Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies have confirmed a US$710 million investment to expand the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project in Norway. Aimed at tripling the facility’s CO₂ capacity, this move supports global efforts toward carbon footprint reduction and aligns with ambitions in sustainable construction. The project serves high-emission industries including construction, demonstrating the role of carbon capture in low-impact construction and carbon neutral construction initiatives targeting net zero carbon outcomes.
In the UK, major solar energy upgrades are underway at Larkhill Garrison, part of the British Army’s plan to lower emissions and energy costs across military infrastructure. This signals growing public sector interest in sustainable building practices and energy-efficient buildings. A new study from Ordnance Survey finds that five per cent of UK buildings now have solar panels, offering valuable insights for implementing renewable technologies and green construction strategies through life cycle cost and whole life carbon considerations in planning.
New recycling rules in the UK now require the segregation of waste streams in workplaces, directly influencing material recovery on construction sites. The policy supports circular economy principles and encourages eco-friendly construction methods. With increased emphasis on minimising the environmental impact of construction, firms must enhance lifecycle assessment processes to remain competitive and meet sustainability-focused procurement criteria.
The UK government has allocated £2.65bn towards over 1,000 flood defence projects, improving flood resilience for more than 52,000 homes and commercial properties. These investments are particularly relevant for developers tackling climate change challenges through resilient and sustainable design. An additional £16m will support rural areas, underpinning the need for sustainable urban development with built-in environmental safeguards.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has announced a £200m upgrade to Oxfordshire’s energy grid infrastructure to enable greater adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps. This development provides a solid platform for low carbon building projects and supports the integration of renewable technologies across the built environment. Robust energy networks are vital for scaling up green building materials and sustainable architecture across both residential and commercial construction.
Legal & General’s launch of a £183m nature-based investment strategy in emerging markets reflects the growing role of environmental sustainability in construction finance models. By integrating nature-positive outcomes into infrastructure plans, the strategy reinforces the relevance of whole life carbon assessment in decision-making. Investment in sustainable infrastructure continues to shape the future of green construction across global markets.
