Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in construction, it’s a necessity.  

As one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, waste production, and resource consumption, the UK construction industry is facing mounting pressure to adapt sustainable approaches. 

Most notably, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) cautioned that the built environment, which accounts for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is not on track to meet the sector's emission reduction goals aligned with the UK’s 2050 net-zero target. 

As pressure mounts from government regulations, investors, and the public, construction businesses must now adopt more sustainable practices to future-proof their operations. 

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the key sustainability standards shaping UK construction, the principles of sustainable building, and practical ways construction businesses can embed sustainability into their projects.