The UK construction sector faces increased advocacy for embodied carbon regulation, with the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products championing “Part Z”. This proposal pushes for robust inclusion of embodied carbon standards in national building regulations and aims to reduce the carbon footprint of construction across the country. Rising industry-wide support reflects urgent recognition of the need for rigorous whole life carbon assessment and controls to achieve net zero whole life carbon targets. Addressing both embodied and operational carbon is rapidly becoming central to environmental sustainability in construction.
Government policy continues to align with these goals, as the UK prepares for a major summit with the EU to discuss stronger green policy collaboration. Potential agreements on carbon taxation and cross-border pollution controls could unify environmental standards and impact the sustainable building design landscape. These discussions are expected to influence life cycle cost management, life cycle thinking in construction, and the wider adoption of low carbon construction materials within global supply chains.
Corporate activity highlights a growing commitment to circular economy principles in construction. Carlisle Companies’ announced acquisition of Bonded Logic demonstrates increasing investment in sustainable construction and eco-friendly insulation solutions. Demand for low embodied carbon materials and renewable building materials continues to rise, as green building products become priorities for both regulatory compliance and client preferences focused on building lifecycle performance.
The construction workforce is also under the spotlight, with the Institute of Sustainability Studies releasing new training resources. Guidance emphasises the need for sustainability skills and upskilling relevant to the delivery of low carbon building and infrastructure projects. The capability to complete lifecycle assessment and implement sustainable building practices is seen as vital for accelerating the shift to net zero carbon buildings and resource efficiency in construction.
Recognition for environmental leadership is growing globally, as seen by Cushman & Wakefield’s inclusion in America’s Climate Leaders for 2025. This reflects a sector-wide shift to prioritise low carbon design, sustainable material specification, and decarbonising the built environment. These combined advances illustrate strong momentum in sustainable construction, driven by policy reform, innovation, skills development, and the adoption of eco-design for buildings—core to achieving global climate targets.
