The UK's most sustainable construction companies

Clients, investors and communities increasingly expect developments to minimise carbon emissions, protect biodiversity and deliver healthier, more future focused places.

At the same time, technological progress is enabling construction companies to transform how buildings are designed, delivered and operated. From low carbon materials to digital optimisation and circular economy principles, many UK firms are embedding sustainability into every stage of the construction lifecycle. Below, we explore what sustainable construction looks like today and highlight some of the companies demonstrating leadership in this area.

What sustainable construction means today

Sustainable construction refers to processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient across the full lifecycle of a building. This includes:

• Location
• Design
• Construction
• Operation
• Maintenance and renovation
• End of life and demolition

The focus is on creating structures that provide long term value and wellbeing for occupants while minimising environmental impact. This involves reducing embodied and operational carbon, improving energy and water efficiency, selecting responsible materials, enhancing biodiversity and reducing waste.

Industry frameworks such as BREEAM, NABERS UK and the Considerate Constructors Scheme have helped raise standards by offering independent methods of assessing environmental and social performance. A growing number of contractors also set science based climate targets and publish transparent reporting to track progress.

Below are examples of UK companies known for advancing sustainable construction in meaningful and measurable ways.

Canary Wharf Group

Canary Wharf Group has become recognised for integrating sustainability into large scale urban regeneration. Their developments often feature high environmental performance, extensive public realm and enhanced biodiversity.

Highlights include:

• Delivering commercial buildings that achieve some of the highest BREEAM ratings in the country
• Investing in green infrastructure across the estate including parks, planting and restored dock areas
• Incorporating adaptable building designs that support long term climate resilience
• Publishing detailed sustainability reports that track progress across energy, waste, water, nature and social value

Canary Wharf Group demonstrates how large developers can combine commercial performance with responsible design at scale.

Laing O’Rourke

Laing O’Rourke is widely recognised for its commitment to sustainable construction methods and material innovation. The company has focused heavily on reducing the environmental footprint of major building components.

Examples of progress include:

• Pioneering lower carbon concrete mixes and promoting the use of cement alternatives
• Embedding modern methods of construction that reduce waste, shorten programmes and improve onsite safety
• Using design for manufacture and assembly to reduce embodied carbon in structural elements
• Reducing construction waste significantly over the past decade through design improvements and supply chain collaboration

Laing O’Rourke’s approach shows how material science, manufacturing and construction innovation work together to cut environmental impact.

Mace

Mace has been praised for the breadth and ambition of its sustainability initiatives. The company places strong emphasis on both operational emissions and project delivered emissions.

Their work includes:

• Achieving business level carbon neutrality and promoting net zero operations across project delivery
• Training thousands of employees in sustainability topics and responsible sourcing
• Delivering high profile buildings with advanced sustainability performance including extensive use of cross laminated timber and energy efficient design
• Supporting clients with strategic sustainability services that reduce lifecycle emissions

Mace’s ability to embed sustainability into delivery, culture and client advisory makes it a strong example of sector leadership.

Skanska UK

Skanska has long been known for its focus on environmental management and social value. The company aims to be a global leader in green construction and has a structured approach to achieving this vision.

Key areas include:

• Early adoption of robust environmental management systems
• Clear long term sustainability commitments focused on safety, energy, carbon and responsible procurement
• Collaboration initiatives that help improve sustainability across the wider supply chain
• Investment in skills and education including support for the Supply Chain Sustainability School

Skanska’s strength lies in treating sustainability as a holistic framework rather than a series of standalone initiatives.

Barratt Developments

As one of the UK’s largest house builders, Barratt’s sustainability progress has a significant impact on the national residential sector.

Their efforts include:

• Delivering highly energy efficient homes based on fabric first design
• Increasing the use of renewable heating technologies such as air source heat pumps
• Developing demonstration homes that test new low carbon building techniques and materials
• Setting long term goals to significantly reduce operational and embodied emissions across new developments

Barratt’s work shows how high volume residential developers can influence supply chains and consumer expectations.

Other noteworthy companies and practices

Alongside major contractors, a growing number of specialist firms, designers and engineers are advancing sustainable construction. Examples include:

• Lendlease for low carbon urban regeneration
• Cundall for net zero engineering design
• Specialist Passivhaus designers delivering ultra efficient homes
• Innovation focused SMEs developing new materials and modern manufacturing methods

Industry wide recognition, such as the BREEAM Awards, also highlights best practice across office, residential, education and mixed use projects each year.

Why this matters for innovation and future progress

Sustainable construction is not simply a matter of replacing materials or choosing greener options. It requires technical problem solving, research into new methods, accurate modelling, digital capabilities and collaboration across supply chains. Many of these activities involve measurable scientific and technological advancement which, in turn, are highly relevant to R&D tax relief and other innovation incentives.

By investing in sustained innovation, the construction sector can reduce carbon emissions, create better buildings and strengthen the UK’s leadership in sustainable development.

Conclusion

Sustainable construction is now an essential part of shaping the UK’s built environment. The companies highlighted here show what is possible when environmental responsibility, technical innovation and commercial performance work together. Their efforts demonstrate that reducing carbon, protecting natural resources and improving long term building performance can align with delivering high quality developments.

As expectations continue to rise across policy, industry and society, the wider sector will need to adopt similar approaches. With continued innovation and a commitment to responsible practice, UK construction is well positioned to drive meaningful, lasting progress in the years to come.