Sustainability in construction: Knowledge hub - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 06:39, 5 September 2025

2025-09-05T06:39:42Z

Designing Buildings: Protected "Sustainability in construction: Knowledge hub" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

2025-09-05T06:20:17Z

Protected "Sustainability in construction: Knowledge hub" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

← Older revision

Revision as of 06:20, 5 September 2025

Designing Buildings at 06:20, 5 September 2025

2025-09-05T06:20:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:20, 5 September 2025
Line 58:		Line 58:

	There are more than 2,000 articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings. [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Sustainability A full index is available here.]		There are more than 2,000 articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings. [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Sustainability A full index is available here.]
		+
		+	[[Construction_knowledge_hubs\|You can access our other subject-specific knowledge hubs here]].

	= Stay up-to-date =		= Stay up-to-date =
Line 64:		Line 66:

	-----		-----
−	This ~~work~~ is openly licensed via [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0].	+	This web page is openly licensed via [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0].

−	[[Category:DCN_Collection]] [[Category:~~Do_not_autolink~~]] [[Category:~~Sustainability~~]] [[Category:~~Site_Information~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Collection]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Do_not_autolink]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Editor at 08:16, 29 July 2025

2025-07-29T08:16:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:16, 29 July 2025
Line 57:		Line 57:
	= All articles about sustainability =		= All articles about sustainability =

−	There are more than 2,000 articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings. [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Sustainability A full index is available here].	+	There are more than 2,000 articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings. [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Sustainability A full index is available here.]

	= Stay up-to-date =		= Stay up-to-date =

Designing Buildings at 08:44, 4 July 2025

2025-07-04T08:44:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:44, 4 July 2025
Line 57:		Line 57:
	= All articles about sustainability =		= All articles about sustainability =

−	There are more ~~that~~ 2,000 articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings. [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Sustainability A full index is available here].	+	There are more than 2,000 articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings. [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Sustainability A full index is available here].

	= Stay up-to-date =		= Stay up-to-date =

Designing Buildings at 08:43, 4 July 2025

2025-07-04T08:43:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:43, 4 July 2025
Line 7:		Line 7:
	This knowledge hub brings together key guidance, definitions, legislation, case studies, and innovations related to sustainable construction. Whether you're an architect, engineer, project manager or student, this is your starting point for understanding and applying sustainable practices.		This knowledge hub brings together key guidance, definitions, legislation, case studies, and innovations related to sustainable construction. Whether you're an architect, engineer, project manager or student, this is your starting point for understanding and applying sustainable practices.

−	= What Is sustainability in construction? =	+	= What is sustainability in construction? =

	Sustainability in the built environment means creating buildings and infrastructure that meet present needs without compromising future generations. It includes:		Sustainability in the built environment means creating buildings and infrastructure that meet present needs without compromising future generations. It includes:

Designing Buildings at 08:54, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T08:54:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 26 June 2025
Line 61:		Line 61:
	= Stay up-to-date =		= Stay up-to-date =

−	This hub will be updated regularly with new guidance, policy changes, and innovations. Bookmark this page or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.	+	This hub will be updated regularly with new guidance, policy changes, and innovations. Bookmark this page or [https://designingbuildings.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d574d9ea2afa87f3015d176f3&id=b0e8c9e30b subscribe to our newsletter] to stay informed.

	-----		-----

Editor at 05:04, 17 June 2025

2025-06-17T05:04:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:04, 17 June 2025
Line 34:		Line 34:
	* [[Display_Energy_Certificate_DEC\|Display Energy Certificate DEC]]. In-use energy ratings for public buildings.		* [[Display_Energy_Certificate_DEC\|Display Energy Certificate DEC]]. In-use energy ratings for public buildings.
	* [[Ecology_and_the_built_environment\|Ecology]]. How ecological principles inform sustainable practices.		* [[Ecology_and_the_built_environment\|Ecology]]. How ecological principles inform sustainable practices.
		+	* [[Embodied_carbon\|Embodied carbon.]] Measuring the hidden carbon cost of materials and construction processes.
	* [[Embodied_energy\|Embodied energy]]. Measuring the hidden energy cost of materials and construction processes.		* [[Embodied_energy\|Embodied energy]]. Measuring the hidden energy cost of materials and construction processes.
	* [[Energy_efficiency\|Energy efficiency]]. Techniques and standards for reducing energy use.		* [[Energy_efficiency\|Energy efficiency]]. Techniques and standards for reducing energy use.
Line 52:		Line 53:
	* [[Sustainability_in_facility_management\|Sustainability in facilities management]]. Avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.		* [[Sustainability_in_facility_management\|Sustainability in facilities management]]. Avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.
	* [[Wellbeing\|Wellbeing]]. Definition, contributing factors and links to more guidance.		* [[Wellbeing\|Wellbeing]]. Definition, contributing factors and links to more guidance.
		+	* [[Whole-life_carbon\|Whole life carbon.]] Accounting for carbon associated with materials, from cradle to grave.

	= All articles about sustainability =		= All articles about sustainability =

Editor at 04:54, 17 June 2025

2025-06-17T04:54:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:54, 17 June 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.		* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.
	* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.		* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.
−	* Minimum ~~energy efficiency standard~~ (MEES). Setting minimum standards for the UK’s older building stock.	+	* [[Minimum_Energy_Efficiency_Standard_(MEES)\|Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)]]. Setting minimum standards for the UK’s older building stock.
	* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.		* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.
	* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.		* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.

Editor at 04:53, 17 June 2025

2025-06-17T04:53:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:53, 17 June 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.		* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.
	* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.		* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.
		+	* Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES). Setting minimum standards for the UK’s older building stock.
	* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.		* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.
	* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.		* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:04, 17 June 2025
Line 34:		Line 34:
	* [[Display_Energy_Certificate_DEC\|Display Energy Certificate DEC]]. In-use energy ratings for public buildings.		* [[Display_Energy_Certificate_DEC\|Display Energy Certificate DEC]]. In-use energy ratings for public buildings.
	* [[Ecology_and_the_built_environment\|Ecology]]. How ecological principles inform sustainable practices.		* [[Ecology_and_the_built_environment\|Ecology]]. How ecological principles inform sustainable practices.
		+	* [[Embodied_carbon\|Embodied carbon.]] Measuring the hidden carbon cost of materials and construction processes.
	* [[Embodied_energy\|Embodied energy]]. Measuring the hidden energy cost of materials and construction processes.		* [[Embodied_energy\|Embodied energy]]. Measuring the hidden energy cost of materials and construction processes.
	* [[Energy_efficiency\|Energy efficiency]]. Techniques and standards for reducing energy use.		* [[Energy_efficiency\|Energy efficiency]]. Techniques and standards for reducing energy use.
Line 52:		Line 53:
	* [[Sustainability_in_facility_management\|Sustainability in facilities management]]. Avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.		* [[Sustainability_in_facility_management\|Sustainability in facilities management]]. Avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.
	* [[Wellbeing\|Wellbeing]]. Definition, contributing factors and links to more guidance.		* [[Wellbeing\|Wellbeing]]. Definition, contributing factors and links to more guidance.
		+	* [[Whole-life_carbon\|Whole life carbon.]] Accounting for carbon associated with materials, from cradle to grave.

	= All articles about sustainability =		= All articles about sustainability =

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:54, 17 June 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.		* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.
	* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.		* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.
−	* Minimum ~~energy efficiency standard~~ (MEES). Setting minimum standards for the UK’s older building stock.	+	* [[Minimum_Energy_Efficiency_Standard_(MEES)\|Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)]]. Setting minimum standards for the UK’s older building stock.
	* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.		* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.
	* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.		* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:53, 17 June 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.		* [[Kyoto_Protocol\|Kyoto protocol]]. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.
	* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.		* [[Life-cycle_assessment\|Life cycle assessment]]. Understanding and measuring impacts throughout a building’s life.
		+	* Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES). Setting minimum standards for the UK’s older building stock.
	* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.		* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.
	* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.		* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:39, 5 September 2025
Line 3:		Line 3:
	= Summary =		= Summary =

−	Sustainability is a central challenge and opportunity for the construction industry. It encompasses the environmental, social and economic impacts of buildings and infrastructure across their entire ~~lifecycle—from~~ planning ~~and~~ design, ~~through~~ construction ~~and operation~~, to eventual demolition or reuse.	+	Sustainability is a central challenge and opportunity for the construction industry. It encompasses the environmental, social and economic impacts of buildings and infrastructure across their entire lifecycle, through planning, design, construction, operation and eventual demolition or reuse.

−	This knowledge hub brings together key guidance, definitions, legislation~~, case studies~~, and innovations ~~related~~ to sustainable construction. Whether you're an architect, engineer, project manager or student, this is your starting point for understanding and applying sustainable practices.	+	This knowledge hub brings together key guidance, definitions, legislation, and innovations relating to sustainable construction. Whether you're an architect, engineer, project manager or student, this is your starting point for understanding and applying sustainable practices.

	= What is sustainability in construction? =		= What is sustainability in construction? =

−	Sustainability in the built environment means creating ~~buildings and infrastructure~~ that meet ~~present~~ needs without compromising future generations. It includes:	+	Sustainability in the built environment means creating built assets that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It includes:

	* Reducing carbon emissions through energy-efficient design, low-carbon materials and modern construction methods.		* Reducing carbon emissions through energy-efficient design, low-carbon materials and modern construction methods.
−	* Managing resources efficiently, including water, energy, and raw materials.	+	* Managing resources efficiently and ethically, including people, water, energy, waste and raw materials.
	* Enhancing biodiversity and ecological value.		* Enhancing biodiversity and ecological value.
	* Improving wellbeing and health.		* Improving wellbeing and health.
−	* Promoting long-term economic value through lifecycle ~~analysis~~ and resilient construction.	+	* Promoting long-term economic value through lifecycle assessment and resilient construction.

	= Why does sustainability matter in construction? =		= Why does sustainability matter in construction? =

−	The UK construction sector is responsible for around 40% of the nation’s carbon emissions. Transforming the way we design, build ~~and~~ operate buildings is essential to achieving ~~national~~ net-zero goals, complying with ~~evolving~~ regulations, and creating healthier, more resilient places.	+	The UK construction sector is responsible for around 40% of the nation’s carbon emissions. Transforming the way we plan, design, build, operate and decommission buildings is essential to achieving net-zero goals, complying with regulations, and creating healthier, more resilient places.

	= Key articles about sustainability =		= Key articles about sustainability =

−	Here are some of the most important and widely read articles on sustainability ~~available~~ on Designing Buildings:	+	Here are some of the most important and widely read articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings:

	* [[Sustainability_in_building_design_and_construction\|What is sustainability in construction?]] Key principles and practices aimed at reducing environmental harm.		* [[Sustainability_in_building_design_and_construction\|What is sustainability in construction?]] Key principles and practices aimed at reducing environmental harm.
		+	* [[Approved_document_L\|Approved document L]]. Conservation of fuel and power.
	* [[Biodiversity\|Biodiversity]]. The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.		* [[Biodiversity\|Biodiversity]]. The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
	* [[Biophilic_design\|Biophilic design]]. Connecting people to nature and natural processes		* [[Biophilic_design\|Biophilic design]]. Connecting people to nature and natural processes
Line 32:		Line 33:
	* [[Circular_economy\|Circular economy]]. Designing out waste and keeping products in use.		* [[Circular_economy\|Circular economy]]. Designing out waste and keeping products in use.
	* [[Climate_change_science\|Climate change]]. What it is and how it is caused.		* [[Climate_change_science\|Climate change]]. What it is and how it is caused.
−	* [[Display_Energy_Certificate_DEC\|Display Energy Certificate ~~DEC~~]]. In-use energy ratings for public buildings.	+	* [[Climate_Change_Act\|Climate Change Act]]. the first time a country introduced a legally binding framework for tackling climate change.
		+	* [[Display_Energy_Certificate_DEC\|Display Energy Certificate]]. In-use energy ratings for public buildings.
	* [[Ecology_and_the_built_environment\|Ecology]]. How ecological principles inform sustainable practices.		* [[Ecology_and_the_built_environment\|Ecology]]. How ecological principles inform sustainable practices.
	* [[Embodied_carbon\|Embodied carbon.]] Measuring the hidden carbon cost of materials and construction processes.		* [[Embodied_carbon\|Embodied carbon.]] Measuring the hidden carbon cost of materials and construction processes.
Line 38:		Line 40:
	* [[Energy_efficiency\|Energy efficiency]]. Techniques and standards for reducing energy use.		* [[Energy_efficiency\|Energy efficiency]]. Techniques and standards for reducing energy use.
	* [[Energy_performance_certificate_EPC\|Energy performance certificates]]. Rating building energy efficiency for construction, sale, or rent.		* [[Energy_performance_certificate_EPC\|Energy performance certificates]]. Rating building energy efficiency for construction, sale, or rent.
		+	* [[Energy_related_products_regulations\|Energy related products regulations]]. Setting minimum energy efficiency standards.
		+	* [[Greenhouse_gases\|Greenhouse gases]]. Causing heat to accumulate in the atmosphere
	* [[Green_infrastructure\|Green infrastructure]]. Integrating nature-based solutions into the built environment.		* [[Green_infrastructure\|Green infrastructure]]. Integrating nature-based solutions into the built environment.
	* [[Green_rating_systems\|Green rating systems]]. Overview of BREEAM, LEED, Passivhaus and other rating systems.		* [[Green_rating_systems\|Green rating systems]]. Overview of BREEAM, LEED, Passivhaus and other rating systems.
Line 45:		Line 49:
	* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.		* [[Montreal_Protocol\|Montreal protocol]]. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.
	* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.		* [[Net_zero_carbon_2050\|Net zero 2050]]. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.
		+	* [[Ozone-depleting_substances\|Ozone depleting substances]]. Essential ozone is destroyed by chlorine and bromine atoms.
	* [[Passivhaus\|Passivhaus]]. An energy performance standard for dwellings, commercial, industrial and public buildings.		* [[Passivhaus\|Passivhaus]]. An energy performance standard for dwellings, commercial, industrial and public buildings.
	* [[Protected_species\|Protected species]]. Legally safeguarded animals or plants requiring special consideration in development.		* [[Protected_species\|Protected species]]. Legally safeguarded animals or plants requiring special consideration in development.
−	* [[Recycling_explained\|Recycling ~~explained~~]]. Converting a waste material into a material that can be used again.	+	* [[Recycling_explained\|Recycling]]. Converting a waste material into a material that can be used again.
	* [[Sustainable_materials_for_construction\|Sustainable building materials]]. Guidance on selecting materials with low environmental impact.		* [[Sustainable_materials_for_construction\|Sustainable building materials]]. Guidance on selecting materials with low environmental impact.
	* [[Sustainable_development\|Sustainable development]]. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations.		* [[Sustainable_development\|Sustainable development]]. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations.