Chemicals and Waste Issues of Concern: A Summary Analysis of Stakeholders’ Views

United Nations 2 years ago

Chemicals and Waste Issues of Concern: A Summary Analysis of Stakeholders’ Views on Priorities for Further Work and Potential Further International Action In 2020, UNEP published an Assessment Report on 19 chemicals and waste issues of concern which pose risks to human health and the environment. The Report concluded that urgent international concerted action is needed for sound management of chemicals. This report, which was requested by UNEA Resolution 5/7, offers a summary analysis of views from Member States and other stakeholders on priorities for further work, including potential further international action on each of the 19 issues of concern. The present report outlines in Chapter 2 an analysis of views on general considerations expressed by Member States and other stakeholders on the issues of concern. Chapter 3 provides an overview of suggested concrete actions for the issues of concern, also considering sectoral approaches. Finally, Chapter 4 explores possible next steps, considering the global policy context. More information
→ View Full Article

layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 4 hours ago



Digitalisation and decarbonisation are integrating at pace across sustainable construction. At Scotland’s Monklands project, digital workflows enable whole life carbon assessment and precision tracking of embodied carbon, cutting life cycle cost through predictive design and optimised offsite fabrication. The Durham initiative applying automated site assessment tools has accelerated approvals while reducing the carbon footprint of construction, aligning data efficiency with environmental sustainability in construction.

In Liverpool, biophilic eco-design for buildings demonstrates how sustainable building design is contributing to low carbon design and improved occupant wellbeing through living architecture that enhances green infrastructure. Government policy now links affordability with sustainability. Early measures from the Burnham administration suggest a commitment to decarbonising the built environment and net zero carbon buildings through incentives rooted in life cycle thinking in construction.

Regulatory pressure is mounting as agencies introduce more robust frameworks for carbon footprint reduction, reinforcing accountability across the industry. Material innovation remains central to progress. Enzyme‑based recycling and a £125 million facility for chemical reuse in Darlington indicate that circular economy in construction and circular construction strategies are moving into mainstream infrastructure.

These advances in low embodied carbon materials, renewable building materials, and green building products signal a shift towards carbon neutral construction supported by verifiable environmental product declarations (EPDs). Across digital tools, biomimetic systems, and progressive material science, sustainable building practices are redefining building lifecycle performance, embedding whole life carbon accountability into every stage. Efficiency, resilience, and ecology are converging to deliver net zero whole life carbon outcomes consistent with BREEAM v7 principles, confirming that sustainable design is now integral to construction’s economic and environmental logic.

Show More

camera_altFeatured Instagram Posts:

Get your opinion heard:

Whole Life Carbon is a platform for the entire construction industry—both in the UK and internationally. We track the latest publications, debates, and events related to whole life guidance and sustainability. If you have any enquiries or opinions to share, please do get in touch.

Let's chat!
Avatar

WLC Assistant

Ask me about sustainability

Hi! I'm your Whole Life Carbon assistant. I can help you learn about sustainability, carbon assessment, and navigate our resources. How can I help you today?