Aecon Group, a prominent player in construction and infrastructure, has intensified its adoption of technology platforms for contractor and supplier management. Expanding the use of ISNetworld, Aecon aims to strengthen environmental sustainability in construction and improve sustainability reporting. This reflects the wider industry focus on transparency, accountability, and meeting tightening sustainability standards. Enhanced digital management supports accurate whole life carbon assessment, lifecycle assessment, and optimised life cycle cost reporting—crucial for delivering sustainable construction and reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.
In the UK, proposals for centralised nature levies have sparked debate within the sustainable building design community. Concerns persist that these measures could weaken local biodiversity protection and diminish responsibility for eco-design for buildings. Maintaining local oversight is viewed as essential to preserving embodied carbon targets and overall net zero whole life carbon ambitions for sustainable urban development.
Innovative projects in the UK, such as the new canopy at Ashton Market, show strong collaboration between local authorities and sustainability-led architects. These efforts underline the importance of sustainable building practices, resource efficiency in construction, and community engagement for successful green infrastructure and urban regeneration. Integrating green building materials, circular economy strategies, and renewable building materials supports energy-efficient buildings with low carbon design.
Worldwide, the construction sector is seeing increased integration of asset management technology and operational tools to drive building lifecycle performance. Smart O&M solutions are delivering on the promise of life cycle thinking in construction, enabling asset lifespan extension, reduced embodied carbon in materials, and better management of operational carbon. This technological evolution is shaping a new era of sustainable construction and eco-friendly construction practices.
Recent industry analysis forecasts rapid growth in the adoption of green technologies such as green hydrogen and advanced solar across the construction supply chain. Efforts in markets like Singapore demonstrate leadership in carbon asset development, contributing to decarbonising the built environment. The emphasis on net zero carbon buildings, low embodied carbon materials, and sustainable material specification aligns with circular economy in construction goals and the overall movement towards carbon neutral construction.
Collectively, these developments highlight a global shift towards more responsible construction, driven by policy debate, advanced technology, and strong market growth. The focus on whole life carbon, lifecycle assessment, and green construction is set to shape the sustainable future of the built environment, promoting long-term resilience and lower climate impact across the sector.
