Lambeth Palace in London is undergoing a major £40 million refurbishment, prioritising whole life carbon reductions and energy efficiency in a heritage building. The project stands as an example of sustainable building design, showing how whole life carbon assessment and embodied carbon management can be achieved even in historic structures. Upgrading ancient sites with low carbon design and eco-design for buildings is crucial for achieving net zero whole life carbon standards across the built environment.
North London’s EcoPark House, part of the North London Heat and Power Project designed by Grimshaw, emphasises environmental sustainability in construction by integrating green infrastructure and sustainable design into public utility buildings. The project highlights sustainable construction practices, including lifecycle assessment of materials and resource efficiency in construction, ensuring long-term reductions in the carbon footprint of construction activities and promoting building lifecycle performance.
Extreme weather and urban overheating are placing new demands on sustainable urban development. City centres, now significantly hotter than their rural counterparts, underscore the necessity of energy-efficient buildings, green roofing, and increased urban greenery to alleviate the urban heat island effect. Industry experts stress the need for climate-resilient and low carbon building solutions to accommodate life cycle cost savings and reduce ongoing environmental impact of construction, while protecting lives and assets.
The Mayor of London has raised concerns over flooding risks to thousands of basement properties, reinforcing the critical role of sustainable drainage systems and flood-resilient, eco-friendly construction methods. Adopting whole life carbon strategies and life cycle thinking in construction is vital to decarbonising the built environment, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.
International interest in the circular economy has been highlighted by Rytoriacap’s acquisition of a Pennsylvania foundry site. The move exemplifies circular economy in construction and the adoption of low embodied carbon materials, emphasising end-of-life reuse in construction and circular construction strategies. Integrating recycled building materials and utilising environmental product declarations (EPDs) are central to sustainable material specification and carbon footprint reduction in global construction markets.
This week’s developments demonstrate the convergence of heritage retrofitting, infrastructure renewal, and climate adaptation, confirming that the drive towards net zero carbon buildings and carbon neutral construction is shaping both policy and practice. From renewable building materials to sustainable building practices, advancements in eco-friendly construction are raising the standards for environmental sustainability in construction worldwide.
