The UK government and Eni have reached a significant agreement on the Liverpool Bay carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, now recognised as one of the most advanced CCS initiatives worldwide. This development aims to store up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually from the 2030s, targeting substantial whole life carbon and operational carbon reductions in heavy industry and construction. The deal is a crucial step for the HyNet cluster, strengthening support for scalable CCS infrastructure and positioning it as a cornerstone for net zero whole life carbon and sustainable construction in the region.
Amid policy debate, local UK councils have raised concerns about the expansion of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to waste management, including energy-from-waste and incineration plants. With cash-strapped authorities already struggling, the shift in carbon tax burdens could hamper progress towards a circular economy in construction and delay investments needed for greener, low carbon building materials and improved waste infrastructure.
The London Metal Exchange’s proposal for a price premium on low-carbon metals is attracting attention. Such changes can help reduce embodied carbon in materials and enable construction firms to prioritise sustainable material specification and responsible sourcing for green building materials. This initiative may drive broader global uptake of low embodied carbon materials, making eco-design for buildings and whole life carbon assessment more accessible throughout the built environment.
Scrutiny continues on biomass supply chains after the UK’s Public Accounts Committee criticised insufficient government oversight regarding deforestation risk. The need for coordinated lifecycle assessment and circular construction strategies across government and industry is being emphasised, supporting more robust carbon capture policy and encouraging sustainable building practices for both construction and power generation.
Water management has become a critical focus for environmental sustainability in construction, with the National Audit Office warning of insufficient progress towards resilient water infrastructure and urban development targets. Strict new laws targeting water pollution, including heavy penalties for company executives, are set to increase accountability and promote best practice, particularly across water-intensive sectors in construction.
These sustainability developments highlight the urgency of aligning carbon footprint reduction, circular economy initiatives, and life cycle thinking in construction. Industry stakeholders are prioritising net zero carbon buildings, responsible sourcing, and resilient green infrastructure, embedding environmental sustainability at every project stage. Effective governance, clear policies and ongoing investment are needed to advance sustainable building design and decarbonise the built environment globally.
