The European portal for energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings
A roundtable in Birmingham proposes bold steps to cut carbon in Midlands' construction
News
United Kingdom
A roundtable in Birmingham proposes bold steps to cut carbon in Midlands' construction
The UK construction industry’s carbon emissions, driven by embodied carbon in materials like steel, demand reforms, clear policies, and innovations like timber use to meet net zero goals. A roundtable in Birmingham discussed the Midlands' specific challenges and opportunities in achieving these targets.
Luca Papapietro
The construction industry is a major contributor to UK carbon emissions, particularly through embodied carbon from materials like steel and concrete.
Achieving net zero by 2050 requires regulatory reforms, client engagement, and innovation in material use, such as timber.
A Birmingham roundtable of experts emphasised the need for whole-life carbon accounting and highlighted regional disparities in standards, such as London’s stricter frameworks versus the Midlands’ inconsistencies.
Proposals include adopting Part Z, a regulation to limit embodied carbon, and increasing timber use despite challenges from cost, safety rules, and industry hesitation.
Clear policies, government leadership, and client incentives are critical to progress.
