Accelerating the adoption of sustainable construction materials in the UK
The UK construction industry is moving to adopt sustainable, low-carbon solutions with less environmental impact. This shift drives the use of materials that valorise waste, utilise renewable bio-resources, and enhance circularity by repurposing and reusing components.
Adoption of emergent UK materials can be slow though, due to low awareness, regulatory hurdles, investor reluctance, complex regulatory systems, and a fragmented supply chain.
The Emergent, Sustainable, Built Environment, Materials. Innovation Network (ESBEM) exists to help improve adoption across UK supply chains, from small SMEs to major organisations and arm’s length bodies. The network supports all aspects of the built environment, including permanent and temporary works, construction, retrofit, and maintenance – from small buildings to major infrastructure.
Key technology areas
Bio-based technologies
Plant, natural and bio-based materials and products.
Valorised Waste
Materials created using form low-value waste streams within and outwith the sector .
Reused/repurposed materials
Materials and products that are reused or repurposed to enable repeated life cycles .
EVENT
Accelerating adoption of UK low environmental impact construction materials
Join us for a networking event to explore innovative sustainable materials and circular economy strategies shaping the future of the built environment.
Read more and register
Leveraging the Network
Sharing knowledge and learning
Informed conversation, webinars, workshops and events. Informing and guiding potential opportunities.
Showcasing emergent technologies
Presentation and display at events and through the Connection Finder service.
Facilitating business to business collaborations
Curated B2B introductions based on informed conversations. Connection Finder enables organisations to promote the value proposition of their technologies and/or to identify where they are seeking collaborative support.
Matching technologies to problems
Understanding organisations specific challenges; identifying potential collaborators and seeking solutions from the wider network.
Our Experts
Related Events and Recordings
Tue
3
Mar
2026
Innovate UK Futurebuild Connects 1-2-1 Meetings
09.00 - 17.00 | In person and online
Register for this event
Wed
18
Feb
2026
Thu
4
Dec
2025
Related programme
Net Zero Places Innovation Network
Making net zero a reality in the UK by supporting local/regional authorities to achieve their net zero ambitions by connecting, collaborating, sharing experiences and adopting innovation.
NETWORK
Join the network
Whether you are a researcher of sustainable materials, a producer, product manufacturer, supplier, specifier, contractor, or a user or other related organisation who has an interest in sustainable construction materials, we offer tailored support and activity to suit your need. Join the network and collaborate.