As we move into the second quarter of 2025, Mike Bentham reflects on the built environment’s progress, with a focus on the developments influencing how we manage carbon emissions in the built environment.

The second version of BSI Flex 350 provides guidance on using alternative binder systems for concrete – cutting construction’s carbon footprint in the process.

New digital surveillance technology is proving its worth in improving concrete quality assurance, as well as advancing safety and sustainability.

Skanska is using 3,000 precast planks made of 50% ground granulated blast-furnace slag in its 105 Victoria Street scheme, which the contractor calls “London’s most sustainable office building”.

From creating a more pleasant working environment through to saving energy – smart sensors can deliver a whole host of benefits for both new and existing buildings. Mott MacDonald’s Eszter Gulacsy explains.

Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Surrey County Council to build a new home for Hopescourt School in Walton-on-Thames, which will be net zero in operation.

Using energy digital twins could be key to reducing costs and carbon for both new and existing buildings, says Mott MacDonald’s Santiago Velez.

Communication will be a key part of the built environment’s carbon reduction journey, says Max Smith.

If the industry wants to embrace the circular economy, it must go beyond sustainability initiatives and adopt a restorative approach, writes Pablo Cristi Worm.

Kye Gbangbola on how construction companies can better serve the communities they work in.

New sports venues should be constructed with greater environmental transparency in the supply chain and more consideration given to use of hybrid, temporary or portable structures, according to a new report.

Few solutions are true silver bullets when it comes to decarbonisation but for commercial buildings, heat pumps could hit the bullseye by halving energy consumption. Mott MacDonald’s Chris Vallis explains.

CIOB vice-president Saul Humphrey argues that the climate challenges facing the built environment are a great opportunity for the industry.

Caroline Gumble reflects on the challenges of delivering a sustainable built environment.

Willmott Dixon’s latest project, next to London’s Tower Bridge, has incorporated 1930s steel beams in a building designed to make an impact on sustainable construction.

Mott MacDonald has used parametric modelling to meet DfE design requirements on more than 50 school refurbishments. Monica Donaldson-Balan explains.

CIC has published a draft competence framework for sustainability in the built environment intended to become a British Standard part of the BS 8670 Competence series.

Using waste clay and brick in cement production could reduce the material’s embodied carbon by up to 30%, according to a new report backed by Tarmac.