Grosvenor, one of the world’s major property groups, has reported a 17% profit increase for 2024, linking this success to a deeper commitment to environmental sustainability in construction and sustainable building design. Their results highlight how integrating life cycle cost considerations into property and construction activities is key to long-term viability and responsible investment. This approach demonstrates the growing importance of whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment for industry leaders aiming for net zero whole life carbon in their portfolios. Grosvenor's focus on sustainability boosts profits by 17% in 2024.
MAPEI Corporation has strengthened its stance on green construction by sponsoring the annual Flooring Sustainability Summit, signalling industry leadership in sustainable construction and eco-friendly construction materials. By promoting the use of low carbon construction materials, resource efficiency in construction, and green building products, sector professionals are working together to share sustainable building practices. Best practices focus on reducing the carbon footprint of construction, using circular economy and circular economy in construction principles, and specifying low embodied carbon materials. MAPEI Corporation returns as headline sponsor for the 2nd Annual Flooring Sustainability Summit.
In regulation, Ofwat has imposed a record fine on Thames Water for non-compliance with environmental standards, pushing the agenda for robust environmental product declarations (EPDs) and responsible resource management. The environmental impact of construction is under increasing scrutiny, with infrastructure and utilities now expected to achieve higher levels of building lifecycle performance and decarbonising the built environment. Thames Water fined record amount for inadequate wastewater management. Strict compliance supports wider environmental goals in sustainable urban development and green infrastructure.
Climate change risks have been underscored by the recent collapse of a Swiss glacier, which devastated the village of Blatten. These events stress the need for eco-design for buildings and resilient, energy-efficient buildings that can withstand extreme weather while supporting low carbon design. Policy shifts, such as concerns over the UK’s hybrid vehicle sales deadline, reflect the direct influence of urban planning, decarbonisation of the transport sector, and sustainable design on meeting net zero carbon and reducing operational carbon within built environments. Swiss glacier collapse buries Blatten, demonstrating climate impacts on built environments.
Advancements in green building materials and clean technology, like Magrathea’s innovation in producing magnesium from seawater and new developments in sustainable packaging and manufacturing, show progress in circular construction strategies and the adoption of renewable building materials. These sustainable material specification efforts promote circular construction, end-of-life reuse in construction, and greater reliance on carbon neutral construction techniques. The sourcing and supply chain impacts highlight the importance of life cycle thinking in construction to achieve low-impact construction, supporting the ongoing transformation to a low carbon building industry.
