The UK’s green hydrogen sector advances with the launch of the £45 million St Austell Green Hydrogen project in Cornwall, a collaboration between Four Zeros Energy and Vergia AS. Designed to power hard-to-abate sectors such as construction and transport, the project underscores hydrogen’s role in reducing the carbon footprint of construction. Integrating clean hydrogen into sustainable building design supports efforts to deliver net zero Whole Life Carbon in infrastructure projects.
Procurement trends in sustainable construction are shifting as supply chains increasingly factor in scope 3 emissions. A 167% rise in corporate sustainability ratings reported by EcoVadis reflects growing momentum towards transparent sourcing and environmentally responsible procurement. This transformation is driving a wider adoption of Circular Economy principles and enabling better Life Cycle Costing in construction, particularly through lower-carbon material selection and assessment.
New insights from CDP reveal businesses earn a significant financial return—up to $21 for every $1 invested—by acting on climate disclosure and emissions data. For construction firms operating under tight margins, this provides a convincing case for adopting Whole Life Carbon Assessment to improve both building lifecycle performance and cost-efficiency. Lifecycle assessment is proving vital in maximising long-term value while meeting regulatory and sustainability targets.
Innovative reuse of decommissioned infrastructure presents a new model for decentralised energy hubs. Developments using retired coal plants to store renewable energy as thermal reserves support low carbon building goals and demonstrate potential for green infrastructure without expanding the urban footprint. This model can enhance resilience while supporting low-impact construction through resource efficiency in construction site planning.
Circular construction strategies are gaining prominence as industry leaders recognise the value in reprocessed and certified materials. Increased demand for green building materials, including low Embodied Carbon materials and certified timber, is transforming sustainable material specification. By embedding eco-design for buildings, firms are aligning with broader goals for environmental sustainability in construction and reducing Embodied Carbon in materials.
Wider calls for the responsible sourcing of raw materials continue to grow. The movement against deep-sea mining signals a push toward environmentally transparent supply chains, especially for critical inputs used in energy-efficient buildings and renewable technologies. Sustainable sourcing remains central to achieving Whole Life Carbon and Life Cycle Cost optimisation in sustainable urban development.
