Microsoft has strengthened its commitment to sustainable construction by partnering with Sublime Systems to source clean cement, setting a new standard in the use of low carbon construction materials. This advance aims to address the significant carbon footprint of construction and encourages wider adoption of embodied carbon reduction strategies in building projects. By focusing on whole life carbon and supporting initiatives for net zero whole life carbon, Microsoft is demonstrating the importance of sustainable building design through practical supply chain improvements.
In collaboration with Carbon Direct, Microsoft has released criteria for high-quality environmental attribute certificates to accelerate decarbonising the built environment. Standardising the assessment of environmental product declarations (EPDs) supports informed policy, procurement, and investment decisions, helping to mainstream whole life carbon assessment and boost confidence in environmental sustainability in construction. This approach contributes to transparent, system-wide progress towards net zero carbon buildings and encourages contractors to prioritise lifecycle assessment and sustainable material specification.
Political pressure in the UK is building as Members of Parliament urge prioritisation of home energy efficiency to tackle both fuel poverty and the broader challenge of carbon footprint reduction. Improving the energy performance of the existing building stock is key to achieving climate goals, calling for greater investment in energy-efficient buildings and eco-design for buildings. Comprehensive funding and updated building regulations are essential to support low carbon design and enhance operational carbon performance across the country.
The management of construction and demolition waste remains a critical issue, with 22 million furniture items—totaling 670,000 tonnes—discarded annually in the UK. The scale of this waste highlights the necessity for circular economy strategies and resource efficiency in construction. Adopting circular economy in construction, expanding end-of-life reuse, and sourcing green building materials can all support a reduction in the environmental impact of construction while promoting sustainable building practices in line with life cycle cost thinking in construction.
Major investors and developers are increasingly recognising the importance of social value as an aspect of sustainable urban development. Companies like Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Moda Group are reporting substantial social value delivered through their portfolios, reflecting a shift in focus from purely technical environmental outcomes to the broader benefits of green construction and carbon neutral construction for local communities. The trend is clear: industry leaders are championing systemic change, prioritising measurable progress, and setting new benchmarks for building lifecycle performance across global markets.
