The UK government has confirmed a £2.5bn investment to deliver three small modular reactors in partnership with Rolls-Royce, signalling a strong commitment to decarbonising the built environment and advancing low carbon design in the nation’s energy mix. By promoting nuclear power as a low-carbon, reliable alternative, the announcement marks a significant stride for sustainable construction and the move towards net zero Whole Life Carbon in infrastructure projects.
Thames Water’s proposed £17 billion recapitalisation plan aims to improve customer service, tackle environmental sustainability in construction, and reinforce critical infrastructure resilience. This large-scale financial intervention is intended to strengthen sustainable building practices and support the long-term delivery of resource efficiency in construction, underscoring the growing need for Whole Life Carbon Assessment and sustainable urban development in utility management.
Record-breaking heatwaves have triggered Greenland’s ice to melt at unprecedented rates and led to drought warnings across north-western Europe, highlighting the mounting pressures of Climate Change. The construction sector is increasingly called upon to address these challenges through climate-resilient, water-efficient eco-design for buildings, circular economy solutions, and adoption of life cycle thinking in construction to future-proof communities.
Concerns have been raised about the approval process and environmental impact of the new gas power station in Peterhead. Revised estimates show much higher projected emissions, casting doubts on carbon capture technologies and revealing risks for the carbon footprint of construction linked to future fossil fuel infrastructure. These updates reinforce the need for thorough lifecycle assessment and transparent environmental product declarations (EPDs) in support of green infrastructure and low embodied carbon materials.
The restoration of the River Till is now underway, setting a benchmark for large-scale river rewilding through practical, nature-based solutions. Instating historic water patterns highlights the opportunities for circular construction strategies and sustainable material specification to create positive environmental impacts and boost building lifecycle performance alongside climate resilience.
Attention from the UN Ocean Conference turns the spotlight on marine sustainability and waste management. The construction industry is urged to accelerate the adoption of circular economy in construction, effective end-of-life reuse, and waste reduction measures to preserve vital ecosystems, expand the reach of net zero carbon buildings, and demonstrate global leadership in carbon footprint reduction and eco-friendly construction.
