UK circular economy policy: what it means for construction

This initiative introduces a Circular Economy Taskforce focusing on five priority sectors: construction, textiles, transport, agri-food, and chemicals & plastics. The construction sector, in particular, is under scrutiny, given that it accounts for 62% of the UK's total waste. 

For architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals, this policy shift underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable practices. One Click LCA offers tools designed to integrate circular principles into every stage of project development, from early design to completion, ensuring compliance and promoting environmental responsibility.

Policy signals are clear: Circularity and carbon are now strategic priorities

The recent circular economy pledge joins a growing body of UK and international policy shifts that push the construction sector toward low-carbon and low-waste outcomes. Here’s a snapshot of what’s shaping the industry now:

• London Plan (2021) – Requires whole-life carbon (WLC) assessments for major developments and circular economy statements for projects in London.
  
  
• UK Net Zero Strategy – Commits the UK to carbon neutrality by 2050, with interim targets that demand significant reductions in embodied emissions.
  
  
• DEFRA’s Waste Prevention Programme – Focuses on construction and demolition waste as a priority stream, with circular design strategies at the core.
  
  
• Construction Playbook – Mandates early-stage consideration of whole-life value and carbon in public procurement.
• UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) – From 2027, will impose tariffs on high-carbon imports to align with UK sustainability standards.
  
  
• EU Regulation Trends – The EU is driving forward digital product passports and mandatory carbon disclosures — likely to influence UK policy and client expectations.
  
  

The industry is watching for moves toward UK-wide embodied carbon regulation, potentially following frameworks like Part Z, which already has industry support.

What you can do now

1. Embed circularity with One Click LCA’s Circularity Tool

Designing for reuse and resource efficiency starts with data. One Click LCA’s Circularity Tool offers a fast, scalable way to assess and optimise projects for circularity — from early design stages through to detailed plans.

Use the tool to:

• Evaluate disassembly potential
• Identify material reuse opportunities
• Track circularity indicators like reused content, recyclability, and lifespan
• Link circularity outcomes directly to carbon reduction
• Assess building reversibility — measure adaptability, flexibility, and potential for future use
  
  

With built-in metrics and actionable outputs, you can comply with planning requirements (like London Plan Circular Economy Statements), support sustainability certifications, and demonstrate long-term asset value.

2. Cut embodied carbon with early-stage design carbon tools

Reducing whole-life carbon isn’t just best practice — it’s rapidly becoming a requirement.

One Click LCA’s Carbon Designer 3D Tool enables you to model and optimise embodied carbon from RIBA Stage 1, without needing detailed designs. Import quantities or geometry from BIM, Excel or QTO tools to explore material and design options — fast.

Compatible with RICS, EN 15978, LETI, and GLA WLC reporting, this tool helps you:

• Win bids with carbon-smart concepts
• Guide material choices early
• Align with procurement and planning policies

3. Make EPDs part of your specification process

With procurement under scrutiny, environmental product declarations (EPDs) are essential for informed material selection.

One Click LCA includes the world’s largest EPD database, seamlessly integrated into your carbon assessments. You can:

• Compare products
• Benchmark impacts
• Choose lower-carbon alternatives confidently

And for manufacturers, One Click LCA simplifies EPD creation — helping drive sustainable innovation across the supply chain.

4. Stay ahead of compliance and certification

Whether it’s meeting BREEAM WLC credits, responding to GLA planning conditions, or preparing for future UK regulations, compliance delivers long-term value.

One Click LCA supports all major schemes, including BREEAM, LEED, DGNB and GLA-compliant WLC templates. Templates, automatic reporting, and audit-ready outputs streamline your work — so you stay compliant and competitive.

5. Integrate with your existing workflows

One Click LCA connects with tools you already use: Revit, Archicad, Rhino, Tekla, Excel, and more.

You can:

• Pull data directly from models or spreadsheets
• Automate reporting
• Use results in tenders, design reviews, or investor presentations

Now’s the moment to lead

This is more than a policy pledge — it’s a shift in how the built environment is valued, regulated and delivered.

As the UK accelerates toward a circular and low-carbon economy, AEC firms who act now will shape the new standard. With tools to calculate, optimise and communicate sustainability, One Click LCA helps you lead that change — confidently and efficiently.

Start building circular today

Whether you're designing new developments or managing existing assets, One Click LCA gives you the tools to reduce carbon, plan for reuse, and meet future regulation with confidence.