The UK government is being urged to tackle high electricity costs, which are seen as a major obstacle to industrial decarbonisation in sectors like cement and steel. According to the Aldersgate Group’s latest report, lowering these costs could accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies across the built environment and support the country’s net zero carbon targets. Addressing electricity pricing is considered vital for enabling Whole Life Carbon strategies and delivering sustainable construction outcomes at scale.
Significant progress is being made in circular economy practices within the construction sector. A new collaboration between Alsico Group and Sixone is transforming end-of-life polyester-blend workwear into reusable polyester chips. This closed-loop recycling model supports Embodied Carbon reduction and minimises the use of virgin materials, aligning with sustainable building practices and resource-efficient lifecycle assessment approaches.
Solar Energy UK, alongside BiGGAR Economics, has published findings that highlight the economic benefits of expanding solar power and battery storage to meet national targets. Increased investment in renewable energy is projected to create jobs, lower emissions in the built environment, and support integration of low carbon building systems in both new and retrofitted structures. The report reinforces the role of energy-efficient buildings in wider Whole Life Carbon Assessment strategies in construction.
The UK government’s green ambitions are being questioned following its approval of the expansion of Luton Airport, which will increase capacity from 18 million to 32 million passengers annually. Environmental groups warn that the plan conflicts with sustainable mobility goals and may lead to increased emissions and noise pollution. These concerns are closely linked to the environmental impact of construction and present new challenges for sustainable infrastructure development.
In Europe, the EU has officially delayed the enforcement of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive by two years. While this extension affects firms trading with or operating within the EU, global construction companies with cross-border interests are using the time to improve transparency in sustainability- and Life Cycle Costing-related reporting. These new frameworks are expected to enhance accountability in sustainable construction and sustainable design planning.
A new electrical repair voucher scheme introduced in North London offers 50% discounts on repairs of household electrical goods to reduce e-waste. This type of incentive could inspire similar initiatives in the construction industry, extending product life cycles of tools and machinery and promoting sustainable procurement. Such schemes contribute to eco-friendly construction practices and support the shift toward environmental sustainability in construction.
