Sustainability
Reset and Rebalance: What Will Shape Construction in 2026?
As the construction sector enters 2026, the prevailing mood is not one of acceleration or retrenchment but reset and rebalance. After several years shaped by inflationary pressure, labour and materials volatility, shifting occupier behaviour and political uncertainty, the market is settling into a more deliberate and selective phase.
By Daniel Wynne
Exploring the Future of HVDC Interconnectors: A Transformative Shift in Global Energy Networks
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) links, or "interconnectors"—onshore and offshore cables designed to enable the flexible, bi-directional flow of electricity between countries—are rapidly becoming the backbone of global energy markets. As nations race to meet decarbonisation targets, these interconnectors aim to lower energy costs and meet growing demand, driving the transition towards greener energy systems.
By Melissa Savva
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The Bio Revolution is Building
The Bio Revolution is Building
Will the concept of bio-based, which has attained significant appeal in other industries, gain mainstream status in construction and real estate? How exactly will we move away from conventional materials and practices? What forces are likely to help or hinder a more nature-based approach to buildings?
By Richard Francis
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Bio-based buildings: 'The route to market would be a cautious one'
Bio-based buildings: 'The route to market would be a cautious one'
Examining the factors holding back the adoption of bio-based materials.
By Richard Francis
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Bio-Based Buildings: 'Nature is the template for what we increasingly expect from building operations'
Bio-Based Buildings: 'Nature is the template for what we increasingly expect from building operations'
In this series of articles, G&T's sustainability consultant, Richard Francis, will look at the implications and applications of a bio-based approach to buildings. By bio-based we mean buildings that are constructed of natural materials (wood, bamboo, algae, etc.) or mimic biological processes (store energy and water, biodegrade without harm, etc.)
By Richard Francis
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Putting Tenants First - Future Proofing Sustainable Spaces for Life Sciences
Putting Tenants First - Future Proofing Sustainable Spaces for Life Sciences
G&T recently partnered with Bisnow to host the webinar "Putting Tenants First - Future Proofing Sustainable Spaces for Life Sciences” as part of its commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the life sciences sector.
By Daniel Webster
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The Future of ESG: What Is the Role of Plant-Based Places?
The Future of ESG: What Is the Role of Plant-Based Places?
This series has focused on the emerging concept of plant-based places, one that is gathering more interest in the industry. We have shown that a drive for net zero carbon and healthy environments has bolstered the choice of bio-based materials. Forthcoming regulation and innovative natural products are reinforcing this trend.
By Richard Francis
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Materials matter: How are advancements in low-carbon construction products driving the net zero agenda?
Materials matter: How are advancements in low-carbon construction products driving the net zero agenda?
G&T’s sustainability consultant, Richard Francis, recently took part in Assemble Media Group’s (AMG) webinar Materials Matter: How are advancements in low-carbon construction products driving the net zero agenda? as part of its Net Zero Live programme.
By Richard Francis
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HVDC Links & Interconnectors: Unlocking Europe's Renewable Energy Grid
HVDC Links & Interconnectors: Unlocking Europe's Renewable Energy Grid
The UK and Europe are undergoing a green-energy revolution and there has been unprecedented investment across wind and solar in the last decade. The proportion of energy generated from renewable sources is increasing rapidly. However, it is not enough to merely generate this energy, it must also be supplied to where it is needed, when it is needed.
By Hou-Fung Yuen
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Data Centres and Sustainability: How Can We Balance Demand with Environmental Targets?
Data Centres and Sustainability: How Can We Balance Demand with Environmental Targets?
In continuation of G&T's commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), we collaborated with Bisnow to host the webinar 'Data Centres and Sustainability: Balancing Demand with Environmental Targets'.
By Adam Thurley
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Plant-Based Places: Regulation and Other Barriers to Greater Uptake
Plant-Based Places: Regulation and Other Barriers to Greater Uptake
In prior articles in this series, we have looked at issues (net zero carbon, healthy buildings) and innovations (new materials, technological developments) that have propelled the idea of plant-based spaces. This is the positive side of the discussion. What also needs consideration, however, are some of the limitations and hurdles facing further adoption of plant-based materials.
By Richard Francis
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Construction Materials Technologies: Old Materials, New Approaches
Construction Materials Technologies: Old Materials, New Approaches
The construction industry, long known for its resilience and adaptability, is undergoing a profound transformation thanks to the latest advancements in construction materials technologies. These innovations are not only enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of construction projects but also revolutionising the very foundations of how we build our world.
By Michael Urie
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Decarbonising the Built Environment – EPC, MEES and the Cost Implications
Decarbonising the Built Environment – EPC, MEES and the Cost Implications
Since its introduction in 2007, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been the main method of assessing the energy efficiency of buildings in the UK. The Government has recently revisited the EPC requirements, seeking to update them and make them more stringent. Currently, proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation mandates a phased implementation of the EPC B by 2030 requirement, with EPC C by 2027 set as an interim milestone for all commercial non-domestic buildings.
By Richard Francis
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The Growth of Plant-Based Materials
The Growth of Plant-Based Materials
In this series of articles, we first set out the plant-based model and how its principles can be applied to both the construction and operation of buildings. We believe successful plant-based materials will mimic the qualities of conventional products (in terms of strength, functionality, etc) while providing sustainable benefits. Over time, as sustainability concerns mount, they will become increasingly attractive, not as alternatives but as products of choice.
By Richard Francis
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Supply Chain Visibility: Driving Your ESG Goals
Supply Chain Visibility: Driving Your ESG Goals
G&T is working with Bisnow to deliver a webinar series that explores Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) in construction.
By Nicky Wright
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Healthy Buildings and the Plant-Based Model
Healthy Buildings and the Plant-Based Model
In this article, we will explore how natural and plant-based materials assist human health and wellbeing. In addition, we will suggest how plant-based processes (sequestering carbon, removing toxins from the air, conserving water, biodegrading naturally, etc.) represent the future playbook of an effective ESG strategy.
By Richard Francis
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New Recommendations for London's Sustainable Skyline
New Recommendations for London's Sustainable Skyline
After a year of evidence gathering, the City of London’s Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce has launched its recommendations report – highlighting the need for direct action to ensure Central London has a globally competitive sustainable commercial built environment.
By Matthias Holman
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Plant-Based Places: Net Zero and the Plant-Based Model
Plant-Based Places: Net Zero and the Plant-Based Model
The drive for net zero carbon in construction and real estate represents an unparalleled development in the history of green buildings. There has been a fundamental shift in how we understand carbon emissions and the evolving and expanding definition of net zero carbon exemplifies this change.
By Richard Francis
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Plant-Based Places: Emerging Products and Principles
Plant-Based Places: Emerging Products and Principles
The rise of ESG and net zero carbon has greatly increased our industry’s appetite for innovation and new thinking. After three decades of relative stability (characterised by green building certifications and regulations) there is now an emerging drive to deliver buildings that better appeal to a wider, more sustainably savvy audience.
By Richard Francis
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Net Zero and the Built Environment: Where Does It Go From Here?
Net Zero and the Built Environment: Where Does It Go From Here?
It is hard to underestimate the changes we have seen in the last five years with the creation of net zero carbon frameworks and the growth of ESG. Arising at the same time, net zero carbon and ESG more broadly have begun to fundamentally alter the construction and operation of buildings.
By Richard Francis
