Baltic Sea Action Plan 2021 identified the need for the development of a regional strategic approach for addressing hazardous substances in HELCOM (action HL1). EG Haz developed the approach and framework described in this document by focusing on the findings and proposals of a background report which had reviewed the previous HELCOM hazardous substances framework (BSEP 182). The established framework aims to Promote a truly holistic assessment of hazardous substances, i.e. cover many substances; Strongly link actions with the outcomes of the assessment of the situation, i.e. target actions to these substances and issues (including gaps) which matter the most; Interact actively with existing policies, by both utilizing data generated by them and influencing them; and ensure that adopted HELCOM actions are of added value to – and function in synergy with – existing policies (implementing also BSAP actions HL9 and HL11). The scheme of the management framew
Lincoln CDM Services is expanding its role in health and safety consultancy for the built environment after securing tailored invoice finance. Strengthened financial stability underpins its ability to support sustainable construction by embedding safety, compliance, and efficient delivery into projects. This highlights how unseen financial structures support environmental sustainability in construction and ensure that sustainable building practices remain viable within a challenging market.
Babcock & Wilcox, working with Denham Capital, has launched initiatives to repurpose redundant coal plants into energy sources for data centres across Europe and the United States. Though focused on digital infrastructure, the strategy embodies adaptive reuse, an essential part of eco-design for buildings and broader efforts to reduce Whole Life Carbon in materials. It gives a practical example of how carbon-heavy assets can be redirected towards low carbon design models that contribute indirectly to net zero whole life carbon goals.
In Taiwan, the E.SUN Sustainability Hall, designed by Tadao Ando, will serve as an international centre for environmental learning and innovation. Its architectural ambition aligns with sustainable building design principles and reinforces the connection between design excellence and life cycle thinking in construction. The project provides a cultural and educational framework for future leaders committed to reducing the carbon footprint of construction worldwide.
Rising public scepticism about the affordability of tackling climate goals poses a reputational risk for the sector. Misconceptions about costs overshadow clear evidence that Life Cycle Cost analysis and sustainable material specification reduce long-term expenses while delivering net zero carbon buildings. More effective communication is required from industry leaders to establish the link between sustainable design, eco-friendly construction outcomes, and the economic resilience of net zero carbon strategies.
The combined picture signals steady but uneven progress. Financial innovation, adaptive reuse of carbon-intensive infrastructure, architectural leadership, and circular economy frameworks show how sustainable construction is moving from vision to practical delivery. The next step is embedding embodied carbon reduction, building lifecycle performance, and carbon neutral construction into mainstream supply chains to accelerate decarbonising the built environment.
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