Global solar power installations have reached a record 2.2 terawatts in 2024, showing a 33% annual increase and highlighting the shift to renewable energy within sustainable construction. China’s rapid growth in renewables supports the global transition to sustainable building design and low carbon building by reducing operational carbon and the overall carbon footprint of construction projects. The focus on whole life carbon and advanced energy solutions continues to drive environmental sustainability in construction.
Progress in energy storage is helping to stabilise the integration of renewables. Projects like the Sunnyside Solar Energy Center and the Chaparral Springs Battery Energy Storage System support reliable clean energy for energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure. These developments encourage the adoption of net zero carbon buildings by extending renewable energy capacity and reducing both embodied carbon and operational carbon.
Material innovation is also transforming green construction and the circular economy in construction. University of Leicester scientists have developed methods for recycling "forever chemicals" from fuel cells, contributing to embodied carbon reduction and circular construction strategies. Advancements in recycled plastic testing and increased bio-based polyethylene production support the shift to low carbon construction materials and promote resource efficiency in construction.
Water management innovation remains essential as urbanisation and climate risks intensify. Companies such as IDE Technologies and Elkhart Plastics are delivering solutions ranging from advanced water treatment to new vertical water tanks. These technologies increase building lifecycle performance, support eco-design for buildings, and boost resilience and sustainability within the built environment.
Policy changes are influencing the sector as the UK sees shifts in net zero carbon ambitions after local elections. Evolving political landscapes could affect whole life carbon assessment and life cycle cost approaches, potentially impacting both regulations and incentives for sustainable building practices globally. Clearer frameworks may be required to maintain investment in net zero whole life carbon targets.
Overall, the convergence of renewable energy deployment, low embodied carbon materials, water innovations, and evolving policy is setting a new benchmark for decarbonising the built environment. Continuous progress in lifecycle assessment and sustainable material specification will define the next generation of sustainable urban development, carbon neutral construction, and long-term environmental impact reduction.
