carbon concrete.
• Plus: this more advanced approach includes high-performance energy systems, optimised thermal, acoustic and visual comfort, and biodiversity preservation – both on site and in the surrounding ecosystem.
• Premium: this ambitious approach adopts a 360° vision, aligned with the most demanding objectives – exceeding the 2028 targets of France’s RE2020 thermal regulations. This level includes life cycle analyses (LCAs), local energy generation solutions and smart resource management (geothermal energy, etc.).

At all levels, The Blue Suite™ is designed to help our clients develop increasingly sustainable and responsible real estate projects.

Low-carbon concrete, a driver of environmental performance

Among the most effective solutions, the use of low-carbon concrete stands out as a real breakthrough. Its optimised formulation – which includes reduced clinker and/or the use of alternative binders or composite cements – reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 60% compared to conventional concrete, while maintaining its strength and durability properties.

Systematically included in all levels of The Blue Suite™, the use of low-carbon concrete is rigorously controlled. We are able to deploy it thanks to strong partnerships with our industrial suppliers and to the expertise of our construction-site teams, who are trained in new eco-responsible practices.

Designing and building low-carbon industrial and logistics facilities is not just a matter of regulatory compliance. Most importantly, it is a commitment to a more responsible, resilient, and competitive industrial system. GSE’s Blue Suite™ offers clients a practical, modular solution that complies with the most demanding environmental standards on the market.

One general contractor, one 360° perspective

GSE’s added value is to provide centralised coordination, with a single point of responsibility. As a general contractor, we take charge of the entire project – from initial costing to turnkey handover. This approach guarantees complete technical and budgetary consistency, while ensuring compliance with the low-carbon objectives set during the design phase.

We assess every project using precise environmental KPIs that cover carbon emissions, energy performance, biodiversity preservation, comfort levels (thermal, acoustic, visual), and the impact of construction sites.