The Environmental Protection Agency, which is led by administrator Lee Zeldin,...

CNN Climate 8 months ago

The Environmental Protection Agency, which is led by administrator Lee Zeldin, has altered and removed information from its website that connected climate change to the burning of fossil fuels. The changes come as the Trump administration tries to supercharge US oil and gas production and resurrect the coal industry. Now, the EPA's webpage detailing the 'causes of climate change' no longer lists human activities such as burning oil, gas and coal — the key drivers of a warming climate since the industrial revolution. Other EPA webpages, including one explaining the 'future of climate change,' still mention the link between humans burning fossil fuels and a changing climate. The 'causes of climate change' page, for example, now reads, "Natural processes are always influencing the earth's climate and can explain climate changes prior to the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s," before listing such issues as changes in Earth's orbit, variations in solar activity and volcanic activity. "However, recent climate changes cannot be explained by natural causes alone." Previously, that webpage contained an entire section on the human causes of climate change and cited the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's statement that "It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land." That section is now missing. The changes have alarmed climate scientists. "This isn't just about data on a website; it's an attack on independent science and scientific integrity," Rachel Cleetus of the Union of Concerned Scientists said in a statement. Tap the link in bio for more. 📸 : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/File

layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 21 days ago



Financial institutions are accelerating sustainable construction by aligning lending with measurable environmental performance. Santander UK’s decision to adapt mortgage models for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes integrates credit policy with energy-efficient buildings, translating net zero carbon ambitions into mainstream financial metrics. This shift signals the emergence of whole life carbon assessment as a determinant in property valuation and positions embodied carbon and life cycle cost analysis as standard tools of risk management across the sector.

Digital transformation is amplifying the movement. The Monklands digital hospital project in Scotland demonstrates how offsite manufacturing, lifecycle assessment and connected data platforms enhance building lifecycle performance, minimise waste, and verify embodied carbon in materials. Durham’s adoption of digital planning and assessment tools reflects a broader drive toward resource efficiency in construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Together these initiatives redefine sustainable building design by embedding whole life carbon accountability into design and delivery workflows.

Policy remains an enabling force but the centre of momentum is shifting from government mandates to operational proof. A renewed national emphasis on green affordability and the integration of social equity with decarbonising the built environment are reinforcing the transition toward net zero whole life carbon outcomes. These developments illustrate a maturing circular economy in construction where sustainable building practices, low carbon design and eco-design for buildings converge to deliver verifiable carbon footprint reduction. The industry’s direction is now measurable—kilograms of CO₂, minutes saved, resources reused—evidence that green construction is evolving from aspiration to tangible low carbon building performance.

Show More

camera_altFeatured Instagram Posts:

Get your opinion heard:

Whole Life Carbon is a platform for the entire construction industry—both in the UK and internationally. We track the latest publications, debates, and events related to whole life guidance and sustainability. If you have any enquiries or opinions to share, please do get in touch.

Let's chat!
Avatar

WLC Assistant

Ask me about sustainability

Hi! I'm your Whole Life Carbon assistant. I can help you learn about sustainability, carbon assessment, and navigate our resources. How can I help you today?