Retrofitting iconic brutalist housing in London, such as the Balfron Tower and Trellick Tower, is demonstrating the value of sustainable building design and eco-design for buildings. Upgrades are targeting energy-efficient buildings and improving occupant standards, while whole life carbon assessments and lifecycle assessment principles are applied to reduce both operational carbon and embodied carbon. Retaining and enhancing existing structures supports resource efficiency in construction, helping cut the carbon footprint of construction compared to demolition and rebuilding.
Across Europe, the integration of renewable energy into large infrastructure is advancing. Anaergia and Capwatt’s agreement to construct nine biogas plants will accelerate low carbon energy adoption and green infrastructure, boosting circular economy initiatives in construction. These biogas plants contribute to low carbon design and support net zero whole life carbon ambitions by transforming waste into power, reducing embodied carbon in materials used in future developments.
Material innovation is reshaping sustainable construction practices. The new recyclable fibre-based gift card ‘Renovo’ indicates a growing shift towards low carbon construction materials and green building materials. Advances in consumer products often pace new trends, influencing how sustainable material specification and renewable building materials are adopted for net zero carbon buildings and sustainable design within the sector.
Corporations are stepping up commitments to decarbonising the built environment. Belkin’s announcement of carbon neutral construction for its direct operations sets new expectations for carbon footprint reduction and life cycle cost awareness across supply chains, impacting suppliers linked to construction and green building products.
Recent projects in London and Europe show a clear movement towards eco-friendly construction, circular economy in construction, and sustainable urban development. By prioritising whole life carbon, reducing embodied carbon in materials, and advancing end-of-life reuse in construction, the sector is shifting towards net zero carbon and greater environmental sustainability in construction.
