The UK is driving the global transition to clean energy, as shown at a recent London summit focused on galvanising support for renewable power and tackling climate challenges. This reflects an urgent need for environmental sustainability in construction, where construction and infrastructure remain key sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Stakeholders worldwide are aligning around net zero Whole Life Carbon, with growing pressure to accelerate decarbonising the built environment.

Significant new investments are focused on low carbon design and technology. The UK government and energy company Eni have approved the HyNet CCS network, a major carbon capture and storage initiative aimed at capturing 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 yearly. This project, unlocking £2 billion in contracts, puts carbon management at the heart of sustainable construction and represents a step forward for lifecycle assessment. The construction sector stands to benefit from contracts and innovation that also help meet net zero carbon targets.

Retrofitting existing buildings is now central to sustainable building design. As embodied carbon and operational carbon gain new attention, industry experts highlight that upgrading current infrastructure is crucial for immediate carbon footprint reduction. Prioritising refurbishment over demolition supports circular economy in construction, resource efficiency in construction, and improved building lifecycle performance, offering both environmental and competitive advantages.

Collaboration and innovation are increasing, with forums such as the Suffolk Climate Tech Forum fostering the exchange of new ideas in green construction and circular construction strategies. These networks accelerate advances in eco-design for buildings and support the development of technology that reduces the environmental impact of construction. By sharing knowledge across regions and sectors, the construction industry can drive further progress in sustainable material specification and green building products.

Standards are evolving to meet climate adaptation needs. The British Standards Institution has published new climate resilience guidelines for cities, setting frameworks for sustainable urban development and adaptation to extreme weather. These standards support authorities and organisations in preparing the built environment for climate shocks as pressures increase worldwide.

Recent developments mark a significant increase in ambition and activity in sustainable building practices. Investment in low embodied carbon materials, strong policies, and a sustained focus on whole life carbon assessment and life cycle thinking in construction are enabling the transition towards net zero carbon buildings and a low-impact, carbon neutral construction sector.