Significant advances in sustainable construction are accelerating the global shift towards environmental sustainability in construction. The green steel market, crucial for lowering embodied carbon in materials, is projected to reach USD 7.4 billion in 2024. Supported by targeted government policies and investment, green steel is set for robust growth through 2029. These figures reflect the industry's prioritisation of decarbonising the built environment and reducing the carbon footprint of...

Material Evolution’s recent funding from HSBC highlights strong progress in decarbonising the built environment. This investment enables the rapid scale-up of low carbon construction materials—especially low-carbon cement—which is crucial for reducing embodied carbon in materials used worldwide. Addressing embodied carbon remains fundamental to any credible whole life carbon strategy. Industry leaders increasingly focus on whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment to...

The UK government’s new 10-year infrastructure strategy sets a landmark framework for sustainable construction, with a commitment to £725 billion in investment targeting clean energy, transport, and climate resilience. Central to the plan are ambitions to decarbonise heavy industry and drive nature restoration, making environmental sustainability in construction and net zero Whole Life Carbon essential objectives for new projects. While details on sustainable material specification and...

Sustainable construction continues to advance with significant global projects demonstrating the integration of whole life carbon principles. Svendsen’s Bay Marine in California completed a major expansion embracing sustainable building practices and eco-design for buildings. This retrofit and expansion leveraged innovative technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of construction, furthering the adoption of whole life carbon assessment and robust lifecycle assessment...

Ecogenesys’ upcoming Carbon Measurement Tool, set for release in September, promises to advance whole life carbon assessment within the construction sector. This innovation will enable transparent calculation of the carbon footprint of construction projects, integrating both embodied carbon and operational emissions reporting. Supported by dedicated Carbon Literacy Training, this new approach aligns with global demands for rigorous carbon accounting and drives environmental sustainability in...

Digital transformation is accelerating progress in sustainable construction, with advanced platforms streamlining project management and improving operational efficiency. Automation of billing and subcontractor management reduces administrative overheads, supporting better resource efficiency in construction and promoting environmental sustainability in construction. These technologies directly contribute to lowering the carbon footprint of construction projects by minimising material waste,...

Sustainability in construction is increasingly being integrated into global infrastructure projects, with environmental sustainability in construction now a primary focus for both public and private stakeholders. The Marazanvose green bridge project in Cornwall exemplifies this shift, offering a practical demonstration of combining green infrastructure with eco-design for buildings and transport links. Designed to boost local biodiversity and support resource efficiency in construction, it...

Clarke, a leading contractor in Ballymena, has achieved B Corp Certification, setting a new benchmark for environmental sustainability in construction within Northern Ireland. This third-party verification demonstrates measurable progress in sustainable building practices, driving both social responsibility and a lower carbon footprint of construction. Certification of this calibre meets the growing demand for robust environmental accountability among clients and investors, highlighting the...

Recycling and circularity are now central to environmental sustainability in construction, with Syensqo partnering with Fairmat to manage carbon fibre prepreg waste from UK operations. This initiative implements circular economy principles by transforming waste into new materials suited for sustainable construction and sectors including energy and sports. Incorporating eco-design for buildings and sustainable material specification at this early stage contributes to meaningful reductions in...

A landmark project in Holyhead, Wales, demonstrates sustainable building design by transforming a historic site into affordable, energy-efficient housing for care leavers. Specialist conservation architects, in collaboration with the local council, delivered a £1.5 million scheme showcasing the value of adaptive reuse in lowering the whole life carbon of the built environment. This model illustrates how whole life carbon assessment drives inclusive housing while preserving heritage, providing...