The construction industry is accelerating its adoption of circular economy principles to reduce embodied carbon and overall carbon footprint of construction activity. Reuse and repurposing of materials within the sector are now seen as drivers for improved resource efficiency in construction, promoting both environmental sustainability in construction and enhanced life cycle cost savings. Real-world projects highlight circular construction strategies that optimise end-of-life reuse in construction and offer positive economic returns, demonstrating the growing importance of whole life carbon in sustainable building design.
Collaboration with innovative startups is transforming sustainable construction globally. With rapid urbanisation driving demand and new cities being built at scale, organisations are prioritising the deployment of low carbon construction materials, green building products, and eco-design for buildings. These partnerships are fostering robust supply chains and shaping new benchmarks for building lifecycle performance and sustainable building practices around the world.
Long-running initiatives such as AkzoNobel’s Community RePaint programme showcase successful material lifecycle management through the reuse of surplus products. Diverting millions of litres of leftover paint from waste streams supports eco-friendly construction and net zero carbon targets, while strengthening community projects. Coordinated strategies like these illustrate the impact of life cycle thinking in construction and the environmental product declarations (EPDs) approach to materials.
Regeneration projects are also prioritising sustainable design and operational carbon reduction. The Wakefield scheme, for example, focuses on upgrading a Grade II* listed building to integrate heritage conservation with modern energy-efficient buildings and enhanced environmental performance. This demonstrates how historic structures can achieve net zero whole life carbon ambitions and exemplify low-impact construction principles.
Digital platforms are streamlining whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment within the construction sector. Real-time tracking tools for material flows help minimise waste, ensure sustainable material specification, and improve decision-making. As global demand drives larger, more complex projects, these innovations underpin decarbonising the built environment and support the transition to net zero carbon buildings.
