Recent advances in sustainable construction are accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies and practices with a focus on lowering the environmental impact of the built environment. ISG’s launch of a study evaluating digital sustainability service providers reflects how digital solutions can drive resource efficiency in construction, support whole life carbon reduction strategies, and enhance the lifecycle assessment of complex building projects. Effective digitalisation enables smarter management of materials and processes, supporting whole life carbon assessment and underpinning the future of sustainable building design.
A 15% surge in global renewable energy generation, with Asia—especially China—leading in new solar and wind construction, bolsters the integration of low carbon construction materials and eco-friendly construction methods in upcoming developments. This expansion strengthens the ability of projects to deliver net zero carbon buildings and reduces the carbon footprint of construction. Reliable access to renewable energy is becoming essential for green construction and achieving net zero whole life carbon targets in urban developments.
The UK’s commitment to major offshore wind initiatives, including a significant export finance guarantee for British suppliers involved in a 623MW Taiwanese wind project, highlights the role of green infrastructure in decarbonising the built environment. These offshore wind farms help lower embodied carbon in materials and reduce lifecycle emissions of large infrastructure and building projects. UK expertise in supplying sustainable building products and services is securing its position at the forefront of environmental sustainability in construction globally.
ESS Tech’s $31 million funding to advance iron flow energy storage supports the move toward energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urban development by stabilising supply from intermittent renewables. Life cycle cost considerations and robust renewable building materials underpin the case for low carbon design in both new projects and the upgrading of existing infrastructure. Energy storage supports sustainable building practices and the use of environmental product declarations (EPDs) for transparent evaluation of building lifecycle performance.
Legal and societal momentum is growing for stronger adaptation to climate risks. Friends of the Earth’s legal challenge at the European Court of Human Rights exemplifies increased scrutiny on climate adaptation measures in construction, underlining the urgent need for resilient and sustainable architecture. The sector faces mounting regulatory and public expectations to demonstrate environmental impact of construction is being addressed using whole life cycle thinking in construction and circular economy strategies, including end-of-life reuse in construction and circular construction strategies.
Sustainability in construction is now a non-negotiable imperative. From sustainable material specification and lifecycle assessment to net zero whole life carbon benchmarks and eco-design for buildings, forward-looking construction firms are embedding sustainability considerations into every phase. Embodied carbon assessments and carbon footprint reduction measures are core to this transformation, positioning the sector to meet both current and future environmental and economic requirements.
