Global solar energy installations have surpassed the 2 terawatt capacity mark in 2024, marking a 33% increase, with China leading this rapid expansion. This surge offers significant opportunities for sustainable construction and sustainable building design, as the sector accelerates the adoption of solar technologies to lower the operational carbon of new builds and retrofits. Meeting both market demand and regulatory pressure, the shift supports the transition towards energy-efficient buildings and net zero carbon buildings, further reducing the whole life carbon footprint of construction projects.
Recent advances in circular economy practices and low embodied carbon materials are influencing construction supply chains. Researchers at the University of Leicester have demonstrated a novel recycling technique using soundwaves, improving the lifecycle assessment of building materials by enabling more sustainable end-of-life reuse in construction. Additionally, Eurofins Sustainability Services is driving resource efficiency in construction by introducing advanced recycled plastic testing, ensuring transparent specification of low carbon construction materials and green building products.
Efforts to improve water sustainability and green infrastructure are shaping site management and building lifecycle performance, especially as water scarcity intensifies under climate change. Elkhart Plastics’ latest vertical water tanks support sustainable design by safeguarding water resources and property. IDE Technologies continues to lead in water purification, demonstrating the impact of integrated lifecycle thinking in construction and environmental sustainability in construction projects globally.
On a policy and investment level, firms like Exelon are aligning with net zero whole life carbon strategies. Exelon's Climate Change Investment Initiative invites applications from start-ups focused on decarbonising the built environment with technologies related to embodied carbon reduction, low carbon design, and eco-design for buildings. Industry-wide, both investment and regulation are prioritising innovations that support decarbonisation, carbon footprint reduction, and life cycle cost optimisation for the built environment.
This momentum reflects a clear move towards circular economy in construction and sustainable building practices supported by robust science and investment. Companies across the construction sector are driving sustainable material specification, carbon neutral construction, and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to help achieve global sustainability goals. Together, these developments advance the reduction of environmental impact of construction and strengthen resilience within built environments worldwide.
