Sustainable Construction News

The latest sustainable construction news including design and management of buildings; materials performance; construction technology and processes; energy and resource efficiency in building, operation and maintenance.

The 'world first' 7 metre, CO₂-neutral concrete pedestrian bridge is made of 75% circular raw materials, with no primary sand or gravel

World’s first bridge made with CO₂-neutral concrete revealed

Paebbl and Heijmans have unveiled a 'world first' showcase of a 7 metre pedestrian bridge, containing 75% circular raw materials, with no primary sand or gravel.
Actis has been awarded a silver medal by global sustainability and corporate social responsibility organisation EcoVadis, putting it among the top 15 per cent of performers from 125,000 companies assessed over the past 12 months and the top one per cent of EcoVadis-assessed companies in the plastics manufacturing sector

Actis awarded silver medal for sustainability and CSR

Insulation specialist Actis has been awarded a silver medal by a leading global sustainability and corporate social responsibility organisation.
With low-carbon ambitions becoming a key focus in construction projects, Carles Rovira, CEO of 7 Steel UK, explores how circular, UK-made steel can support both net zero goals and more resilient supply chains

The value of circular steel in modern construction

With low-carbon ambitions becoming a key focus in construction projects, Carles Rovira, CEO of 7 Steel UK, explores how circular, UK-made steel can support both net zero goals and more resilient supply chains.
The current sub-zero conditions in many parts of the UK act as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the fabric of a building is thermally efficient before specifying renewables , says Actis

Specifiers should focus on ‘fabric first’ as GB celebrates record renewables, says Actis

With snow on the ground across large parts of Great Britain this week, combined with news that 2025 was a record year for renewables, insulation specialist Actis is reminding architects and specifiers that the key to an energy efficient home lies in prioritising the fabric of a building.
A building facade with a vertical garden, representing projects that could be nominated as BREEAM Awards 2026 entries

BREEAM Awards 2026 now open for entries

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is now inviting entries for its 2026 BREEAM Awards, with eight new categories recognising innovations and achievements in sustainable building design, development, operation and management.
Top Down View of Diverse Team of Business Professionals and Engineers Working Together on Architectural Plans in a Corporate Office. Focused Colleagues Using Laptop, Tablet, Blueprints and Documents.

University of Cambridge joins CCBP Academic Advisory Group

The University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership have joined the Centre for Construction Best Practice’s Academic Advisory Group. The partnership reinforces the centre’s ambition to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia through evidence-based research in the built environment.
Abstract background of construction site with scaffolding the building cover.

Making scaffolding more sustainable

Shin Nakamura, President of one to ONE Holdings Pte. Ltd, explores how Japan is taking the international lead on making scaffolding more sustainable.
Resilience in the built environment is a key aspect in the new UKGBC report

UKGBC report shows focus on resilience in the built environment

The UK Green Building Council's (UKGBC) new report shows the industry is increasingly focused on resilience in the built environment.
Lexden Gardens, Passivhaus housing project in Ealing, and example of PAssichaus in the UK

Is Passivhaus in the UK going mainstream?

Passivhaus Trust co-director, Sarah Lewis, explores how Passivhaus in the UK is taking off in the country's quest for net zero.
Holcim UK's Kaziwe Kaulule explains how embracing circularity is a key step towards making sustainable building practices industry standard

Can circularity in construction become a reality?

Kaziwe Kaulule, managing director of Holcim UK’s aggregates and CDM divisions, explains how further embracing circularity in construction is an essential step towards making sustainable building practices the  industry standard.
United Infrastructure and University of Salford unite to retrofit UK houses

United Infrastructure and University of Salford unite to retrofit UK houses

United Infrastructure and the University of Salford partner to retrofit a 1930s house at Salford's Energy House 2.0 facility.

World-first design framework for elite women’s stadiums developed

The new guidelines provide a blueprint to plan, construct and retrofit stadiums that meet the specific needs of female players, staff and supporters. The initiative marks a significant shift from traditional football venue design, which has historically centred on the male game.
Public solar panels, like those pictured, have reduced the output of emissions in Devon's buildings and social housing

Council to explore expanding solar panel use on public buildings

Mid Devon District Council will look into expanding solar panel installations on public buildings following successful results in reducing carbon emissions at three leisure centres.
fire in an office building

Fire safety systems as the foundation of sustainable commercial buildings

A look at how modern construction practices, evolving fire risks and layered fire safety systems shape the resilience of today’s buildings
Decarbonising homes needs more of a focus, say CIH Cymru

CIH Cymru urges focus on decarbonising homes

CIH Cymru have reacted to the Welsh draft budget speech, expressing disappointment in the little support for decarbonising homes.
We must deliver a built environment that supports society's needs, whilst reducing impact on the natural environment, argues Alison Nicholl

Actions not words: How will we deliver the quality built environment we deserve?

Built assets underpin society and the economy. We must deliver a built environment that supports the needs of society while minimising its impact on the natural environment, argues Alison Nicholl, head of Constructing Excellence.
ALLPLAN's latest eBook explores practical ways BIM can support sustainable design, from early planning through to prefabrication and reuse

Sustainable by design: Building greener

ALLPLAN's latest eBook explores practical ways BIM can support sustainable design, from early planning through to prefabrication and reuse.
The New British Sustainability Competence Standard can affect the whole sector

New British Sustainability Competence Standard approved by CIC

The Construction Industry Council has announced the approval of a new British Sustainability Competence Standard.
The UK's largest solar farm has come under criticism from environmental groups

Permission granted for UK’s largest solar farm

Planning permission has been granted for the UK's largest solar farm, Tillbridge Solar Farm, despite protestations from environmentalists.
The UK’s largest built-environment event — UK Construction Week (UKCW) — returned to Birmingham in 2025 with record attendance, dynamic debate, and a clear message: collaboration and innovation are driving the next phase of the construction industry

Build Warranty takes centre stage at UK Construction Week 2025

The UK’s largest built-environment event — UK Construction Week (UKCW) — returned to Birmingham in 2025 with record attendance, dynamic debate, and a clear message: collaboration and innovation are driving the next phase of the construction industry.
Planted, in partnership with Vectorworks, is delighted to reveal the finalists of the Design for Renegeration UK-wide student design competition, championing the next generation of regenerative designers

Planted reveals finalists of student design competition in partnership with Vectorworks

Planted, in partnership with Vectorworks, is delighted to reveal the finalists of the Design for Renegeration UK-wide student design competition, championing the next generation of regenerative designers.
The UK construction industry is vital to the government's strategy

How important is the UK construction industry to government plans for growth?

Tim Barrett, chair of the Construction Alliance North East, discusses the importance of the UK construction industry to government plans.
Nature recovery in the built environment is vital for the future

New collaboration to prioritise nature recovery in the built environment

A partnership between the Eden Project and BAM UK & Ireland will focus on prioritising nature recovery in the built environment.
Home retrofit is less accessible than office retrofit

Warm at work, cold at home: What makes home retrofit difficult?

Lucy Bruzzone, built environment lead at CISL, discusses the factors that makes home retrofit more difficult than office retrofit.
The world's first hydrogen digger being refuelled for deployment in Kent

World’s first hydrogen digger deployed to Lower Thames Crossing

The world's first hydrogen digger to be deployed on site is at the Lower Thames Crossing, performing survey work on the Kent site.
First Minister John Swinney opening the Energy Transition Skills Hub

Scotland’s largest Energy Transition Skills Hub opens

Scotland’s largest Energy Transition Skills Hub has officially opened in Aberdeen, showcasing a state-of-the-art welding academy, an advanced manufacturing zone, and pioneering digital training suites designed for the technologies of the future.