Alumni of the DER in Civil and Environmental Engineering (DER GCE), Emy CELESCHI is pursuing a research-based master’s degree in Materials Science for Sustainable Construction at the École nationale des ponts et chaussées. Selected from among fifty students from across France, she is contributing to the fight against climate change through the Student Scientific Convention on the Decarbonization of Construction (CSEC), combining her passion for science with her commitment to the ecological transition.
I am delighted to represent ENS Paris-Saclay and École des Ponts at the Student Scientific Convention on Decarbonizing the Construction Industry (CSEC). The diversity of schools and academic backgrounds was a real asset. It helped foster collective intelligence and stimulate debate, ensuring more robust and realistic proposals.
His Career
Emy CELESCHI attended a preparatory program in Physics, Technology, and Engineering Sciences (1st and 2nd years) in Marseille before gaining admission to ENS Paris-Saclay through a competitive entrance exam.
After one year in the third year of the Bachelor’s program in Engineering Sciences (Saphire), she entered the Department of Teaching and Research (DER) Civil and Environmental Engineering) and takes the SII agrégation exam with a specialization in Construction Engineering during her Master 2 in Higher Education Training and Preparation for the Agrégation in Civil Engineering (M2 FESup).
In 2026, she completed the Master 2 Research (M2R) program in Materials Science for Sustainable Construction (SMCD) at the École des Ponts and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in eco-materials or enter the teaching profession.
As a committed advocate, she has collaborated with the L’Oréal Foundation and the Projet Matilda association to promote gender equality. She also teaches in the M2FESup Civil and Environmental Engineering program and conducts “colles” (tutorial sessions) in preparatory classes for the grandes écoles (CPGE).
“I chose ENS Paris-Saclay for the diversity of its programs and the wealth of opportunities it offers. During my first year, I discovered Civil Engineering, which immediately captivated me. The small class sizes at ENS Paris-Saclay allow for personalized student support, and the program offers a broad spectrum of expertise where students’ efforts can have a tangible impact. ”
Her Commitment to Climate Action
Selected from among fifty students from across France, Emy CELESCHI is contributing to the fight against climate change through the Student Scientific Convention on Decarbonization in Construction (CSEC). Her background illustrates her commitment to applying her skills to develop sustainable, collective solutions to the climate emergency.
She has helped formulate concrete recommendations to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
“In the face of the climate emergency, the construction sector must undergo a profound transformation to reduce its environmental impact. A large portion of greenhouse gas emissions actually comes from cement production. To address this challenge, three main strategies emerge:
- Minimizing construction needs by prioritizing existing structures;
- Improving the efficiency of materials and processes when construction remains necessary;
- Exploring more sustainable alternative solutions.”
The Student Scientific Convention on Decarbonization in Construction (CSEC)
The CSEC is organized by the Institute of Engineers and Scientists of France (IESF).
Fifty students from various French schools and universities and with diverse academic backgrounds (civil engineering and other fields) worked to identify levers for decarbonizing the construction sector across the entire value chain, including: land use planning, materials, design, renovation, standards, public works, training, and green finance.
They consulted with industry experts and drafted 46 recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to promote the coordinated and effective action required given the organizational and political complexity of the issue.
Reinventing the Role of Engineers in the Face of the Low-Carbon Challenge
“Scientists and engineers must now rethink their role in the construction sector’s transition. Their mission goes beyond mere technical performance to encompass a holistic approach that integrates environmental and societal challenges.
They also serve as mediators by disseminating knowledge, raising awareness among stakeholders, and facilitating dialogue between policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens. Thus, beyond the technical aspects, they are becoming key players in the sector’s sustainable transformation.”
Working Toward More Sustainable Construction
Her career path and commitment fully illustrate the role that young scientists can play in the construction sector’s ecological transition. Through an approach that is rigorous, collaborative, and focused on the public good, she embodies a generation that is aware of the challenges and determined to take action. Her involvement shows that the sector’s transformation relies as much on technical innovation as on the ability to bring people together, share knowledge, and collectively rethink the way we build.