The UK construction sector is showing signs of stability and modest growth this year, driven by renewed focus on sustainable construction and increased investment in environmental sustainability in construction. Experts highlight a shift towards whole life carbon assessment and the wider adoption of sustainable building design principles to enhance the sector’s resilience and support the journey to net zero whole life carbon. As construction activity approaches pre-pandemic levels, industry leaders are prioritising low carbon design and sustainable building practices for long-term climate resilience.
Globally, the construction industry continues to adapt to new sustainability challenges. In Singapore, forecasts point to gradual growth in the construction sector, with an emphasis on sustainable urban development and the use of green building materials. Regulatory bodies in the region are supporting energy-efficient buildings and eco-friendly construction, reinforcing international momentum for low embodied carbon materials and circular economy strategies in building projects.
Recent advancements in carbon capture and storage are having a direct impact on the carbon footprint of construction. Innovative projects, such as the Svante Technologies and Mercer International initiative in Alberta, focus on reducing embodied carbon in materials and promoting decarbonising the built environment. Partnerships like BKV Corporation and Comstock Resources are accelerating similar efforts, enabling resource efficiency in construction and the adoption of carbon neutral construction practices across material supply chains.
The urgency of climate adaptation is reflected in new urban infrastructure policies. The United Nations’ heatwave contingency plan in South Asia signals the need for life cycle cost analysis and sustainable material specification to achieve climate-resilient cities. This approach prioritises the operational carbon performance and lifecycle assessment of infrastructure, encouraging global cities to integrate eco-design for buildings and green infrastructure in their response to extreme weather events.
Legal discussions over the environmental impact of construction and carbon footprint reduction are intensifying worldwide. Ongoing court cases on fossil fuel company accountability could reshape the expectations placed on the built environment sector, leading to stricter disclosure and reduction of indirect emissions. These changes are likely to accelerate the adoption of circular economy in construction and sustainable design, driving further transformation towards net zero carbon buildings and measurable environmental product declarations (EPDs) across the industry.
