The construction sector is demonstrating leadership in environmental sustainability in construction with landmark projects, such as Costain’s Marazanvose Green Bridge in Cornwall, prioritising green infrastructure and sustainable building design. By integrating eco-design for buildings that support biodiversity and recreation, the sector is answering the call for sustainable construction practices that balance transport needs with eco-friendly construction. Real-world innovations are helping redefine why sustainable building practices are no longer optional but essential.
At the London Climate Innovation Forum, the rapid decarbonising of the built environment through sustainable design and adoption of low carbon construction materials was recognised as central to the global clean energy transition. International leaders highlighted the importance of whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment in achieving net zero carbon buildings and in making sustainable urban development the new standard. London's green building technologies are supporting advancements in low carbon design and circular economy in construction, placing the city at the heart of climate leadership.
Regulatory progress in the UK has advanced with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment launching a new register for carbon accountants and auditors. This formal structure enhances industry capacity for accurate carbon footprint reduction across both embodied carbon and whole life carbon. Improved carbon accounting standards are set to boost credibility for life cycle thinking in construction and resource efficiency in construction, helping firms measure and report the carbon footprint of construction with greater reliability.
Recent EU policy changes, including the withdrawal of the Green Claims Directive, have raised concerns about greenwashing and the risk to high sustainability standards over the construction value chain. The resulting uncertainty underscores the need for robust environmental product declarations (EPDs) and transparent sustainable material specification, maintaining integrity in claims around renewable building materials, low embodied carbon materials, and green building products.
With the UK’s revised trade strategy giving preference to clean construction technology and circular economy solutions, access to renewable and low carbon building materials is expected to increase. This trade outlook is set to make life cycle cost and whole life carbon a priority for the industry, supporting best practice in circular construction strategies, end-of-life reuse in construction, and sustainable architecture. As rising climate risks highlight the environmental impact of construction, there is mounting industry pressure to lead in sustainable construction, carbon footprint reduction, and delivery of net zero whole life carbon. The sector’s future depends on fast-tracking innovation, efficiency, and transparency at every stage of the building lifecycle.
