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.

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.
UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham - the UK’s biggest event for the built environment - will showcase the best the industry has to offer

Celebrating a decade of debate and design at UKCW Birmingham

From big name speakers and unrivalled networking to the latest product launches and live demonstrations, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham - the UK’s biggest event for the built environment - will showcase the very best the industry has to offer.
Padeswood will be the UK's first Carbon capture cement plant

UK’s first carbon capture cement plant to be built in Wales

The first carbon capture cement plant in the UK is to be built into Padeswood cement works, North Wales, backed by government investment.
The CIOB sustainability conference brought together hundreds to discuss environmental issues

Calls for urgent action at CIOB sustainability conference

The CIOB sustainability conference saw more than 200 participants come together to discuss environmental crises.
Inside the London College of Fashion, on the RIBA Stirling Prize 2025 shortlist

RIBA Stirling Prize 2025 shortlist announced

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2025 has been announced, featuring six projects spanning fashion to residential.
UKCW Birmingham - the UK’s biggest event for the built environment - will once again showcase the very best the industry has to offer

10th edition of UK Construction Week Birmingham hits new heights

From the latest product launches and live demonstrations, to technical workshops and CPD-accredited talks, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham - the UK’s biggest event for the built environment - will once again showcase the very best the industry has to offer.
Image caption: Drastic project partners take part in a circular deconstruction exercise in Merdingen, Germany.

The Drastic Project: Reducing whole life carbon and increasing circularity in the built environment

Rachael Twigg, of the WGBC, discusses Drastic's quest for increased circularity, sustainability and affordability in the built environment.
BIM (Building Information Modeling) concept. 3D digital model-based process that provides architects, engineers, constructors, and owners with a comprehensive view of the building project.

Global Building Information Modelling market to top $15.4bn by 2030

The global Building Information Modelling (BIM) market will almost double to $15.42bn (£11.4bn) by the end of the decade, according to new research.
Hybris from Actis is Europe’s only Cradle to Cradle Certified reflective insulation and perfect for your sustainable project

Actis celebrates creating ‘products that are good for you and good for the planet’

Hybris from Actis is Europe’s only Cradle to Cradle Certified reflective insulation.
The roofs of a row of new build houses on a construction site with roof integrated or In-Roof solar panels for cheap and sustainable energy in an eco friendly property, representing sustainable building codes

Net-zero or no-go: why sustainable building codes are shaping the future of UK housing

With the Future Homes Standard coming into effect in mid-2025, new-builds are now required to meet tighter energy performance and carbon emissions targets—a shift affecting everything from insulation standards to material sourcing and HVAC design.