Decarbonising the built environment – time to get real

2nd July 2025

John Wozniak, Sustainability Manager at BW, shares why decarbonising our sector can’t just be about high-profile projects and big names, it’s about every project, every team, every choice.

We talk a lot about sustainability in construction. But the truth is, if we’re serious about hitting the UK’s net zero targets, the built environment has some catching up to do.

Buildings and construction account for a huge chunk of our national carbon emissions. That’s not a niche issue, it’s a sector-wide challenge. And the longer we wait to act, the harder it gets.

Concrete is part of the problem, and the solution

Let’s be honest: we’re not getting away from concrete any time soon. It’s everywhere. But it’s also one of the biggest emitters we use, largely down to the cement inside it.

The good news is, there are ways to make concrete work harder for us and the planet. Low-carbon mixes. Better design. Smarter material choices. But these only stick if we get everyone on board, suppliers, clients, policymakers.

One idea we back is the Low Carbon Ratings for cement and concrete. Like an EPC for your building, but for your base materials. It’s a simple way to make carbon visible, comparable and trackable across projects.

It’s easy to understand why more clients are choosing to occupy buildings designed for a sustainable future.

Innovation can’t happen without investment

We won’t pretend cost isn’t an issue. New materials and methods often come with a price tag. And when budgets are tight, sustainability can fall down the list.

But we’ve got to shift the mindset. It’s not about spending more, it’s about building smarter. Get things right at the early design stages, RIBA 3 and 4, and you lock in long-term gains. Lower energy use. Fewer materials. Less waste. That’s good for your bottom line as well as your carbon footprint.

Everyone needs to step up, not just the big names

Sustainability isn’t just for shiny offices or high-end homes. Every project counts. That includes the volume housing market, smaller developers and everyone in between.

Simple steps like reusing materials, choosing demountable systems, or selecting low-impact products at the outset can make a big difference. And no one needs to do it alone, collaboration across the supply chain is what drives progress.

Renewables are great, but they’re not the whole answer

We’re big fans of renewables, heat pumps, solar panels, the lot. But they’re not a silver bullet. They cost money, need the right conditions, and don’t work everywhere.

Start by reducing demand. That means well-insulated buildings, smart ventilation, efficient systems, and using materials that do more with less. If you’ve got the basics right, renewables are the cherry on top, not the foundation.

We all have a role to play

This isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing awards. It’s about changing the way we build for good. That takes effort from everyone,  clients, consultants, contractors, designers, manufacturers. No exceptions.

At the end of the day, how we build shapes the way we live. If we want a greener, fairer future, we’ve got to start with the buildings we create today.

Let’s get on with it.