Ecogenesys’ upcoming Carbon Measurement Tool, set for release in September, promises to advance whole life carbon assessment within the construction sector. This innovation will enable transparent calculation of the carbon footprint of construction projects, integrating both embodied carbon and operational emissions reporting. Supported by dedicated Carbon Literacy Training, this new approach aligns with global demands for rigorous carbon accounting and drives environmental sustainability in construction far beyond compliance. Accurate whole life carbon assessment is now essential for achieving net zero whole life carbon targets, ensuring the industry rises to climate expectations.
Analysis across Europe points to rapid progress in renewable infrastructure at municipal levels, with Scotland and Northern England pioneering in onshore wind deployment. These large-scale projects highlight the role of sustainable construction in delivering low carbon building solutions, encompassing eco-design for buildings and sustainable building practices. The transition to small-scale solar and storage is reshaping the building landscape, with particular emphasis on reducing embodied carbon in materials and delivering notable lifecycle assessment benefits for developers, asset owners, and households alike.
Guidance from the United Nations Environment Programme is shaping new standards for data centre construction and retrofit, spotlighting the high carbon footprint of construction in digital infrastructure. This reflects a broader push to integrate net zero carbon goals and life cycle cost analysis in sustainable building design and construction procurement. UNEP’s strategy for greener, more resource-efficient buildings echoes the urgent need for robust lifecycle assessment and sustainable material specification in the sector.
African cities are embracing sustainable urban development through expanded walking and cycling infrastructure, a clear shift towards low-impact construction and sustainable design. These projects focus on establishing low carbon design principles, increasing the prevalence of energy-efficient buildings, and deploying green infrastructure. As urban authorities demand people-focused spaces, the momentum for circular economy in construction and circular construction strategies accelerates, promoting end-of-life reuse in construction and resource efficiency.
Though agriculture and utilities remain crucial, it is the environmental impact of construction and buildings that holds centre stage in global decarbonisation efforts. From innovative whole life carbon tracking tools to the adoption of green building materials and low carbon construction materials, sustainable architecture is being reframed by tangible solutions. The growth of net zero carbon buildings, investment in sustainable building design, and advances in lifecycle assessment signal that the construction industry is moving decisively towards decarbonising the built environment and realising a circular economy.
