Watson Construction has started the first phase of a major housing development in Widnes, turning a brownfield site into over 300 new homes. This project highlights sustainable urban development and environmental sustainability in construction by reusing formerly developed land and promoting responsible land management. Sustainable building design and sustainable construction practices are central to the initiative, demonstrating how whole life carbon assessment and life cycle cost...

A major investment of up to £1bn from ENGIE and CDPQ will refurbish the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog hydro plants, critical components of the UK’s energy infrastructure. Together accounting for around three-quarters of the nation’s pumped hydro storage, this upgrade supports the transition to net zero whole life carbon and more energy-efficient buildings. Enhancing hydro infrastructure is key to reducing the carbon footprint of construction and advancing environmental sustainability in...

Refurbishment projects will soon begin at the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog pumped hydro storage plants, backed by up to £1 billion from ENGIE and CDPQ. As these sites contribute around 75% of the UK's pumped hydro storage capacity, their upgrade is crucial for strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure and integrating renewable energy sources. This investment supports the national grid’s decarbonisation and aligns with the move toward low carbon building and operational carbon reduction...

Award-winning redevelopment at the Royal College of Music in London highlights sustainable building design and eco-design for buildings, integrating modern needs with the preservation of architectural heritage. Energy-efficient buildings and low carbon design strategies are increasingly vital in such projects, demonstrating best practice in sustainable construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Renovations at Elizabeth Tower, Palace of Westminster, also exemplify green...

ENGIE and CDPQ have announced an investment of up to £1 billion to refurbish the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog hydro storage plants in the UK, supporting whole life carbon reduction and strengthening energy resilience. These refurbished sites will extend operational life and enable a more sustainable energy infrastructure by balancing renewable inputs and supporting the decarbonising of the built environment. Such investments align with the need to consider whole life carbon assessment and life...

The UK government has launched a consultation to define 'nature positive' for the built environment sector, aiming to prevent greenwashing and enhance environmental sustainability in construction. This move acknowledges the demand for standardised frameworks that integrate biodiversity and nature restoration into new projects. Stakeholder input will influence future sustainable building design and sustainable building practices across the construction industry. The initiative focuses on robust...

Growing interest in sustainable jobs among Generation Z is highlighted in a recent report, with many young people motivated to join the sustainability workforce. Despite high enthusiasm, a lack of awareness about career pathways into sustainable construction means the industry must provide clearer guidance. This is important as demand rises for skilled professionals able to deliver environmental sustainability in construction, especially in areas such as whole life carbon assessment, low carbon...

The UK construction sector faces increased advocacy for embodied carbon regulation, with the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products championing “Part Z”. This proposal pushes for robust inclusion of embodied carbon standards in national building regulations and aims to reduce the carbon footprint of construction across the country. Rising industry-wide support reflects urgent recognition of the need for rigorous whole life carbon assessment and controls to achieve net zero whole life...

The UK government is under increasing pressure from energy companies to improve incentives for offshore wind developers. This comes ahead of a crucial clean power contracts auction, seen as vital for achieving the nation’s climate targets. Growth in the offshore wind sector is essential for sustainable construction and decarbonising the built environment, providing clean electricity that supports low carbon design and reduces operational carbon across construction projects. A £923 million...

The UK construction sector is making strong progress in environmental sustainability by prioritising sustainable construction practices and green advancements. Recent contracts, like Cube Glass’s projects with Tesco in Yorkshire and the University of Glasgow, emphasise eco-design for buildings, precision manufacturing and a shift towards energy-efficient buildings. Innovations in building lifecycle performance and sustainable building design are shaping construction and refurbishment of key...