Green hydrogen has entered construction-related manufacturing with a major step by Kimberly-Clark, which is replacing part of its energy supply with hydrogen boilers. This shift reduces reliance on fossil fuels and is expected to cut carbon emissions by 28,500 tonnes each year. Such moves highlight how sustainable construction strategies can align with Whole Life Carbon Assessment and Life Cycle Costing planning while proving that heavy industries can decarbonise without compromising operational resilience.
Recycling practices that once focused on consumer goods are increasingly relevant to building lifecycles. The redesign of toothpaste tubes to use fully recyclable plastic signals broader opportunities for Circular Economy in construction and eco-friendly construction materials like piping and fittings. These advances reinforce life cycle thinking in construction, where sustainable material specification and end-of-life reuse in construction lower Whole Life Carbon in materials.
Supply chain transparency for critical resources is advancing through digital traceability. Source Certain, based in Australia, is improving lifecycle assessment by providing mine-to-market verification of energy transition minerals used in copper wiring, battery storage and renewable building materials. This strengthens environmental sustainability in construction by ensuring Embodied Carbon is carefully measured and reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects where labels alone are not enough.
The stability of electricity supply is essential for energy-efficient buildings and the wider decarbonisation of the built environment. EDF has been appointed to optimise Terra Firma Energy’s flexible generation assets to support increased demand from net zero carbon buildings and electrified construction processes. Secure power systems are a core aspect of sustainable building practices, enabling carbon neutral construction and a clear pathway to net zero Whole Life Carbon.
Public authorities are extending sustainable building design principles into logistics. Expanded procurement of electric vehicles in Devon has shown that zero-emission transport can support low-impact construction and reduce the carbon footprint of construction supply chains. This supports circular construction strategies and resource efficiency in construction while aligning with broader sustainable urban development goals.
Global momentum toward green construction continues, although fossil fuel expansion plans conflict with climate benchmarks. Within the sector, progress is shaped by low carbon design, eco-design for buildings and the adoption of green building materials. Each step towards better building lifecycle performance and carbon footprint reduction contributes to sustainable architecture and underpins the long-term objective of decarbonising the built environment.
