Kiverco has secured a contract to manufacture and install a new recycling plant for the McKinstry Group as part of a £16 million sustainable construction project. This milestone builds vital recycling infrastructure, supporting the circular economy and increasing resource efficiency in construction. Expanding recycling capacity is essential for reducing the embodied carbon in materials, lowering the carbon footprint of construction, and promoting end-of-life reuse in construction.
Advanced air flow design, using tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics, is becoming critical for sustainable building design and climate adaptation. These innovations enhance energy-efficient buildings and improve indoor air quality while supporting low carbon design objectives. Optimising operational carbon and designing energy-efficient systems contribute significantly to whole life carbon reduction and improved building lifecycle performance.
Global conversations on achieving net zero carbon buildings emphasise electrification as a key pathway to decarbonising the built environment. Despite its importance, only a few countries are fully integrating electrification into their climate and construction policies. Achieving net zero whole life carbon in both new and existing buildings relies on comprehensive policies, holistic whole life carbon assessment, and lifecycle assessment practices across sectors.
New low carbon technologies and financial instruments are gaining ground in sustainable building practices. The launch of the first carbon credit scheme for early closure of coal plants aims to drive renewable transitions, and long-term agreements such as the Marubeni–ExxonMobil deal for low-carbon ammonia showcase the expansion of decarbonised energy solutions. These efforts accelerate progress towards carbon neutral construction and support environmental sustainability in construction.
Regional developments in recycling, especially the expansion of collection and processing centres in Bristol, improve access for responsible disposal of construction-related waste. Facilitating circular construction strategies and enhancing eco-friendly construction waste management support the broader circular economy in construction.
Investment in advanced manufacturing is driving innovation in green construction. Developments such as 3D-printed living seawalls, and energy-efficient lighting for industrial and cleanroom applications, demonstrate sustainable material specification and resource efficiency. These innovations are shaping the future of sustainable architecture, strengthening environmental impact reduction and enabling greener infrastructure worldwide.
