Article last updated 25 November 2025.
To build the places we live, work and play takes up half of the resources extracted from our earth – concrete and steel being chief among them. They are both very energy intensive to produce using current techniques.
New ways of making cement and steel are being developed, as well as alternatives to them that involve much lower carbon emissions.
We take a look at what this means for long-term investors in Creative construction, part of our Building Conversations video series.
You can also download our building a more sustainable future report to further explore the vital role the construction industry plays in fighting climate change.