Construction has commenced on the UK’s largest electricity substation in Uxbridge, signalling a major upgrade in grid infrastructure to support the rising demand for reliable, low-carbon electricity. Construction has commenced on the UK’s largest electricity substation in Uxbridge, signalling a major upgrade in grid infrastructure to support the rising demand for reliable, low-carbon electricity. This project is directly linked to the construction industry’s ongoing transition towards renewable energy, net zero carbon buildings, and sustainable building design. Upgraded power grids are crucial for supporting energy-efficient buildings and accelerating the shift to operational carbon reduction throughout the built environment.
Waste reduction remains at the forefront of sustainable construction practices, highlighted by the UK’s ban on single-use vapes. the UK’s ban on single-use vapes addresses electronic waste, a growing challenge on construction sites and in urban areas, and encourages the adoption of circular economy principles in construction. Strengthening recycling systems and promoting the end-of-life reuse in construction are key strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of construction and support resource efficiency in construction projects.
Recent climate trends, including the UK’s warmest and sunniest spring, have reinforced the urgent need for climate change resilience in the built environment. The construction sector is encouraged to implement whole life carbon assessments and eco-design for buildings, with a focus on climate adaptation and storm-resilient green infrastructure. Life cycle thinking in construction and sustainable building practices are essential to manage embodied carbon and future-proof urban areas against severe weather caused by global temperature rise.
The ongoing overhaul of UK airspace is designed to balance the expansion of airports with emissions reduction targets. The ongoing overhaul of UK airspace impacts the design and construction of aviation infrastructure, pushing for environmental sustainability in construction and the adoption of low carbon building methods. The effort supports net zero whole life carbon ambitions across major infrastructure projects and sets new expectations for sustainable material specification and green building products.
Evidence supporting deposit return schemes shows success in reducing plastic litter, providing a model for circular economy in construction and sustainable material management. Evidence supporting deposit return schemes shows success in reducing plastic litter, providing a model for circular economy in construction and sustainable material management. Adopting lifecycle assessments and circular construction strategies can reduce site-generated waste, improve building lifecycle performance, and align the construction sector with broader circular economy objectives.
Across the global supply chain, companies such as Alcoa are increasing transparency through updated sustainability reports, underscoring their commitment to decarbonising the built environment. companies such as Alcoa are increasing transparency through updated sustainability reports, underscoring their commitment to decarbonising the built environment. Progress in energy transition and the use of low embodied carbon materials highlights the importance of innovation and investment in eco-friendly construction, green building materials, and carbon neutral construction for achieving environmental sustainability in construction worldwide.
