The Montevideo Programme V secretariat has developed this digital handbook that highlights the Programme’s objectives, activities and outcomes in order to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the Programme by Governments and relevant stakeholders. This will create a strong and recognizable brand for the Programme and serve as a guide that strengthens the role of Government officials and other users in the further development and implementation of its priority areas. The handbook will be included on the UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform (UNEP-LEAP), the digital backbone of the Montevideo V Programme. The handbook is divided into five parts. Part I provides a brief overview, history and achievements of the Montevideo Programme. It then outlines the key features of the Montevideo Programme V highlighting how it is different from previous iterations as well as its articulation with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Part II of the handbook analyses and provides information on the existing legal responses at international and national levels to the three agreed thematic priority areas for implementation under the Montevideo Programme V, that is, the climate change crisis, the pollution crisis, and the biodiversity and nature loss crisis. It underlines the interconnectedness between the three thematic priorities areas and identifies the opportunities and potential contribution of the Programme in assisting Governments to respond to the crises. Part III provides information on how Governments can access support under the Programme, the types of support available, and resource requirements and sources of finance. Part IV addresses the critical issue of partnerships and stakeholder engagement. It highlights the significant emphasis the Programme places on the role of partners and major groups in the conception, delivery and implementation of activities. Part V provides information on existing resources on environmental law both within and outside UNEP with a view to enabling Governments and stakeholders to build and strengthen capacities in this field.
Retirement Villages Group has announced science-based plans for verified net zero whole life carbon communities. The company is integrating sustainable building design into all stages of development, aiming to set a new sector benchmark. By embedding whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment practices into construction and operations, the approach highlights a commitment to reducing embodied carbon in materials and minimising the carbon footprint of construction. This push signals growing momentum toward net zero carbon buildings designed for long-term performance.
Calls are increasing to recognise UK housing stock as a critical asset in the clean energy transition. Industry voices underline the importance of retrofitting and decentralised energy systems for social housing. Upgrading to energy-efficient buildings is seen as essential both for reducing embodied carbon and for improving building life cycle cost performance. With residential property contributing heavily to emissions, low carbon design and sustainable building practices are emerging as decisive tools in achieving decarbonising the built environment goals.
At a global level, ISO and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol are working towards harmonising reporting standards. This development could streamline whole life carbon assessment and environmental product declarations (EPDs) across construction and other sectors. A single framework would ease compliance for developers while providing greater transparency on life cycle cost and environmental sustainability in construction. The simplified approach could accelerate adoption of circular construction strategies and improve accuracy in measuring the environmental impact of construction.
In Europe, more than 200 companies have voiced opposition to the draft Omnibus Directive, warning it could undermine advances in sustainability reporting. Construction firms making substantial investment in sustainable construction and whole life carbon frameworks now face uncertainty over compliance requirements. For organisations focused on sustainable material specification and carbon footprint reduction, shifting regulations threaten both reputational standing and return on investment in green infrastructure.
SOCOTEC UK and Ireland have expanded their technical capabilities through the acquisition of Lloyds Datum Group, strengthening expertise in foundation testing, structural monitoring, and environmental systems. This move aligns with demand for sustainable construction outcomes, where early-stage oversight supports eco-design for buildings and low embodied carbon materials. Strong control at the foundation stage is essential to delivering low carbon buildings that meet performance, resource efficiency in construction, and life cycle thinking in construction criteria.
The “Unlocking the Value of Social Housing” report stresses that delivering sustainable urban development requires addressing affordability alongside emissions cuts. Ensuring access to low carbon construction materials and renewable building materials for housing projects is critical for both carbon neutral construction and social equity. With the built environment central to climate goals, a transition to eco-friendly construction and net zero carbon housing must also ensure end-of-life reuse in construction and alignment with circular economy in construction strategies.
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.