A coalition of industry leaders has partnered with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to launch a specialised net-zero skills programme for the construction sector. This targeted training aims to upskill the workforce in delivering net zero Whole Life Carbon projects, reflecting the urgent need to address both embodied carbon and operational emissions. Bridging the green skills gap is essential as the sector works towards achieving net zero carbon buildings and leading on resource efficiency in construction.
TITAN Group’s investment in low carbon construction materials at the Fiddler’s Ferry site stands as a prime illustration of Circular Economy in construction. By repurposing wet fly ash—waste from legacy energy infrastructure—into high-value construction inputs, this project advances both sustainable construction and environmental sustainability in construction. The use of low embodied carbon materials demonstrates a clear commitment to reducing the overall carbon footprint of construction through responsible material choices and supports circular construction strategies.
Legislative progress has also been made, with the Welsh Government’s Building Safety (Wales) Bill reinforcing decarbonising the built environment and stricter sustainability standards. Professional organisations like RICS have welcomed these changes, which drive the adoption of sustainable building practices and Life Cycle Costing in construction. Tighter compliance requirements are set to accelerate progress toward low carbon building and ensure safer, more resilient buildings for the future.
At the international level, the construction industry’s integral role in global climate adaptation was at the forefront of ULI’s Sixth Annual Resilience Summit. Experts highlighted that a robust Whole Life Carbon Assessment, coupled with proactive sustainable building design and eco-design for buildings, will help avoid projected corporate losses due to climate risks. Investment in resilient, energy-efficient buildings and green infrastructure reduces exposure to existential threats while improving building lifecycle performance.
Significant updates to the GRI standards on climate and energy reporting will require construction firms to increase transparency in their sustainability reporting. These measures encourage better measurement and disclosure of the environmental impact of construction, particularly in areas such as lifecycle assessment and environmental product declarations (EPDs). Firms that embrace these shifts—prioritising life cycle cost and embodied carbon in materials—will be better positioned to build trust with investors and stakeholders, reinforcing leadership in sustainable architecture and eco-friendly construction.
