The world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol plant is now operational, representing a major step for the decarbonising of the global shipping industry. E-methanol, created from renewable electricity and captured carbon, could reduce the carbon footprint of construction by offering the shipping sector and other carbon-intensive industries a realistic alternative to fossil fuels. This innovation highlights the significance of whole life carbon analysis and low carbon construction materials as the sector seeks pathways towards net zero whole life carbon.
Svante Technologies has unveiled the world’s first commercial gigafactory for carbon capture and removal filters, targeting embodied carbon in materials and supporting lifecycle assessment across large-scale industry. Their partnership with SAMSUNG E&A aims to develop modular, digital carbon capture plants, supporting whole life carbon assessment and enabling sustainable building design. If widely adopted, these technologies could reduce emissions in cement and steel, crucial for lowering embodied carbon in construction.
In Wales, the Climate Change Committee has set out an ambitious plan calling for a 73% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This bold target places strong emphasis on the adoption of energy-efficient buildings, electrification, and eco-design for buildings, underlining the importance of operational carbon reduction for a sustainable built environment. The recommendations support sustainable design and encourage life cycle cost analysis in construction projects.
Resource efficiency in construction and circular economy initiatives are gaining ground. Suntory’s investment in new Lucozade bottles demonstrates circular economy in construction and reduced use of plastics, targeting waste minimisation and end-of-life reuse in construction. On a global scale, recycling programmes in Mali are strengthening sustainable supply chains and promoting the use of low embodied carbon materials for building lifecycle performance.
These developments highlight the drive towards environmental sustainability in construction and the critical role of innovative sustainable building practices. Adopting circular construction strategies, renewable building materials, and comprehensive whole life carbon assessment is key to the creation of net zero carbon buildings. Progress across these areas supports the transformation of the built environment, accelerating the journey to net zero carbon and sustainable urban development.
