UK construction output has declined for a fourth straight month, reflecting ongoing economic pressure and uncertainty. Despite a slower rate of decrease, the sector faces persistent challenges, accentuating the urgency for investment in sustainable construction and green infrastructure. Achieving environmental sustainability in construction, while progressing towards net zero carbon and decarbonising the built environment, remains a central goal for industry recovery and...

UK construction project managers report increased confidence in delivering the 2050 net zero carbon and net zero whole life carbon targets. This optimism persists despite political uncertainty, demonstrating a robust shift towards decarbonising the built environment and advancing sustainable building design. Expertise in environmental sustainability in construction is driving independent progress, as project teams prioritise operational carbon and embodied carbon reduction strategies. The UK...

The global construction sector is witnessing rapid progress towards environmental sustainability in construction, notably through the uptake of renewable energy and innovation in low carbon construction materials. Solar power installations now exceed 2.2 terawatts globally, signalling a strong shift towards integrating renewable energy into sustainable construction projects. The adoption of local solar and battery storage solutions advances the creation of net zero carbon buildings and...

Global solar energy installations have surpassed the 2 terawatt capacity mark in 2024, marking a 33% increase, with China leading this rapid expansion. This surge offers significant opportunities for sustainable construction and sustainable building design, as the sector accelerates the adoption of solar technologies to lower the operational carbon of new builds and retrofits. Meeting both market demand and regulatory pressure, the shift supports the transition towards energy-efficient...

Global solar power installations have reached a record 2.2 terawatts in 2024, showing a 33% annual increase and highlighting the shift to renewable energy within sustainable construction. China’s rapid growth in renewables supports the global transition to sustainable building design and low carbon building by reducing operational carbon and the overall carbon footprint of construction projects. The focus on whole life carbon and advanced energy solutions continues to drive environmental...

The construction sector is witnessing increased attention on green skills and quality standards as leaders emphasise the need for clearer career pathways to advance sustainability goals. Addressing the shortage of skilled professionals is regarded as vital for widescale adoption of sustainable building design, life cycle cost optimisation, and whole life carbon assessment in modern projects. Training in sustainable construction and eco-design for buildings is being prioritised to help overcome...

Recent developments in the UK highlight growing uncertainty in environmental sustainability in construction, as the outcome of local elections could reshape policy priorities. Reform UK’s electoral gains and proposed revisions to established climate and energy targets, including withdrawing from the 2050 net zero carbon commitment, may impact regulatory frameworks. The construction industry faces a shifting landscape for net zero whole life carbon and whole life carbon assessment, making it...

Aecon Group has expanded digital sustainability management across its construction projects by integrating ISNetworld® into its operations. This shift reflects a growing reliance on data-driven platforms within sustainable construction to enhance supply chain transparency and meet increasing regulatory and client requirements for low carbon design and resilient infrastructure. Improved reporting capacities support both whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment, which are now...

Aecon Group, a prominent player in construction and infrastructure, has intensified its adoption of technology platforms for contractor and supplier management. Expanding the use of ISNetworld, Aecon aims to strengthen environmental sustainability in construction and improve sustainability reporting. This reflects the wider industry focus on transparency, accountability, and meeting tightening sustainability standards. Enhanced digital management supports accurate whole life carbon assessment,...

Construction industry leaders are accelerating sustainable construction with Wood Group awarded a major contract for the front-end engineering and design of a €1.5bn fossil-free plastics plant. This facility will produce plastics from methanol using renewable energy, rather than fossil fuels. Such innovation addresses embodied carbon and the whole life carbon of building materials, supporting decarbonising the built environment and reducing the carbon footprint of construction. The project...