Sustainability in construction is accelerating worldwide, with the sector setting ambitious new benchmarks for environmental performance. Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s offices at Chicago’s Bell building achieved LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating how sustainable building design and low carbon design can be realised even in landmark heritage properties. This accomplishment underscores the critical importance of whole life carbon, embodied carbon, and energy-efficient buildings in both new and existing assets, setting an example for the global building community.
Contractors are increasingly declining tender opportunities due to the mounting risks associated with unclear sustainability requirements and resource efficiency in construction. As project risk becomes more closely tied to whole life carbon assessment, environmental sustainability in construction, and life cycle cost analysis, construction professionals are demanding greater clarity and better project resilience. Stakeholders prioritise lifecycle assessment and transparent carbon footprint reduction strategies, affirming their commitment to a low carbon building future.
Growth forecasts for the recycled plastics industry signal a transformative shift towards sustainable construction materials and the implementation of circular economy principles. Regulations and market forces are compelling greater adoption of low embodied carbon materials and eco-friendly construction products. Recycled plastics—once landfill-bound—are now being evaluated as green building materials within both infrastructure and sustainable architecture, contributing to circular economy in construction and net zero whole life carbon targets.
Transparency and standardisation in climate reporting remain central, as companies within the construction sector face increasing scrutiny over their carbon footprint of construction, embodied carbon in materials, and progress towards net zero carbon buildings. Detailed and consistent reporting, such as environmental product declarations (EPDs) and comprehensive building lifecycle performance data, is vital for sustainable building practices and decarbonising the built environment. Life cycle thinking in construction is enabling investors and stakeholders to measure and trust green construction commitments.
The industry is also witnessing a surge in demand for sustainability expertise. Recent appointments in consultancy reflect a strategic focus on environmental sustainability in construction, eco-design for buildings, and sustainable material specification. As clients look for innovation beyond mere compliance, the value of specialised knowledge in low carbon construction materials, green infrastructure, and circular construction strategies is increasing.
These trends point towards a sector embracing sustainable design and eco-friendly construction principles—from renewable building materials and end-of-life reuse in construction, to resource efficiency in construction and net zero carbon ambitions. The momentum for whole life carbon, carbon neutral construction, and sustainable building practices is reshaping the future of construction, making sustainability a non-negotiable standard for professionals worldwide.
