The UK government will require rooftop solar panels on all new-build homes. Sustainability advocates view this as a key step to decarbonising the built environment and accelerating the transition to net zero whole life carbon. This policy is projected to lower operational carbon for homeowners while supporting the adoption of renewable building materials and sustainable building design practices across the residential construction sector. Industry groups note this move demonstrates advances in environmental sustainability in construction do not have to impact housing supply.
Marston’s, a leading British pub operator, has committed £5.4 million to install solar panels across 120 of its properties. Atrato Onsite Energy will deliver the project, highlighting a growing trend towards eco-design for buildings and low carbon building operations in the commercial property sector. Such investments support a broader shift to energy-efficient buildings and help reduce both embodied carbon in materials and the overall carbon footprint of construction activities.
Spring 2024 sees a significant upturn in the construction industry, as reported in Glenigan’s Construction Index. The heightened pace of housebuilding is expected to drive increased adoption of sustainable construction methods, low carbon construction materials, and lifecycle assessment strategies. Developers are integrating whole life carbon assessment and life cycle cost analysis into project planning to meet regulatory pressures and consumer demand for sustainable urban development.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has updated its Continuing Professional Development requirements, aiming to ensure professionals stay current with best practices in sustainable building practices, environmental stewardship, and green construction. Enhanced standards encourage sector-wide adoption of circular economy principles, lifecycle thinking in construction, and verified environmental product declarations.
Globally, the United Nations has placed renewed focus on copper as a strategic material for the green transition, though concerns remain about the environmental impact of construction, including pollution and human rights issues related to new mining. These warnings underline the need for sustainable material specification and responsible sourcing throughout supply chains in support of carbon neutral construction.
Natural England’s recent mapping shows much of England’s peatland is degraded, highlighting risks to natural carbon sinks critical for building lifecycle performance and local climate regulation. Protecting peatlands is essential for both biodiversity and the resilience of net zero carbon buildings. Developers and authorities are encouraged to factor peatland conservation and end-of-life reuse in construction into planning to advance holistic climate goals.
