Sims Limited and Alter Steel have announced a strategic partnership to advance Queensland’s clean steel industry through a circular economy model. By processing scrap metal into low-carbon construction materials, the venture addresses embodied carbon in materials and supports the urgent need for reducing the carbon footprint of construction. This approach reflects growing momentum toward resource efficiency in construction and low-impact construction strategies globally.
The UK Environment Agency has issued a warning regarding the vulnerability of low-carbon industrial clusters in England. These clusters, integral to net zero whole life carbon initiatives and resilient infrastructure, are increasingly exposed to climate threats such as flooding and extreme heat. The agency is calling for reforms in planning and permitting to future-proof these foundational zones for sustainable construction and safeguard long-term whole life carbon performance.
Prologis has launched what will become Northern Illinois' largest rooftop solar project, converting 45 logistics sites into a major community solar hub. This initiative enhances the renewable energy base necessary for energy-efficient buildings and supports broader goals in net zero carbon buildings and green infrastructure. Deploying solar energy at scale aligns closely with sustainable building design by reducing dependency on carbon-intensive power networks.
Tetra Tech’s strong financial results have been underscored by expanding demand for its expertise in sustainable infrastructure and environmental sustainability in construction. The company’s focus on resilience and carbon efficiency highlights the increasing importance of whole life carbon assessment and lifecycle assessment in delivering low carbon building solutions and sustainable building practices for the global construction sector.
A recent analysis of international renewables pledges has revealed significant gaps between ambition and execution. Stalled progress in clean energy expansion poses critical risks for sustainable urban development and the supply of renewable building materials. Without accelerated transformation, the delivery of eco-friendly construction, circular construction strategies, and low embodied carbon materials will remain constrained by outdated infrastructure and limited energy resilience.
The €700 billion EU-US trade agreement is drawing criticism for its compatibility with net-zero targets, citing its emphasis on carbon-intensive industries. Concerns are growing that the pact could undermine decarbonising the built environment on both sides of the Atlantic. Sustainable design and the use of green building materials depend on coherent policy alignment to enable carbon neutral construction and support eco-design for buildings.
