The UK Government’s recent planning reforms, announced on December 12, 2024, aim to tackle the country’s ongoing housing crisis by delivering 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. The new reforms include mandatory targets requiring councils to build 37,000 homes annually, a focus on brownfield sites for development, and revisions to greenbelt boundaries.

This signals the start of one of the largest development projects in the country’s history – an extraordinary opportunity for the UK to not only deliver much-needed housing, but to embed sustainability into every stage of the construction process.

So how do we balance the urgent need for more homes with protecting the environment and biodiversity? Construction projects often come with a high environmental impact, from high carbon emissions to resource depletion and waste generation. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to embed circular economy (CE) practices into the planning, design, and construction of new homes. This way, we can ensure that growth doesn’t come to the detriment of the UK’s natural environment.

What is the Circular Economy?

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption where materials are kept at a higher value for longer through processes like reuse, recycling, and refurbishment[1]. It is the opposite of the linear model or “take, make, dispose”, where raw materials are extracted and eventually thrown away, without fully considering their reuse potential[2][3]. In construction, integrating CE practises could include using recycled building materials, refurbishing existing buildings, and designing homes to be adaptable and reusable at the end of their lifecycle. This can help preserve valuable resources and extend the lifespan of buildings, while reducing carbon emissions and waste.

Making the most of valuable resources  

One way to mitigate the impact of new building projects is to maximise the use of existing resources. For example, making pre-development audits mandatory in all development projects can provide an understanding of how products and materials will be reused prior to demolition or redevelopment of the site[4]. Eco-design solutions – such as lean structural elements that avoid excess material or using lighter-weight materials, and adaptable building layouts – can also reduce the environmental footprint of construction projects. At the moment, up to 20% more material is used, than is actually needed.

The UK Government can also play a key role in the development and establishment of secondary material markets (SRM), which allow existing products to “re-enter the product value chain”, thereby reducing dependency on new resources[5]. This can give businesses and customers the assurance to use these materials with confidence, knowing they meet safety and quality standards.

Consideration must also be given to repurposing of existing buildings. With over 600,000 empty homes recorded in England, there is a significant opportunity to refurbish and retrofit unused buildings, rather than constructing new ones. This approach would save valuable materials, reduce embodied carbon, and cause less disruption to local neighbourhoods and wildlife.

Protecting Biodiversity 

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries globally. While the Government’s reforms are focused on meeting housing targets, they risk pushing for new homes on greenbelt land – designated areas around towns and cities aimed at preventing urban sprawl[6]. To avoid negative impacts on greenbelt land, sustainable planning must prioritise protecting valuable green spaces and incorporating green infrastructure, such as parks, trees, and green roofs, into developments.

Employing Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can be part of the solution. MMC involves off-site manufacturing of building components, which can then be rapidly assembled on-site causing less disruption to local ecosystems and habitats.

Preserving Construction Soil

As the foundation upon which all buildings are constructed, soil is essential for food production, mitigating climate change, reducing floods and droughts, and absorbing vast amount of carbon[7]. In England, over 50% of construction soil waste in England ends up in landfills, despite in many cases, being safe for reuse. The UK can preserve, not throw away, this precious resource by adopting a new Soil Reuse and Storage System. This would ensure that only soils that are irretrievably contaminated or cannot be immobilized should be considered waste. This shift would prevent valuable, inert soils from being unnecessarily disposed of, and would encourage the reuse of healthy soils.

Achieving Growth and Environmental Protection

The Government’s ambitious housing reforms present a pivotal opportunity to address both the housing crisis and the urgent need to preserve our environment. Embedding circular economy principles and approaches into the new housebuilding programme – such as refurbishing existing buildings, using MMC, and prioritising resource reuse – can significantly reduce waste and pollution while protecting the UK’s rich natural landscape.

It’s time to stop thinking of housing development as a choice between growth and sustainability. We can – and must – do both. By moving beyond traditional supply-centric solutions, we can instead deliver sustainable, long-lasting homes that will serve future generations while protecting our environment.

Interested in learning more? Dive deeper into how the future of construction can be transformed by reading our latest policy briefs on circular economy solutions for the construction sector – with a special focus on Biodiversity Net Gain, Strategic Supply  and Soil.

References

• [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits#:~:text=The%20circular%20economy%20is%20a,products%20as%20long%20as%20possible
• [2] https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
• [3] https://www.eib.org/en/stories/linear-economy-recycling#:~:text=Linear%20economy%20is%20a%20system,line%20regarding%20recycling%20or%20reuse.
• [4] https://www.sweco.co.uk/services/water-energy-industry/environmental-consultancy/pre-demolition-audits/#:~:text=Pre%2Ddemolition%2Fredevelopment%20audits%20and,or%20redevelopment%20of%20the%20site.
• [5] https://circular-cities-and-regions.ec.europa.eu/support-materials/papers-and-reports/investigating-europes-secondary-raw-material-markets
• [6] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn00934/
• [7] https://www.clientearth.org/latest/news/why-soil-matters/#:~:text=Soil%20provides%20a%20host%20of,food%20security%20without%20healthy%20soils.

Author’s note

Written by Aleyna Prokudina, Policy Advisor at the Policy Impact Unit. With thanks to Jen Reed, Head of Policy Impact Unit, for her valuable contributions.

The scope of today’s environmental challenges is vast and demands careful and contextual evaluations, guidance, and policy interventions. One of the pressing issues is the depletion of fossil fuel resources, which has driven a shift toward renewable energy. While both the Global North and South encounter significant hurdles in this transition, the South faces a particularly intricate set of obstacles, especially when striving for a just energy transition.

For the Global South, this transition often needs to align with economic growth imperatives. Although the Global North now leads in renewable energy adoption, one must note that it reaped extensive benefits from fossil fuels during the colonial era. The South, however, cannot replicate that path and has yet to build similarly robust institutions.

This context highlights the complexities that nations in the Global South—such as Indonesia—must address in pursuing their just transition goals. Our recent study (Jazuli et al., 2024) uses Indonesia as a case to illustrate how political, social, and regulatory factors substantially influence its energy transition efforts under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

An ‘un-environmental’ analysis

Our work employs a policy regime framework, focusing on political, social, and regulatory ‘realities’ to evaluate Indonesia’s JETP, which was initiated during the country’s G20 presidency in 2022. While Indonesia’s commitment to the JETP marks a promising step toward reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewables, it also underscores broader challenges faced by the Global South in moving away from fossil fuels. Indonesia’s long-standing struggles to reform fossil fuel subsidies (FFSR) reflect these difficulties.

Starting in the wake of the 1998 Asian financial crisis, FFSR aimed to divert funds from fossil fuel subsidies to essential sectors like health and education. However, the progress has been hampered by political pushback and social resistance. Similarly, the JETP—though encouraging—faces significant barriers. Achieving a fair energy transition demands more than environmental resolve; it requires solid political, social, and regulatory support.

Politically, resistance to foreign-controlled financing and concerns about national debt present considerable challenges for the JETP. Additionally, coal, a vital export and energy source, is deeply embedded in Indonesia’s political and economic systems. Socially, the JETP is promoted as a national priority, yet it remains poorly understood among much of Indonesia’s population. On the regulatory side, Indonesia’s inconsistent policy landscape hinders JETP’s progress; despite ambitious carbon reduction goals, energy policies continue to favor coal, the country’s primary energy source.

Recommendations for the Global South

JETP initiatives are being pursued not only in Indonesia but also in countries like South Africa, Senegal, and Vietnam. Although these nations have unique policy environments, they share common characteristics typical of the South, such as nascent institutional structures and diverse communities. Based on our analysis, we offer three recommendations for administrations and advocates of JETPs in the Global South.

Firstly, success depends on political support from key stakeholders. Advocates should frame the energy transition as a catalyst for economic growth and national security, not merely an environmental issue. Consistent dialogue with political leaders is essential to ensure JETP alignment with their agendas. Emphasizing how JETPs can expand political leaders’ constituencies will boost the initiative’s appeal.

Secondly, for an equitable transition, it’s vital to go beyond elite (English-dominated) discussions and actively involve affected groups, such as coal industry workers. Vulnerable populations, including women and indigenous communities, should also have a voice in decision-making to foster an inclusive transition. Engaging trusted entities like religious, social, and cultural organizations can build ownership and trust.

Lastly, existing regulatory frameworks need revisiting to ensure policy alignment, particularly in curbing fossil fuel dependency, which conflicts with renewable energy goals. JETPs can act as a lever for updating and streamlining policies that currently impede renewable energy growth and investment. Effective enforcement is also critical to overcoming the policy inertia and reversals common in energy-related reforms. (*)

Muhamad Rosyid Jazuli – PhD Candidate at UCL STEaPP, affiliate researcher at Paramadina Public Policy Institute

Related publication:

Jazuli, M. R., Roll, K., & Mulugetta, Y. (2024). A review of Indonesia’s JETP through the dynamics of its policy regime. Global Policy, 00, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.13452

My academic journey in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Digital Technologies and Policy at University College London has been truly enriching. The programme has equipped me with robust analytical skills to understand cutting-edge technologies and develop evidence-based policies that address their societal implications.

The curriculum was thoughtfully structured to provide hands-on experience in policy development across multiple domains. The simulated multilateral negotiations were particularly valuable, where we represented different nations to address urgent technological and social challenges. These exercises strengthened our ability to analyse complex issues efficiently, identify key priorities, and develop practical policy solutions under time constraints while honing our diplomatic and negotiation skills.

The programme’s emphasis on real-world application culminated in our group project, where we collaborated with industry partners to address contemporary challenges. Through this experience, I developed essential skills in teamwork, professional communication, and data analysis. Our research on IoT privacy frameworks with the Information Commissioner’s Office across China, the UK, and Japan led to a presentation at the PETRAS conference in London, where engaging with international academics helped refine our policy recommendations.

A significant achievement during my MPA studies was publishing an op-ed in the AI&Society journal, developed under Dr. Jean-Christophe Mauduit’s guidance. The piece examined the implications of police use of facial recognition technology in the UK, focusing on transparency and bias concerns. Additionally, my analysis of Weibo’s role in China’s digital landscape, written for another module focusing on technology complex, supported my successful application to the University of Cambridge’s MPhil programme.

The supportive environment at UCL really enhanced the academic experience. The guidance from faculty members and collaboration with fellow international students created a constructive learning atmosphere that facilitated both professional and personal growth. It’s somewhere I would always love to return to share life updates and exchange ideas, both academic and personal.

For those keen to shape the future of technology policy and make a meaningful impact on society, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring UCL’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP). Whether you’re fascinated by emerging technologies technically/ethically, deeply committed to sustainability, or passionate about bridging the gap between innovation and public good, STEaPP offers brilliant pathways to help you achieve your aspirations.

Author: Jinqian Li, STEaPP Alumni. MPA Digital Technologies and Policy 2022-2023.

As the new Government comes into power, the UK’s ambition to position itself as a global clean Energy Superpower has been renewed. Government has expressed the need to invest in a new industrial strategy where sustainability goals are critical to deliver economic growth and achieve clean energy by 2030. This includes investing in new jobs and technologies and exploring responsible ways to utilise the UK’s naturally available bioresources.

Seaweed (macroalgae) has a pivotal role to play in delivering ambitions on clean energy, and incubation and support for this emerging industry must feature in the future industrial strategy to unlock the transformative potential it can offer. Seaweed-derived bioproducts can be used to displace fossil fuel-derived compounds across multiple sectors, including plastics, fabrics, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and the nutraceuticals industries. Furthermore, seaweed can capture more carbon than it releases to the atmosphere (carbon sink), contributing as a natural tool to tackle climate change.

To unlock these benefits, we must scale up seaweed biorefineries in the UK, but there are several engineering, bioscience and societal challenges currently holding this back. Tackling these challenges and demonstrating the feasibility and potential of scaled-up seaweed biorefineries in the UK, is the focus of important research currently being conducted by Dr Emily Kostas at the new Manufacturing Futures Lab at UCL East. It is envisioned that this research will encourage Government to support UK seaweed aquaculture and increase the availability of this versatile and sustainable feedstock.

Despite important efforts to map and characterize opportunities for seaweed farming across the UK [1]^,[2], there has been no strong policies and support at the necessary scale to realize the ambitions set above. Numerous UK companies are, in fact, currently importing seaweed from abroad (Norway and the Faroe Islands) due to the lack of a constant supply and adequate amount of seaweed biomass that is currently available here in the UK, which clearly demonstrates that there is demand and that the market is ready for this transition.

We believe there is an opportunity to sink carbon and support green energy domestically by promoting the scale-up of seaweed-derived bioproducts, biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials that have been manufactured from UK farmed seaweed.

Therefore, we have identified three key recommendations for policy action going forward:

• Build on existing evidence base of suitable areas for sustainable aquaculture[3] and monitor the regional landscape availability and production of native seaweed feedstocks; this would ensure a constant supply and will meet the demand for a future UK bioeconomy.
• Design and deliver a new regulatory and policy framework that promotes sustainable seaweed farming and cultivation in the UK, based on solid, sustainable and responsible planning on how to best manage marine environments[4]^,[5].
• Work with coastal communities and stakeholders to explore how to meaningfully develop a plan to create job security whilst protecting natural resources and landscape.

Seaweed can provide a fresh start to ignite a new UK industrial strategy and contribute to achieving the ambitious goals of delivering clean energy by 2030 and production of alternative and sustainable products. The ability to do so rests on how effectively we can bolster the UK’s aquaculture in the years ahead.

References

[1] https://thefishsite.com/articles/initiative-aims-to-take-uk-seaweed-sector-to-the-next-level

[2]  https://www.carymor.wales/seaweed/seaweed-farming-in-the-uk

[3] Identification of strategic areas of sustainable aquaculture production in English waters: Final Report

[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-planning-in-england

[5] https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-planning/

Manufacturing has a pivotal role to play in building a thriving future UK economy which is resilient and can meet many of the increasingly pressing challenges facing UK society.  

But is this fundamental role fully understood by those outside the world of manufacturing? Attending ‘The Future of UK Manufacturing’ event earlier this month has prompted me to reflect on this question.  

Common cross-sectoral challenges and potential solutions 

Recent policy developments such as the UK’s Advanced Manufacturing Plan supported by £4.5 billion of funding for strategic manufacturing sectors, the Net Zero Strategy and the UK Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework point to the increasing awareness of the importance of manufacturing for the UK economy in recent years.  

While this is welcome, a number of challenges continue to hamper the ability of manufacturing to realise its true economic potential. 

One of the key apparent challenges is that, despite the fact that the UK is a global leader in innovation and research, this does not fully translate into economic value through industrial activity [1]. For example, in terms of number of research publications, the UK surpasses the US in per capita terms, but it lags behind in translating scientific knowledge into commercial success. A telling example is that the word ‘manufacturing’ is only mentioned once in the ‘Science and Technology Framework’, which risks creating the perception that the onus is on industry when it comes to scaling up new technologies. 

Although a constant stream of fundamental research is a crucial part of the innovation ecosystem, the ability to scale up lab-based demonstrations needs to become an equally prominent part of how research is undertaken in the UK to set the right conditions for success. Lessons can be learned from the example of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine where the parallel research in immunology and in manufacturing, supported by the Vax-Hub, contributed to the speedy Covid-19 vaccine rollout.  

Another significant challenge for the UK manufacturing community is skills gaps, which amounts to between £7.7 and £8.3 billion in lost annual economic output [2]. Part of the difficulty in attracting talent to manufacturing careers is that manufacturing jobs are still associated with a traditional view of manufacturing roles as being manual and poorly paid. A study led by InterAct suggests that these perceptions can be changed by focusing on levers which have the potential to attract people to manufacturing careers such as flexibility and being part of the solution to many of the health-related, environmental and economic issues we are facing. 

Which leads us to one of the recurring themes that emerged from the discussions held during the event – the importance of storytelling and narrative setting. There was agreement that the UK manufacturing community should challenge outdated perceptions and create a positive narrative about the role of manufacturing that cuts across sectors and is clearly communicated to policymakers and those outside the world of manufacturing. Coalescing around a common strong narrative can support with ensuring manufacturing remains high on the policymakers’ agendas and can attract the skilled people it needs.  

So, what could this narrative be? One of the workshop sessions explored this exact question. A strong narrative should show how manufacturing can be at the forefront of creating good quality jobs and be a fundamental part of the UK’s future economic prosperity and national security.  

Early-stage R&D, which underpins manufacturing innovation, requires continued long-term funding support as businesses are often risk-averse and not incentivised to invest sufficiently at that stage. The Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has been responding to this need through its manufacturing for the future research funding programmes, which is very welcome. I am left convinced that prioritising this type of investment is more important than ever and that, over the long term, these investments will more than pay for themselves in value returned to the UK. 

Context  

The EPSRC together with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge organised ‘The Future of UK Manufacturing’ event in Sheffield. The event brought together academics, policymakers, innovation agencies and industry to review the current UK manufacturing landscape and to look ahead to future research and innovation priorities and opportunities. I attended this event as Policy Adviser for Vax-Hub Sustainable, one of the manufacturing research hubs funded by EPSRC and co-led by UCL Biochemical Engineering and the University of Oxford.   

Author’s note 

Written by Anca Tacu, Policy Impact Unit. With thanks to Jen Reed, Head of Policy Impact Unit, for her valuable contributions.  

References 

[1] Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy. 2024. UK Innovation Report 2024. Available at: https://www.ciip.group.cam.ac.uk/innovation/the-uk-innovation-report-2024/  

[2] Policy Connect. 2023. Upskilling Industry: Manufacturing productivity and growth in England. Available at: https://www.policyconnect.org.uk/research/upskilling-industry-manufacturing-productivity-and-growth-england