The Scottish Government has approved the Berwick Bank offshore wind farm, advancing the UK’s clean energy ambitions. With a planned capacity of 4.1GW, this project will significantly expand renewable inputs for energy-intensive industries, including construction. By driving down operational emissions in supporting infrastructure, this development supports the broader shift toward net zero Whole Life Carbon and net zero carbon buildings. It underscores the critical role of renewable energy in sustainable building design and greening the built environment.
HSBC has announced £43 billion in sustainable financing for the first half of 2025. Construction is poised to benefit from this investment momentum, as funding is increasingly directed at green infrastructure and low carbon building initiatives. This aligns with ongoing efforts to decarbonise the sector through low carbon design, supporting resource efficiency in construction and enhancing the carbon footprint reduction of urban developments worldwide.
A report by the Fabian Society urges the UK to embed Circular Economy objectives into national policy, with specific targets for reducing raw material consumption. The shift toward circular construction strategies and eco-design for buildings is becoming essential. Emerging guidance on Whole Life Carbon Assessment and lifecycle assessment practices strengthens the case for designing structures with end-of-life reuse in construction and minimal Embodied Carbon in materials.
Japanese firm SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s development of PFAS-free pipes marks notable progress in sustainable material specification. Although focused on semiconductor manufacturing, this innovation mirrors the construction sector's growing demand for non-toxic, low Embodied Carbon materials. Clean product formulations are key to reducing the environmental impact of construction and promoting healthy building lifecycle performance.
Evolving accountability frameworks at global levels, driven by Pacific Island nations, may reshape legal obligations for developers working in climate-sensitive regions. These changes could catalyse the uptake of Whole Life Carbon approaches and sustainable building practices, aligning construction liability with environmental sustainability in construction and reinforcing the imperative to consider Life Cycle Cost and environmental product declarations (EPDs) in project planning.
Policy attention and consumer habits are also influencing the trajectory of green construction. The persistent use of plastic bags highlights the challenge of translating environmental goals into practice. For construction, this serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable design that promotes low-impact construction choices and supports sustainable urban development through energy-efficient buildings and green building materials.
