Designing for Sustainability

In today’s construction landscape, sustainability is more than a buzzword. With the UK aiming to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to levels in 1990, and Ireland targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, the pressure is on for architects, contractors, and developers to rethink how buildings are designed and what materials are used to build them.

The design and specification of a building’s facade is one of the most critical factors that can influence both embodied and operational carbon. This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about long-term environmental performance and regulatory compliance.

Start with materials

The choice of materials can make or break a project’s sustainability credentials. Lifecycle thinking is essential. What’s the carbon footprint of the product? Can this be independently and transparently verified? Is the product easily recycled at the end of its lifecycle? Does it reduce dependency on virgin resources?

Aluminium, for example, is used in curtain walling, windows, doors, and other building systems. Aluminium is strong, durable, and recyclable. Unlike many materials, it doesn’t degrade through recycling. In fact, around 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today. This makes it a standout option for clients focused on whole-life carbon performance. Recycling aluminium requires just 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium, a major win for embodied carbon reduction.

Closing the Loop: Circular Construction

Clients and investors are increasingly seeking products and companies that support circular economy principles. The European Aluminium Association reports that recycling aluminium prevents the release of 39 million tonnes of CO2 globally each year. That’s not just good for the planet, it’s a clear commercial advantage for companies bidding on publicly funded or ESG-conscious developments.

For example, the UK Green Building Council recommends integrating circular economy strategies across the project lifecycle. This includes designing facades that can be dismantled and reused, rather than demolished and discarded.

Design drives Efficiency

Good design also plays a huge role in operational emissions. Facades influence thermal performance, daylighting, and ventilation. With buildings responsible for 23% of UK carbon emissions, reducing heating and cooling demands is non-negotiable.

By specifying high-performance glazing systems and thermally broken aluminium profiles, project teams can cut energy use dramatically. TECHNAL systems for instance, have been used on BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Platinum projects around the world.

What's Next?

The UK's Future Homes Standard and Ireland's updated NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) regulations are pushing the industry to innovate faster. More clients are demanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and asking about the origin and end-of-life pathways for building products and components.

For construction firms, staying competitive means aligning with these goals, not just in principle but in practice. That means working with suppliers who can deliver products that support circularity, reduce embodied carbon, and help achieve performance benchmarks.

In Summary

To meet the ambitious climate goals set out by both the UK and Irish governments, the construction industry must focus on more than operational efficiency. It's time to design smarter, specify better, and build with the full lifecycle and circularity in mind.

Choose materials like aluminium that are made with verified post-consumer material. Specify products that are easily dismantled and made with as many recyclable components as possible. Partner with manufacturers who are truly invested in creating a low-carbon, circular future.