Problem addressed

The construction sector accounts for over 40 per cent of energy consumption in France and emits more than 120 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. Sustainable construction therefore has a vital role to play in creating resource-efficient buildings and improving the energy performance of the built environment.

Innovative solution

The ECHOBAT association carries out a number of initiatives aimed at private individuals, local authorities and project owners:

Bringing together a network of professionals to provide a comprehensive service to private individuals interested in green building;
Carrying out awareness-raising activities amongst local authorities on green building;
Connecting network members with one another and with a project management support team to assist with the design and delivery of building projects.
By targeting both the supply side of the construction sector (construction professionals) and the demand side (private individuals, local authorities, etc.), the ECHOBAT network provides a collaborative and cross-sectoral response to project leaders committed to achieving energy, environmental and economic efficiency.

The association aims to reduce the environmental impact of buildings whilst promoting social inclusion. To this end, it facilitates and encourages cooperation within its network between businesses and organisations promoting social integration through economic activity (SIAEs). ECHOBAT also offers training courses for employees on integration programmes to help them make the most of their experience. Finally, the association is committed to sustainable development by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and exploring the circular economy in the construction sector (optimising the management of construction site waste).

Potential for mainstreaming

In the coming years, the association aims to provide better training in green building for all stakeholders in the construction sector (project owners, members, local authorities), whilst refocusing the network’s activities on its members in order to better meet the increase in demand.

ÉCHOBAT first expanded at a regional level within the Pays de la Loire region. The association is now also organised into regional branches in Brittany and the Centre-Val de Loire.

ECHOBAT is a laureate of the 2021–2022 cohort of the P'INS scale-up support programme, jointly run by Fondation Macif and Avise.