A new industry report warns that outdated systems and poor insulation across UK commercial buildings are causing an estimated £146 million in annual energy losses. The study underlines a pressing need for sustainable building design and highlights the role of facilities managers in driving net zero carbon buildings. Upgrading existing stock is central to reducing the carbon footprint of construction and aligning with long-term net zero Whole Life Carbon commitments.
In London, five derelict Victorian buildings in Covent Garden have been retrofitted into high-performance office spaces, blending heritage preservation with low carbon design. Recognised by the Urban Land Institute, the project demonstrates that environmental sustainability in construction can be achieved through careful renovation. This serves as a prime example of eco-design for buildings, showing how adaptive reuse can improve building lifecycle performance while reducing Embodied Carbon in materials.
Efforts to reform the UK planning system could accelerate sustainable construction by removing bureaucratic delays. A £500 million government strategy proposes dedicated infrastructure boards and new regulatory roles tailored to environmental oversight. Smoother approval processes are expected to support low-impact construction and enhance resource efficiency in construction across the country.
In the US, Hilton’s Hawaiian Village Tapa Tower has achieved LEED certification, marking a milestone for energy-efficient buildings within large hospitality portfolios. While not system-changing, the move reinforces the importance of Life Cycle Cost thinking in construction and sustainable material specification as key elements in the hospitality sector’s push toward carbon neutral construction.
AI-powered innovation is gaining traction in timber manufacturing through startup Woodchuck, which is tackling material waste in construction by optimising wood reuse. This contributes to Circular Economy in construction goals, with potential for wide-scale impact through smarter end-of-life reuse in construction and reduced dependency on low carbon construction materials. The startup’s technology supports circular construction strategies aligned with broader sustainability targets.
