The UK construction industry has the tools and expertise to cut embodied carbon, but progress is being held back by policy gaps, inconsistent standards, and economic misalignment, according to a new report.
The Embodied Carbon Summit evidence report captures insights from developers, engineers, architects, local authorities, insurers, and academics who took part in the Embodied Carbon Summit on 5 November 2025.
The cross-industry event was convened in response to AECOM’s study on the practical, technical, and economic impacts of measuring and reducing embodied carbon in new buildings, commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government earlier this year.
The report finds that while reducing embodied carbon is technically achievable using existing UK standards and tools, systemic changes are needed to scale adoption across the industry. Initiatives such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, Part Z, the updated RICS Professional Standard on Whole Life Carbon Assessment and benchmarking work by the Future Homes Hub were highlighted as helping gain traction. However, participants agreed that voluntary action alone will not deliver the necessary change at the required pace.
Julie Godefroy, Head of Net Zero at CIBSE, said: “This report is a timely and important reflection of how far industry capability on embodied and whole-life carbon has progressed, and of the need for coordinated action to unlock further change. CIBSE is pleased to have worked alongside partners across the sector in providing practical leadership - through guidance such as TM65, our whole life carbon assessment training, and our joint work on initiatives including Part Z and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. Together, these efforts demonstrate that the tools, skills and expertise already exist, and that national consistency and clear policy signals are now needed to accelerate delivery at scale.”
Summit attendees called for near-term government signals, including national consistency in whole-life carbon methodologies, investment in shared data infrastructure, and a phased regulatory approach to guide industry while allowing adaptation. Concerns were also raised about the consequences of inconsistent regulation, such as different local authorities introducing varying requirements on embodied carbon, which can create confusion and slow progress.
The Embodied Carbon Summit evidence report mirrors AECOM’s original study, covering practical, technical, and economic considerations. While it stops short of making specific policy recommendations, the report makes clear that industry capability has advanced significantly, and that coordinated national policy could accelerate further change.
The summit and report were supported by CIBSE, the Happold Foundation, the Institution of Structural Engineers, UK Green Building Council, RICS and the Royal Institute of British Architects. Over 50 participants from across the construction industry attended, alongside policymakers and civil servants.
Read the full Embodied Carbon Summit 2025 report here
