Sustainable construction is seeing rapid change as the sector integrates advanced technologies to lower the carbon footprint of construction and address environmental sustainability in construction. UK engineers are now using artificial intelligence daily to improve sustainable building design, with an Arup survey highlighting AI’s role in enhancing energy efficiency and driving whole life carbon reductions. These technologies support the shift towards net zero whole life carbon in buildings and underscore the growing importance of digital solutions for operational carbon management and sustainable design practice.
Major supply chain initiatives from multinational companies such as Bosch reveal a stronger industry focus on reducing embodied carbon and Scope 3 emissions in building materials. These efforts target the embodied carbon in materials, aiming to achieve lower embodied carbon construction and promote sustainable building practices across the lifecycle. Despite economic pressures, such commitments highlight a sector-wide drive to decarbonise the built environment and boost circular economy in construction.
Technology launches like Kontrol Technologies’ BuildX platform show the impact of AI-driven tools on building lifecycle performance, aiming to maximise resource efficiency in construction and reduce operational carbon. BuildX enables contractors and facility managers to optimise energy-efficient buildings, supporting life cycle thinking in construction and promoting low-impact construction methods. Digital platforms are expected to accelerate lifecycle assessment, improve energy management, and enable net zero carbon strategies for new and existing buildings.
Industry expansions are also strengthening sustainable urban development and green infrastructure. Advanced Drainage Systems, through the acquisition of River Valley Pipe, is increasing its capabilities in sustainable water management and eco-friendly construction. Solutions for stormwater and onsite septic systems are crucial for resilient infrastructure, supporting green building materials and end-of-life reuse in construction within global urban areas.
On carbon management, UK oil and gas producer Harbour Energy is reviewing involvement in the Viking CCS project, which could influence carbon capture and storage adoption along the construction value chain. This move may affect whole life carbon assessment in future developments, especially in industrial clusters. At a global level, COP29 negotiations are scrutinising the integrity of carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, with direct effects on lifecycle assessment and net zero carbon buildings strategies in construction.
Sustainable construction is now defined by low carbon building practices, circular economy action, and increasing reliance on renewable building materials and data-driven tools. As the demand for low carbon construction materials and sustainable architecture rises, the emphasis on whole life carbon, life cycle cost, and environmental product declarations (EPDs) is expected to grow, further embedding sustainability in global construction.
