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Sustainability at the heart of construction

Sustainability remains a central focus in the UK construction industry, with significant advancements and ongoing challenges shaping the sector’s outlook. Key developments include:

Government initiatives and industry standards

Construction 2025 strategy: The UK government’s “Construction 2025″ strategy, introduced in 2013, set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, lower construction time and costs, and improve the trade balance of construction products by 2025. This strategy has been instrumental in guiding the industry’s sustainability efforts.

Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard: In late 2024, the UK introduced its first cross-industry standard for net-zero buildings. This standard provides a unified framework to ensure buildings do not contribute to climate change, addressing both operational and embodied carbon. It mandates caps on energy use, on-site clean energy generation, and the elimination of fossil fuel use in buildings.

Innovative materials and construction methods

Eco-friendly building materials: The industry’s shift towards sustainable materials is exemplified by the adoption of “unloved stone,” a low-carbon alternative to traditional bricks. This material repurposes quarry offcuts, reducing carbon emissions associated with construction and supporting local economies.

Modern methods of construction (MMC): The adoption of MMC, including modular and off-site construction techniques, is on the rise. These methods enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and lower the environmental impact of building projects. The government’s support for MMC is expected to drive further adoption in 2025.

Challenges and considerations

Balancing growth with sustainability: The Labour government’s commitment to building 1.5 million homes by 2030 presents challenges in maintaining sustainability standards. The industry must balance the demand for rapid construction with the imperative to minimise environmental impact with some councils in England ordered to increase housebuilding by up to 400%.

Regulatory compliance: Adhering to evolving sustainability regulations requires continuous adaptation. The introduction of new standards necessitates that construction firms stay informed and compliant to avoid potential penalties and reputational damage.

Outlook for 2025

The UK construction industry is expected to experience growth, with forecasts indicating an 8% increase in new project starts in 2025, driven by public sector and infrastructure projects.
This expansion provides opportunities to integrate sustainable practices across the sector.

In summary, the outlook for sustainability in UK construction during 2025 is characterised by a strong commitment to environmental goals, supported by government initiatives, industry standards, and innovative practices. While challenges persist, the sector is poised to make significant strides towards a more sustainable future, and we’re excited to be poised at the tipping point of incremental growth in the industry.

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