Sustane Technologies has signed a long-term agreement with BASF for the supply of pyrolysis oil, a low-carbon alternative to fossil feedstocks, highlighting the growing focus on circular economy in construction. Incorporating such circular materials into construction products is critical for reducing embodied carbon in materials and driving sustainable building practices across the sector.
In Northern Illinois, 17 municipalities completed training to become "EV Ready" under a programme led by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. This reflects a broader trend towards energy-efficient buildings and green infrastructure, as cities prepare their building policies and construction codes to support the transition to electrification. It marks a subtle but important pivot in sustainable urban development.
As global negotiations on a legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution move forward, the implications for construction are substantial. The sector relies on plastic composites and packaging, which affects the environmental impact of construction. A stricter treaty could accelerate innovation in eco-friendly construction, encouraging the use of alternative, low carbon construction materials and sustainable material specification.
The UK Pensions Regulator has called on pension fund trustees to account for climate risk in their planning, driving momentum for green construction investments. This shift is expected to stimulate funding for net zero carbon buildings and whole life carbon assessment, aligning capital flows with carbon neutral construction goals and enhancing building lifecycle performance.
A new publication, Leading the Sustainable Organization by Peter McAteer, offers strategic insights for business leaders navigating sustainability challenges. For construction professionals, guidance on life cycle cost, sustainable building design and ESG integration has become essential, enabling companies to respond to rising expectations around decarbonising the built environment.
Activity across these sectors signals incremental progress in sustainability in construction. From strengthening circular economy strategies to advancing low carbon design, each development supports the long-term shift toward reducing the carbon footprint of construction through measurable action and whole life carbon thinking.
