The Bacton gas plant in Norfolk is being considered as a future hub for hydrogen production, with proposals to transition the site and its workforce towards low-carbon energy. This development is highly relevant to sustainable construction, as hydrogen could play a role in reducing the Whole Life Carbon impact of infrastructure projects and supporting net zero Whole Life Carbon goals. By embedding hydrogen into the energy mix, construction projects can lower both operational and Embodied Carbon while aligning with broader decarbonisation strategies for the built environment.
The launch of the UK’s first Institute of Carbonomics by the University of Derby marks an important milestone for environmental sustainability in construction. With support from industry and finance, the institute is expected to advance research in Whole Life Carbon Assessment, lifecycle assessment, and life cycle thinking in construction, accelerating pathways for sustainable building design. The focus on applied research could provide actionable insights for project teams aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of construction and achieve sustainable building practices across sectors.
New analysis from the London Stock Exchange highlights a gap between investor intention and action, as portfolio intensity falls yet overall emissions rise. This poses challenges for funding sustainable construction and green infrastructure. Greater alignment of capital with low carbon construction materials and renewable building materials is essential to enable eco-design for buildings that contribute to net zero carbon buildings. Stronger financial signals are needed to drive scalable adoption of sustainable material specification and reduce Embodied Carbon in materials across the global supply chain.
Investment momentum continues with Gresham House acquiring Swiss clean energy specialist SUSI Partners. The growth in assets under management increases the potential to channel funding into circular economy in construction, carbon neutral construction, and green construction projects. This represents a significant boost for developers seeking to improve building lifecycle performance and demonstrate commitments to decarbonising the built environment. Capital directed towards low carbon design and eco-friendly construction will be critical for scaling new technologies and innovative circular construction strategies.
The World Economic Forum has warned of the severe health and economic consequences of climate change by mid-century. With construction responsible for almost 40% of emissions, there is a pressing need for sustainable urban development, resilient infrastructure, and methodologies rooted in Life Cycle Cost and end-of-life reuse in construction. The report reinforces the urgency of adopting low embodied carbon materials, expanding the use of environmental product declarations (EPDs), and embedding resource efficiency in construction to limit the long-term environmental impact of construction.
At a global policy level, the High Seas Treaty’s passage offers a model for international cooperation in environmental governance. Though focused on marine ecosystems, it signals an increasing appetite for cross-border frameworks that could translate into stronger standards for sustainable architecture, green building products, and sustainable building practices. By adopting a similar collaborative approach, the construction sector has an opportunity to accelerate its path towards carbon footprint reduction and deliver future-ready, energy-efficient buildings aligned with global net zero targets.
