Sustainability in construction: Knowledge hub

[edit] 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.

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.

[edit] 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:

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] Key articles about sustainability

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

• What is sustainability in construction? Key principles and practices aimed at reducing environmental harm.
• Biodiversity. The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
• Biophilic design. Connecting people to nature and natural processes
• BREEAM. Best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings
• Carbon. A shorthand for carbon dioxide, the most important greenhouse gas released by humans.
• Circular economy. Designing out waste and keeping products in use.
• Climate change. What it is and how it is caused.
• Display Energy Certificate DEC. In-use energy ratings for public buildings.
• Ecology. How ecological principles inform sustainable practices.
• Embodied carbon. Measuring the hidden carbon cost of materials and construction processes.
• Embodied energy. Measuring the hidden energy cost of materials and construction processes.
• Energy efficiency. Techniques and standards for reducing energy use.
• Energy performance certificates. Rating building energy efficiency for construction, sale, or rent.
• Green infrastructure. Integrating nature-based solutions into the built environment.
• Green rating systems. Overview of BREEAM, LEED, Passivhaus and other rating systems.
• Kyoto protocol. An international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.
• 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. Protecting the ozone layer - a world first environmental agreement.
• Net zero 2050. A summary of the policy position, and progress towards the goal.
• Passivhaus. An energy performance standard for dwellings, commercial, industrial and public buildings.
• Protected species. Legally safeguarded animals or plants requiring special consideration in development.
• Recycling explained. Converting a waste material into a material that can be used again.
• Sustainable building materials. Guidance on selecting materials with low environmental impact.
• Sustainable development. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations.
• Sustainable procurement. Achieving value for money on a whole life basis.
• Sustainability in facilities management. Avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.
• Wellbeing. Definition, contributing factors and links to more guidance.
• Whole life carbon. Accounting for carbon associated with materials, from cradle to grave.

[edit] All articles about sustainability

There are more than 2,000 articles about sustainability on Designing Buildings. A full index is available here.

[edit] 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 work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.