Article


How global conflicts impact UK school construction


In an interconnected world, events far beyond our shores increasingly shape domestic industries in profound ways. One of the most pressing issues today is the impact of global conflicts on construction, particularly in sectors as essential as education. As the UK strives to build and maintain schools fit for 21st-century learning, it is imperative to reflect on how wars around the world influence this endeavour—and how prioritising peace can lead to brighter futures for our young people. School Building Magazine Editor Joe Bradbury discusses:


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he impact of global conflicts reverberates far beyond the immediate regions of war, affecting economies, supply chains, and construction industries worldwide. In 2025, school building projects in the UK continue to feel the pressure from geopolitical instability, particularly through rising material costs and labour shortages. Wars in regions rich in critical resources— such as metals, oil, and timber—disrupt supplies, causing price volatility and delaying construction timelines.


For example, conflicts in Eastern Europe have strained supplies of steel and other materials, leading to increased costs that impact public sector budgets allocated for new schools and refurbishment projects. Additionally, energy crises tied to these conflicts drive up the operational costs of running schools, further limiting funds available for new construction.


Labour shortages also stem from displaced workers and reduced workforce mobility, exacerbating project delays. Skilled tradespeople may be redeployed to government-led infrastructure or housing projects designed to accommodate refugees, diverting resources from education infrastructure.


The financial strain on education construction highlights an urgent societal need to prioritise peace and stability. Peaceful conditions allow for uninterrupted access to resources, stable


18 Winter 2025 issue 4178


supply chains, and predictable costs, enabling more efficient school construction. A world that invests in peace fosters environments where children can learn in safe, inspiring, and modern school buildings.


Supply chain disruption


Modern construction is reliant on complex global supply chains. Essential materials such as steel, timber, and concrete are often sourced internationally. When conflicts erupt, trade routes are disrupted, prices surge, and supply shortages become commonplace. In recent years, wars in regions rich in natural resources have driven up the cost of building materials, placing additional financial strain on projects already operating within tight budgets.


For UK school construction, these pressures mean that projects can be delayed, scaled back, or forced to compromise on quality. A shortage of key materials impacts not only new builds but also refurbishment and maintenance work. Temporary fixes may take the place of long-term solutions, ultimately affecting the durability and sustainability of school buildings.


Labour market pressures


Wars and political instability often result in significant displacement of populations. While the construction sector has historically benefitted from skilled migrant labour, recent global conflicts have intensified migration patterns. While the UK gains valuable expertise from many immigrants, fluctuating labour


availability also poses challenges for project planning and workforce stability.


In a strained labour market, competition for skilled workers increases, leading to higher wages and potentially longer project timelines. School building projects, which depend on precise scheduling to avoid disruption to academic calendars, are particularly vulnerable to such pressures.


Energy costs and construction budgets Conflicts in energy-producing regions have a direct impact on fuel prices. The rising cost of energy affects the production and transportation of building materials, further inflating overall construction costs. For school construction projects funded by public sector budgets, these increases can reduce the scope of what is achievable.


In recent years, the cost of heating and powering school buildings has also surged due to geopolitical tensions affecting oil and gas supplies. Designing energy-efficient schools— incorporating solar panels, advanced insulation, and smart energy management systems— becomes not only an environmental necessity but an economic imperative. However, the upfront investment required for these technologies may be harder to secure when budgets are squeezed by rising construction costs.


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