Tackling sustainability in construction… and addressing energy efficiency

Latest news coming out of one of the UK’s leading universities for research suggests AI is ready to tackle a new challenge — reducing waste across the construction sector.

Northumbria University has secured a six-figure sum to focus on improving waste recycling efficiency, reduce landfill dependency and promote circular economy principles in the UK and beyond.

The potentially transformative research comes at a time when AI is impacting on every aspect of the construction industry and follows moves by Energy Solicitors Limited (ESL) to boost firms’ commitment to sustainability by claiming back thousands of pounds from mis-sold energy contracts.

“AI represents an exciting opportunity for our colleagues in the construction industry to transform the way they work — both increasing profitability and impacting positively on the environment.

“We want firms to fully focus on the positives and that’s why we’re constantly working behind the scenes to claw back money owed due to contracts drawn up by unscrupulous brokers.

“Once a fair energy deal is in place — with no nasty surprises — companies can plan for a more sustainable future with confidence.”

The research has secured £250,000 of funding from the latest Horizon MSCA call from the European Commission and aims to improve waste recycling efficiency, reduce landfill dependency, and promote circular economy principles in the UK and beyond. It is being led by Dr Pablo Martinez Rodriguez from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at Northumbria.

Dr Martinez said: "By promoting circular economy principles, we aim to catalyse a global shift toward sustainable construction practices. This research will not only benefit the UK and EU but also set a benchmark for responsible construction worldwide."