Carbon Clean has successfully tested the world’s largest Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) carbon capture system in Huddersfield, signalling a major advance in environmental sustainability in construction. This breakthrough technology supports deep decarbonisation of existing and new facilities and will help reduce both operational carbon and embodied carbon in materials. For the construction sector, implementing whole life carbon assessment and low carbon design is now more achievable, offering scalable options to reduce the carbon footprint of construction.
Newcastle City Council’s food waste recycling trial demonstrates the power of the circular economy in construction and urban management. Over 300 tonnes of household food waste have been collected and converted into renewable energy, highlighting the role of local circular economy initiatives in promoting resource efficiency in construction. Similar approaches on construction sites can drive end-of-life reuse in construction and reduce lifecycle impacts, making sustainable building practices more attainable.
Ahead of COP30, the United Nations climate chief has called for stronger climate commitments from governments. Stronger national climate policies emphasise the necessity of sustainable construction and building lifecycle performance. For global construction leaders, aligning with net zero whole life carbon targets and applying life cycle cost analysis is vital as regulatory focus on decarbonising the built environment intensifies.
Recent research suggests UK public priorities are shifting, with a greater focus on biodiversity than climate change itself. The construction industry must respond by integrating green infrastructure, eco-design for buildings, and sustainable material specification. Such actions support both sustainable urban development and biodiversity, creating value throughout the building lifecycle.
A new industry report explores circular economy strategies in building, highlighting reuse and reduction of demolition waste for long-term sustainability. Green construction can benefit from adopting lifecycle assessment and specifying low embodied carbon materials, promoting carbon footprint reduction and resource efficiency in construction projects globally. Using renewable building materials and low carbon construction materials supports the transition to net zero carbon buildings and eco-friendly construction across the sector.
