The University of Derby has launched the UK’s first Institute of Carbonomics to accelerate the reduction of emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The initiative, backed by major global firms, is expected to influence sustainable building design by promoting evidence-led strategies such as Whole Life Carbon Assessment and lifecycle assessment. By linking academic research with industry application, the institute aims to address embodied carbon in materials and provide frameworks for net zero whole life carbon approaches in construction.

Investment activity continues to drive the environmental sustainability in construction sector. Gresham House’s acquisition of Swiss clean energy firm SUSI Partners expands its capacity to fund projects focused on low carbon design and infrastructure resilience. This growth strengthens financial backing for green construction, sustainable building practices, and low embodied carbon materials that underpin carbon neutral construction and ensure building lifecycle performance over the long term.

Policy movement at the local level risks undermining industry progress. Kent County Council’s decision to rescind its climate emergency declaration raises questions about commitment to sustainable urban development and green infrastructure. Such shifts highlight the importance of embedding life cycle cost thinking in construction and circular economy in construction strategies, ensuring that climate pledges translate into tangible delivery for low carbon building and eco-friendly construction.

Financial markets are acknowledging the pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of construction-related investments. The London Stock Exchange reveals momentum towards net zero carbon building portfolios, even as overall emissions linked to indices continue to increase. This signals stronger oversight on embodied carbon, the carbon footprint of construction, and the sustainable material specification required for resilient, energy-efficient buildings aligned with net zero carbon targets.

New research from Dialogue Earth highlights the centrality of climate adaptation in vulnerable regions. Flood resilience is becoming integral to eco-design for buildings and sustainable construction, with environmental product declarations (EPDs) and circular construction strategies guiding response to increasingly severe climate impacts. Resource efficiency in construction and renewable building materials are now critical for delivering green building products that sustain environmental performance under extreme conditions.

The global construction industry faces mounting obligations to prioritise whole life carbon, life cycle cost, and sustainable design. Stakeholders are being pushed towards circular economy solutions, end-of-life reuse in construction, and the adoption of sustainable architecture principles. Achieving net zero carbon buildings will demand low-impact construction methods, green building materials, and an unrelenting focus on decarbonising the built environment while reducing the environmental impact of construction at every stage of a building’s lifecycle.