CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION
Meeting Net Zero with innovative construction solutions
Commercial director of Armatherm, Paul Beech, discusses innovation in construction technology and how incorporating it within projects can help us work towards the Net Zero aim, despite the difficulties the industry faces
N
et Zero is a term we’ve all been hearing more of recently, and although it’s understood it means working towards a greener future, it’s actually a legally binding commitment to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels by 2050. To put it plainly, this means the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the UK is equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere in the aim of limiting global warming and climate change.
As we welcome 2025, we’re only 25 years away from the deadline to meet this target, but the construction industry ended 2024 with a £1.2 million debt. So, it can seem that the goal is moving further away. However, there are innovative materials and developments within construction technology are making it easier than ever to ensure a greener future. One key method of working towards Net Zero
is creating a circular economy, prioritising the reuse of materials, preventing the over-extraction of natural resources and reducing the number of usable materials that end up in landfill. In construction, this is particularly important as buildings can often have a significant environmental impact both during their creation and throughout their lifetime. By focusing on reclaiming, recycling, and reusing materials such as steel, concrete, and timber, the sector can drastically reduce its carbon footprint. However, while this sounds like a straightforward solution, it requires a fundamental shift in both design thinking and the way we approach the end-of- life of building materials. In recent years, architects and engineers have been exploring ways to design structures with their future demolition in mind. Buildings today are created with their finite lifespan in mind, especially with projects such as temporary housing which requires such quick turnaround. By planning for eventualities, even changes in land usage, technological advances and more, building structures in this way means they can be adapted and reinvented easier than ever before.
This might involve using fewer materials that
are difficult to recycle, choosing modular designs that can be more easily disassembled, or ensuring materials can be reused in new projects. The construction industry’s role in this process is crucial, as it drives the demand for recycled and sustainable materials, ultimately creating a market for them. Moreover, designers must consider the longevity of these materials, ensuring that products used in construction are durable and can withstand the test of time without unnecessary energy consumption for repairs or replacements. Another key area where construction can play a pivotal role in reducing emissions is energy efficiency. The building sector accounts for around 40% of global energy consumption, and much of this energy is wasted due to poor insulation and inefficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. This is where innovative insulation technologies come into play. High-performance insulation products that
address specific issues, such as detrimental thermal bridging, are vital for improving energy efficiency. This not only helps reduce the need for excessive heating and cooling, but it also reduces overall emissions by ensuring that energy used is not wasted. Thermal insulation technologies are also becoming more advanced, with products designed to perform better in extreme temperatures and last longer, all while requiring fewer resources to produce. Another promising solution is the development of smart building technologies. These systems allow for better control and optimisation of a building’s energy usage. Through smart meters, sensors, and automated control systems, buildings can adjust their energy consumption based on real-time needs. This means that heating, cooling, and lighting can be regulated more effectively, ensuring energy is only used when needed. For instance, in a commercial building, lights can be dimmed or heating adjusted automatically when rooms are unoccupied, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. However, despite the innovations and available technologies, the construction industry still needs to adopt a lot of these practices. The main hurdle is cost, as high-performance materials and smart systems can come with a significant upfront price tag. For many projects, especially in the face of rising costs and supply chain challenges, it can be tempting to opt for cheaper, less sustainable alternatives. In addition, there remains a lack of awareness or understanding of the potential long-term savings that these investments can bring through reduced energy bills, fewer repairs, and longer-lasting materials.
Another challenge lies in the supply chain.
Sourcing and installing new technologies, such as high-performance insulation or smart systems,
8 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2025
requires a skilled workforce, yet there is still a skills gap within the industry. Many construction professionals are not yet fully trained in the latest energy-efficient technologies, and this knowledge gap can make it harder to implement sustainable practices at scale. Despite these challenges, there is growing momentum within the construction industry to adopt greener practices. This is driven not only by regulatory pressures but also by a shift in consumer demand for more sustainable buildings. As the urgency of climate change becomes ever clearer, governments and businesses alike are increasingly recognising the importance of energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings—not just for the environment, but also for the economic benefits they can bring. Buildings with better energy efficiency are more cost-effective to run, and as energy prices rise, the financial incentive to improve efficiency only grows stronger.
The potential to drive meaningful change
is real, and even the smallest steps toward greater sustainability can have a large impact. The use of innovative construction materials and technologies, such as those that prevent thermal bridging and improve insulation, is one such step. By incorporating these solutions, projects can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, helping to move closer to the goal of net zero.
As the construction industry continues to adapt and evolve, products that address specific challenges—such as thermal bridging and energy inefficiency—will remain crucial in making the built environment more sustainable. While the road to net zero may seem daunting, the collective effort to integrate these innovations can create a future where the built environment not only meets the needs of today but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
In conclusion, achieving Net Zero by 2050 is undoubtedly an ambitious goal, but it’s one that’s increasingly within reach thanks to the ongoing innovation in construction technologies. Thermal breaks for example, are already helping the industry reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. Armatherm’s solutions make this easier than ever, with design assistance available, and a team operating across the globe to help work towards creating the most efficient structures. There’s also support available to those within the industry who are looking to bridge the skills gap, with informative online courses to earn CPD credits - learning about thermal bridging and the damage couldn’t be easier. As we approach 2025, we’ve got a real opportunity to create a built environment that doesn’t just meet the needs of today, but also sets up a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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