Low Carbon & Resource Efficient Construction Procurement

The built environment has an important role to play in supporting Wales to become a zero-waste, net zero carbon, and one planet resource use nation by 2050. Reducing embodied carbon impacts arising from the construction cycle - including raw material sourcing, manufacture, use, and disposal of construction products - will be a critical element in reducing Wales’ overall carbon impact. Procurement across the built environment lifecycle, through design, construction, renovation, demolition, or facilities management can enable a reduction in these impacts, through implementation of sustainable procurement hierarchy principles.

The built environment accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions. Construction works and materials alone represent 11% of global emissions. Whilst significant improvements have been made in operational energy efficiency of buildings, there is growing recognition of the need to tackle embodied carbon - namely, carbon impacts arising from material extraction, processing, transportation, and construction works. Construction materials account for half of raw materials used in Europe. Construction and demolition waste represent a third of all waste. Building materials therefore show an enormous untapped potential in supporting a transition towards a circular economy. 

Take a look at our webinar providing an overview of, and support in using this guidance.