At COP29, global leaders and campaigners highlighted the critical role of construction in climate action, calling for ambitious updates to national climate plans that directly address emissions from the built environment. The "Be Bold on Buildings" campaign stressed the need for strong policy and mandatory targets to drive net zero Whole Life Carbon outcomes. With almost 40% of global emissions linked to buildings and infrastructure, implementing consistent Whole Life Carbon Assessments is becoming essential in modern construction regulation.
GID, a prominent US real estate investment firm, has reported significant advances in sustainable construction across its $30 billion portfolio. Its 2024 Responsible Investments Report demonstrates a transition away from carbon-heavy materials and increased focus on energy-efficient buildings and green credentials such as BREEAM. The shift reflects growing investor demand for low carbon design and long-term environmental sustainability in construction.
In Europe, the threat of prolonged extreme heat is reshaping sustainable building design priorities. Anticipated heatwaves reaching over 40°C have intensified investment in passive cooling systems, solar-reflective materials, and thermal performance upgrades. Experts underline the importance of Life Cycle Costing planning to ensure energy-efficient buildings can withstand both rising temperatures and carbon targets.
Veolia’s closure of its plastics recycling facilities in Germany has raised concerns about the resilience of Circular Economy strategies in sustainable construction. Recycled plastics play a key role in insulation, pipework and interior systems, and their limited availability could disrupt access to low Whole Life Carbon materials. This development highlights the wider need for stronger policy support to sustain Circular Economy in construction practices.
Terra Firma Energy’s strategic review in the UK signals stronger alignment between energy infrastructure and building decarbonisation. By prioritising grid resilience and the integration of smart technologies into housing, the initiative supports eco-design for buildings and advances carbon footprint reduction through smarter retrofitting and Whole Life Carbon Assessment integration.
In Arizona, the cancellation of a major water reuse project has exposed serious gaps in sustainable urban development. Reclaimed water infrastructure is vital to future-proofing dense developments, supporting both sustainable construction and net zero carbon strategies. The move undercuts efforts to deliver sustainable building practices that address the full environmental impact of construction, including both carbon and water resources.
