The University of the West of England has strengthened its focus on environmental sustainability in construction by appointing Richard Broad of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products to its Centre for Advanced Built Environment Research. His expertise is expected to support the integration of Whole Life Carbon Assessment and Circular Economy strategies into mainstream construction research, with a particular emphasis on low carbon construction materials and embodied carbon in materials....

The Centre for Advanced Built Environment Research (CABER) at the University of the West of England has appointed Richard Broad of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products to its advisory panel. His inclusion strengthens the Centre’s alignment with sustainable construction and material-driven innovation. The focus is expected to intensify on low carbon building solutions, whole life carbon assessment, and the practical application of sustainable building design through academic and...

Willmott Dixon has secured a contract to construct a Passivhaus-certified primary school in Glyncoch, Wales. Designed for energy efficiency and thermal comfort, the new school supports the decarbonising of public infrastructure through sustainable construction aligned with Passivhaus standards. This project fits within a broader strategy prioritising sustainable building design and low embodied carbon materials in education environments, reducing the carbon footprint of construction across the...

Cornerstone Building Brands has published its 2024 Corporate Governance and Responsibility Report, highlighting measurable progress in environmental sustainability in construction. The company reported increased use of recycled materials and significant improvements in energy efficiency across its manufacturing operations. Clear targets have also been set for reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, embedding sustainable building design more deeply into its construction practices. These efforts...

An AI-driven advance in green cement formulation is poised to cut the carbon footprint of construction significantly. By using artificial intelligence to optimise binder compositions, the new method targets a sharp reduction in embodied carbon while preserving structural performance. The technique accommodates regional material variations, enabling tailored solutions for net zero whole life carbon targets and addressing Whole Life Carbon Assessment concerns in cement production—one of the...

Investment in cleaner, more efficient building technologies continues to gain substantial attention in the global finance sector. Morgan Stanley’s 1GT climate strategy has directed $105 million towards Overhaul Group, underlining a growing interest in reducing the Whole Life Carbon of logistics operations connected to the built environment. While not directly construction-based, this reflects a broader demand for environmental sustainability in construction-linked infrastructure. This...

Jaguar Land Rover has launched a major solar energy installation at its Gaydon headquarters, significantly reducing operational emissions and demonstrating a practical commitment to green infrastructure. Covering the size of 36 football pitches, the 18MW solar farm will power the engineering centre on-site. This development reinforces the role of on-site renewable energy in decarbonising the built environment and aligns with broader ambitions for net zero Whole Life Carbon in large-scale...

A new digital roadmap developed by the University of Warwick is set to accelerate decarbonising the built environment, particularly within the UK steel sector. This sector contributes significantly to the embodied carbon in materials used across construction. The roadmap provides actionable pathways to reduce emissions and fosters the integration of low embodied carbon materials in heavy industry. It aligns with emerging policy requirements promoting whole life carbon assessment and life cycle...

A new industry report warns that outdated systems and poor insulation across UK commercial buildings are causing an estimated £146 million in annual energy losses. The study underlines a pressing need for sustainable building design and highlights the role of facilities managers in driving net zero carbon buildings. Upgrading existing stock is central to reducing the carbon footprint of construction and aligning with long-term net zero Whole Life Carbon commitments. In London, five derelict...

A major adaptive reuse project in London has transformed a set of Victorian buildings in Covent Garden into high-performance commercial spaces. Combining architectural preservation with sustainable building design, the development meets rigorous environmental performance standards without compromising heritage. This project highlights how circular economy principles and eco-design for buildings can maximise the value of existing structures, addressing the embodied carbon challenge in urban...