This is how we soften the built environment’s heavy environmental footprint

By Lee Jones 2025-05-07T06:00:00

As the debate about net zero becomes over-politicised, tackling embodied carbon should be the industry’s next priority. We need clear, enforceable legislation from the government to support this, says Lee Jones

As Tony Blair highlighted last week in his report The Climate Paradox, the climate conversation has stalled. Not for lack of science or solutions, but because we have politicised the issue.

The UK, as it headed to the polls in local and mayoral elections last week, was a case in point. Climate action has become a battleground topic and there is a real risk it remains just that – a political football, not a shared responsibility.

But, while the politics play out, the clock keeps ticking and the construction sector – one of our biggest opportunities to drive climate progress – remains under-regulated and under-ambitious.

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community