The Berwick Bank offshore wind project has secured final approval from the Scottish Government, positioning the UK as a global leader in clean energy development. This 4.1GW facility is expected to power millions of homes and deliver critical momentum for green infrastructure and sustainable construction. Large-scale renewable projects of this kind are increasing demand for eco-design for buildings, low carbon construction materials and net zero carbon buildings across the supply chain.
With renewables generating over half of the UK’s electricity in 2024, the push for energy-efficient buildings and sustainable building design has intensified. As the energy mix shifts, the environmental sustainability in construction must align, driving lifecycle assessment and Whole Life Carbon Assessment as standard practice in low carbon design. This transition underlines the urgency of reducing the carbon footprint of construction and investing in sustainable building practices that support net zero Whole Life Carbon targets.
National Grid’s £8 billion clean energy investment strategy is reshaping the landscape of low impact infrastructure across the UK. This nationwide initiative involves upgrading energy infrastructure with smart hubs and retrofitted systems, generating unprecedented demand for carbon neutral construction and resource efficiency in construction. Engineering teams are turning to Circular Economy in construction, advanced building lifecycle performance tools, and sustainable material specification to support this shift.
The restoration of Ravenscourt Park Hospital in London by SPPARC underscores the power of adaptive reuse in sustainable architecture. Retaining existing structures dramatically lowers Embodied Carbon and supports life cycle thinking in construction. Projects like this highlight the value of end-of-life reuse in construction and demonstrate how historic sites can champion green construction without compromising design or functionality.
Globally, research indicates that renewables may fall short of the projected tripling target by 2030, presenting serious implications for the built environment. Low carbon building initiatives depend on coordinated energy infrastructure. Without adequate momentum, construction sectors face stagnant electrification and restricted access to renewable building materials and green building products. Stakeholders must embed Whole Life Carbon and Embodied Carbon in materials into planning frameworks to maintain progress toward net zero carbon goals.
The International Court of Justice’s ruling on climate finance alignment with the 1.5°C pathway introduces new expectations for funding bodies and state donors. This reinforces the need for climate-resilient and low Embodied Carbon materials in the Global South, supporting sustainable urban development. Future-ready buildings must integrate BREEAM, BREEAM V7 and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to accelerate decarbonising the built environment while maintaining Life Cycle Cost efficiency.
