About us

Our commitment

The construction industry is and will always be essential for meeting the growing demands for infrastructure and housing. However, it is also a significant contributor to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional construction activities, from the manufacturing and transportation of materials to the operation of machinery lead to substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. For example, cement production alone accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. 

Beyond direct emissions, the sector also contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity due to land clearing for assets development. The extraction of raw materials often leads to habitat destruction and soil erosion. Furthermore, construction sites generate considerable waste, much of which ends up in landfills, releasing methane—a potent GHG—during decomposition.

Given the significant environmental footprint of the construction sector, transitioning to more sustainable practices is crucial. Sustainable construction practices include using low-carbon design and eco-friendly materials, reducing transportation distances, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and incorporating renewable energy sources. Tools such as Life Cycle Assessment and biodiversity audits are key to achieve these goals. Additionally, adopting a whole-system approach supported by digital twins allows engineers to quickly assess the major source of emissions across the whole supply chain and reduce these emissions more effectively.

Innovative materials, such as fossil-free steel, carbon-neutral concrete, bio-based solutions and responsibly sourced timber, can significantly cut emissions. Implementing circular economy principles, where materials are reused and recycled, also plays a vital role. Additionally, enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings through better insulation, air tightness, energy-efficient windows, and smart energy management systems reduces operational emissions. But it is not enough, climate change has taken place and it is today our responsibility to also develop climate-resilient assets.

Based on years of research and experience, Oxford Sustainability promotes sustainable practices in the construction sector by offering independent strategic peer review to all stakeholders of the sector so they can significantly lower the carbon footprint of their projects, up to the point where they are no longer part of the problem but part of the solution to mitigate climate change. 


Fabien Poncelet
Director of Oxford Sustainabiilty Ltd.