The construction industry is making progress towards decarbonising the built environment. WOOD Group has begun front-end engineering and design for a €1.5 billion plant dedicated to producing fossil-free plastics using methanol and renewable energy. This facility will address the significant embodied carbon in materials for construction, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of construction at the earliest stages of the supply chain and support a circular economy in construction.
Industry leaders are building strong alliances to address environmental sustainability in construction. At the recent UKREiiF forum, professional bodies including RICS, RTPI, RIBA, and ICE joined to promote sustainable building design, influence sustainable construction policy, and improve standards for net zero carbon buildings and green infrastructure across the sector. Their coordinated efforts signify greater adoption of whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment in both policy and practical development.
Regulatory frameworks are evolving, presenting new challenges for sustainable construction. The UK’s environmental regulator has raised concerns that proposed amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill could weaken nature protections, risking the progress in sustainable urban development and biodiversity. Safeguarding the environmental impact of construction remains essential for long-term resilience and the achievement of net zero whole life carbon in the built environment.
Supply chain traceability is gaining importance, as shown by the integration of New Look with the TrusTrace platform. This trend towards transparency, although highlighted in fashion retail, drives home the need for responsible sourcing, sustainable material specification, and life cycle thinking in construction supply chains. Enhanced traceability supports the use of low embodied carbon materials, renewable building materials, and resource efficiency in construction.
Climate resilience is under the spotlight as extreme weather events become more frequent. Reports warn that climate risks may affect energy infrastructure, building lifecycle performance, and operational carbon. The sector is pressed to integrate low carbon design, energy-efficient buildings, and eco-design for buildings to future-proof developments, minimise lifecycle costs, and ensure sustainability in both existing and new projects.
As the construction sector transitions, it focuses on pioneering eco-friendly construction methods, strengthening cross-industry collaboration, and navigating regulatory change. The ongoing emphasis on reducing whole life carbon, embracing circular construction strategies, and increasing the use of green building materials will be crucial for creating a nature-positive and climate-resilient built environment.
