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Weekly Building News
2026 - Week 32
Highlights
 
Business failures: nearly 17.500 cases in the second quarter of 2026, up 5,4%
Conjuncture
Altares recorded 17.486 business failures in France in the second quarter of 2026, a 5,4% year-on-year increase. Since January, 37.700 proceedings have been initiated, nearly two-thirds of which resulted directly in liquidation. Primarily affecting young or very small businesses, these difficulties threaten 58.830 jobs, a decrease of 9,5%. Read more
 
The solar eclipse of August 12 could cause a drop of 9.700 MW in European photovoltaic production
Energy
The solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, is expected to cause a rapid but temporary drop in photovoltaic production, estimated by RTE at 9.700 MW in Europe and 1.800 MW in France if the skies are clear. However, the grid operator does not anticipate any disruption for French consumers. Read more
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In a nutshell
 
Solar panels: Creuse, Ain and Vosges show the strongest increases in installations in France
Study / Assessment / Report by Hello Watt
Between July 2025 and July 2026, Hello Watt analyzed the evolution of solar panel installation rates in French homes using data from 112.000 households using its app. While Landes remains the best-equipped department, the fastest growth is now occurring in areas with diverse profiles. Read more
 
More than 8 out of 10 French people associate home security with peace of mind, according to a study.
Study / Review / Report
Conducted by Ipsos.Digital for the remote monitoring expert IMA Protect, this new study highlights the fundamental role of the home in the lives of the French[1]. The home has always fulfilled an essential need: that of protection, of creating a personal space and of establishing an anchor in the face of the outside world. Read more
 
Cladding and facade facings: energy renovation opens a new growth cycle from 2026
Study / Assessment / Report by MSI Reports
While energy renovation continues to establish itself as one of the main drivers of building transformation in France, the market for cladding and other facade coverings is approaching 2026 with more favorable prospects. Read more
 
The government is allocating nearly €260 million to adapt five French ports for floating wind power.
Energy
The French government will support the development of five port platforms in the English Channel, on the Atlantic coast, and in the Mediterranean Sea to accommodate activities related to floating offshore wind power. Granted as part of the France 2030 initiative, the subsidies are intended to contribute to a port investment program estimated at approximately €1 billion. Read more
 
Drought: Syntec-Ingénierie calls for the integration of water management from the project design stage
Climate
After the hottest June ever recorded in France, the drought rapidly spread to almost the entire country. As of July 13, 97 departments were subject to water restrictions, 41 of them at crisis level, while a quarter of small streams had dried up. Syntec-Ingénierie is calling for water availability to be taken into account from the initial design stages of buildings, infrastructure, and development projects. Read more
 
BPCE reports record revenues and strengthens its strategy in residential real estate
Company News
The BPCE Group recorded record net banking income of €7,2 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up 13%, while its net profit rose by 38% to €1,3 billion. Alongside the integration of the Portuguese bank Novobanco, the group is developing its real estate activities through a joint venture project with Nexity and further planned acquisitions. Read more
 
Vinci announces a 9,6% increase in net profit, driven by energy services
Company News by Vinci
VINCI posted a net profit of €2,08 billion in the first half of 2026, up 9,6% year-on-year. Growth at VINCI Energies and Cobra IS offset the decline in construction activity and the decrease in traffic on French highways. Read more
 
Altarea's housing reservations increased by 3,4% in the first half of 2026
Company News by Altarea
Altarea recorded 4.768 housing reservations in the first half of 2026, up 3,4% in volume and 0,5% in value. The group is benefiting from the return of individual investors and the ramp-up of its new projects, which have a margin of 9,4%. Read more
 
Scorching summer: a Provençal town committed to lowering the temperature
City
Protective covers for playgrounds, a surface that allows water to seep into the ground, a brand-new school built with recycled materials. Faced with the heatwave in Provence, the small town of Cuers is showcasing itself as a laboratory for adapting to climate change. Read more
 
The unemployment rate in France reached 8,3% in the second quarter, its highest level since 2020.
Careers
The unemployment rate, as defined by the International Labour Organization, rose by 0,2 percentage points in the second quarter of 2026 to reach 8,3% of the active population, according to INSEE. France now has 2,7 million unemployed, an increase of 62.000 in three months. Read more
 
Labor exchanges: in several cities, unions are threatened with losing their premises
Socials
In several cities, municipal real estate redevelopment projects threaten the continued presence of unions in labor exchanges. Often located in historic downtown buildings, these spaces have played an important role for over a century in union organization and workers' access to their rights. Read more
 
Earthquake near Naples: €100 million released to repair damaged buildings
Others
The Italian government has allocated €100 million following the 4,7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Phlegraean Fields near Naples on July 31. Initial inspections led to 395 homes being declared uninhabitable and approximately 700 people being evacuated, while 26 injuries were reported. Read more
 
Manufacturers and Distributors
 
Fires in Gironde: UNICEM calls for a case-by-case resumption of activities in the materials sector
News Organization by UNICEM
Faced with restrictions imposed on exposed forest areas in the Gironde region, UNICEM is requesting that quarries and building materials companies capable of operating without increasing the risk of fire be allowed to resume their activities. The federation is raising concerns about the consequences of their shutdown for construction sites, especially given that many operators are simultaneously contributing to the emergency response. Read more
 
Ecomatic is scaling up and moving to a new site to support its growth
News Manufacturer by Ecomatic
Ecomatic, the specialist in heated baseboards, is taking a new step in its development with the acquisition of a site in Wasselonne, in the Bas-Rhin region. Driven by a continuous increase in its production and the expansion of its product range—towel warmers, temperature-controlled furniture, cooling solutions, and heat pump packages—the Alsatian company is now adapting its industrial facilities to its ambitions. Read more
 
Saint-Gobain: Net profit down 13%, but return to growth in the second quarter
News Manufacturer by Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain reported a net profit attributable to shareholders of €1,4 billion for the first half of 2026, down 13% year-on-year. Despite a reported decline in revenue of 1,1%, the group returned to organic growth in the second quarter and confirmed its full-year outlook. Read more
Videos
 
Create the clipped side finish of a slab terrace using the Profildeck® range
Video by Jouplast®
This technical video from JOUPLAST details the components of the PROFILDECK® range needed to create a clipped edge finish on a slab terrace on pedestals. It demonstrates the assembly of the aluminum profiles, fixing clips, and various connectors to achieve a neat and aesthetically pleasing border. Read more
 
Architectural cladding profile manufacturing line - Horizon Bacacier Collection by Kingspan
Video by Steel pan
The art of detail in the service of architecture: delve behind the scenes of the Horizon Collection. Behind each unique facade lies a constant industrial commitment. Bacacier opens the doors of their workshop to reveal their folding line dedicated to the Horizon range. Read more
 
Parexlanko® 671 Flex Block: The high-performance polyurethane adhesive for your concrete blocks
Video by Parexlanko
PAREXLANKO® 671 BLOC FLEX is a ready-to-use, one-component polyurethane adhesive designed for bonding concrete masonry elements. Elastic and curing with atmospheric moisture, it guarantees excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including concrete, mortar, brick, and wood. Read more
 
Landslide monitoring
Video by Feelbat
Landslides pose a major risk to infrastructure, buildings, and public safety. Continuous monitoring allows for anticipating ground movements and intervening before they become critical. Read more
 
TUTORIAL | Financing solutions: a performance lever for professionals
Video by sofinco
This tutorial presents Sofinco's credit sales as a lever for commercial performance for construction professionals, enabling them to increase average order value and secure cash flow. It details the 100% digital customer journey and the guaranteed payment to the tradesperson within 48 hours of project completion. Read more
 
Mercatorpad Leuven roof renovation | The IKO system solution in action
Video by IKO Insulations
Discover how VME Dreyfus, located at Mercatorpad 1-15 in Leuven, opted for a complete roof renovation using IKO's system solution. Four flat roofs, totaling 1.750 m², were installed by Roof Service Company — from May 2025 to February 2026. Read more
 
Atlantic experts
Video by Atlantic
This video showcases the "Atlantic Experts" network, comprised of experienced professionals trained by the brand to meet maintenance, repair, and energy renovation needs (heating, air conditioning, ventilation, hot water). It highlights their personalized support, accurate quotes, and efficient, expertly executed work to guarantee customer comfort. Read more
 
Wind load sizing: anticipate the constraints from the design stage of your structures
Video by CSTB
Faced with the architectural evolution of structures associated with adaptation to climate change, taking into account the effects of wind becomes an essential element in the design, renovation and securing of structures. Read more
Products and Materials
 
Ecovegetal launches two permeable solutions for areas with heavy goods vehicle traffic
New range by Ecovegetal
Ecovegetal is expanding its range of permeable paving solutions with two cellular slabs designed for parking lots, logistics platforms, and truck lanes. The VILLAROC 120 PL and ECOVEGETAL E80 PL solutions combine load-bearing capacity with rainwater infiltration, provided the structure is properly sized. Read more
 
Fundermax launches Stellar, a collection of facade panels that play with light
New range by Fundermax
Fundermax unveils Stellar, a collection of exterior panels available in three designs and three surface finishes. Designed primarily for facades and balcony cladding, it changes the perception of colors depending on the light, the building's orientation, and the viewing angle. Read more
 
Wedi launches the Fundo Thermo®: a shower tray with integrated heat recovery
New product by Wednesday
With Fundo Thermo®, wedi France takes a new step in the market: for the first time, a wastewater heat exchanger is integrated into the very thickness of a shower tray. Read more
 
Projects and Achievements
 
Montparnasse Tower: Asbestos removal project put to a vote despite conflicts between co-owners
Project
The co-owners of the Montparnasse Tower decided on Friday, July 31, 2026, to continue preparatory work for the asbestos removal from the building. The start of the work will be subject to a new general meeting in the fall, while several land and legal disputes remain unresolved. Read more
 
Awnings and Californian blinds, roller shutters, mosquito nets… a fully equipped house by Storistes de France, in the Landes region
Realization by French storists
This new 130 m² house located in Saint-Martin-de-Hinx in the Landes department (40) is equipped with 3 sun protection and blackout solutions from Storistes de France: a large 7-meter Corfu awning and motorized roller shutters, as well as vertical Californian blinds inside. Read more
 
Nebout Estate Wine Cellar: an exemplary project using Activ'Home wood-straw walls
Achievement
Designed by Charles Coulanjon of the Alice Architecture agency, the winery of Domaine Nebout (03 – Saint Pourçain-sur-Sioule) was delivered in November 2025. While this 1800 m2 single-storey building is intended for the production and direct sale of organic wines from the eponymous estate, it also houses a shop for local products as well as a multipurpose room with a capacity of 150 people. Read more
Products of the week

Eco-responsible and natural flooring

Solar control and thermal insulation in the same glazing

Guarantee certificate: 35 years for Kebony wood

Profiling machine with aluminum coping in 1mm thickness

JDM Expert

AGC Glass France

Kebony

SodiFab

Interior mineral flooring

Venezia line handles, refined elegance

Collection with door, drawer and open niche

BIM modeling software for architecture

Microlith

France

Decotec

Graphisoft
 
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