Global attention to sustainable construction is intensifying ahead of COP29, as governments face increasing pressure to integrate whole life carbon assessments into their national climate strategies. Campaigns like #BeBoldOnBuildings are urging countries to update their Nationally Determined Contributions with specific measures targeting the built environment. With construction responsible for close to 40% of global carbon emissions, embedding environmental sustainability in construction is critical to achieving international net zero carbon goals.
In Europe, Aira has secured €150 million in equity funding to accelerate the adoption of electric heat pumps, supporting the decarbonisation of domestic heating systems. The initiative aims to reduce both operational emissions and lifecycle impact through enhanced energy-efficient buildings, underlining the importance of low carbon design and life cycle cost optimisation in residential retrofits. By lowering the financial barriers to heat pump installation, Aira advances practical solutions aligned with net zero whole life carbon targets.
UK-based Stevens Equipment Rental, a long-standing construction equipment provider, is transitioning its fleet towards low-emission technology. This move reflects growing demand for sustainable construction practices and resource efficiency in construction site operations. The company’s investment in more eco-friendly construction machinery supports broader goals of reducing the carbon footprint of construction activities, especially in earthworks and on-site operations where embodied carbon in materials and machinery remains high.
Narro Associates, specialists in structural and civil engineering, have opened a new studio in London to expand their consultancy for sustainable building design. Their operations focus on incorporating sustainable material specification and low carbon construction materials from the earliest design stages. This strategic growth highlights the industry’s increasing reliance on structural design engineers to lead on green construction initiatives and deliver on whole life carbon performance optimisation.
Terra Firma Energy’s strategic review signals a broader shift among infrastructure operators acknowledging their role in decarbonising the built environment. Integrating renewable energy systems into energy-efficient buildings is becoming central to sustainable urban development. The alignment of utility-scale reforms and building lifecycle performance opens new opportunities in environmental product declarations (EPDs) and circular construction strategies.
The closure of Veolia’s plastics recycling facilities in Germany casts a spotlight on gaps in the circular economy in construction. Although not a direct construction measure, the decision reveals ongoing challenges in managing end-of-life reuse in construction and recycling building-derived plastics. Strengthening circular economy frameworks remains essential to reducing lifecycle emissions and meeting goals for low-impact construction across Europe.
