Construction

Construction

Around 40% of UK carbon emissions are linked to the built environment, with construction activity accounting for around 50m tonnes of CO2 emissions. Much of these emissions are related to the production of materials such as steel and cement. As a result, the industry faces particular scrutiny, leading to both legislative and regulatory pressures to reduce its carbon footprint. These include:

• In 2019, the UK government introduced a target for achieving at least a 100% reduction of GHG emissions (compared to 1990) by 2050. In pursuit of this target, the Government has released its Net Zero Strategy. The strategy includes recommendations and requirements for the construction industry to reduce its emissions, including specific guidance on materials.

• The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the UK Government’s planning policies for England and how they should be applied. This includes requirements of using sustainable or recycled materials within development projects where appropriate.

• BREEAM are third-party certified standards that aim to improve asset performance at every stage, from design through construction, to use and refurbishment. They include specific guidance on circularity, whole life performance, and emissions – all of which relate to material usage.