The 2025 Advancing Construction Decarbonization conference once again proved to be the must-attend event for anyone passionate about sustainable construction.
This year, the focus was clear: advancing construction decarbonization is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. Industry leaders, sustainability experts, and construction professionals gathered to share practical strategies for tracking jobsite emissions, reducing construction emissions, and implementing the latest innovations in sustainable construction.
If you missed the event or just want a refresher, here are the key takeaways that every construction professional should know about construction decarbonization, tracking jobsite emissions, and managing construction emissions.
#1: The Growing Call for Corporate Climate Action
A major theme at the conference was the growing demand for sustainable construction and lower construction emissions, despite the new administration. As Mike Bahr from Turner Construction pointed out, recent studies show that 74% of Americans support regulating carbon emissions as pollutants, and 68% believe corporations should do more to address climate change. This public pressure is pushing companies to take construction decarbonization seriously.
Despite some federal rollbacks on sustainability initiatives, many corporations are doubling down on their commitments to advancing construction decarbonization. Ben Evans, USGBC’s Federal Legislative Director, emphasized that project owners are still requesting third-party certifications like LEED and expecting detailed ESG tracking—including metrics on jobsite emissions. This trend is only growing, making it clear that sustainable construction is here to stay.
#2: Progress Over Perfection in Construction Decarbonization
One of the most encouraging messages from the conference was that you don’t need to be and expert in climate science to make a difference. Many construction professionals hesitate to start tracking jobsite emissions or construction emissions because they worry about doing it “wrong.” However, as several building owners shared, taking the first step is what truly matters.
Currently, project owners aren’t necessarily awarding contracts to the companies with the absolute lowest construction emissions. Instead, they’re looking for partners who are actively making an effort towards sustainable practices and decarbonization. Even tracking a few simple metrics—like fuel card usage or office utility bills—shows that your company is committed to reducing emissions and aligning with owners’ values. The key is to start somewhere and build from there.
#3: Software is Essential for Tracking Jobsite Emissions
Gone are the days when tracking jobsite emissions is done in spreadsheets. In 2025, specialized software is the gold standard for sustainable construction. Tools like Green Badger are designed specifically for construction professionals, making it easier than ever to track, analyze, and report on construction decarbonization efforts.
During the conference, experts like Jessie Buckmaster, Emily English, and Giana Bacher highlighted the benefits of using software for tracking jobsite emissions. Not only does software reduce the risk of errors, but it also provides powerful data visualization tools. These features help you clearly communicate your progress in advancing construction decarbonization to project owners and other stakeholders. In the fast-paced world of sustainable construction, leveraging the right technology is crucial for managing construction emissions effectively.
#4: Rebrand sustainability efforts to help build your case
Even in 2025, not every construction executive is fully on board with sustainable construction or advancing construction decarbonization. Sometimes, the key to getting buy-in is as simple as rebranding your efforts. Tabitha Scott’s presentation emphasized that sustainability doesn’t always have to be front and center—sometimes, integrating it into broader business goals can be more effective.
Jolene McLaughlin and Denyse van Opbergen from EllisDon shared how their company frames sustainable construction as a core part of operational excellence. By positioning construction decarbonization and tracking jobsite emissions as essential to business excellence, they’ve been able to get more leaders involved and invested in reducing construction emissions.
The Road Ahead for Sustainable Construction
The 2025 Advancing Construction Decarbonization conference made it clear: the future of construction is sustainable. Whether you’re just starting to track jobsite emissions or you’re already a leader in construction decarbonization, there’s always room to improve. Embracing new technologies, rebranding your sustainability efforts, and focusing on progress over perfection will help move the industry forward.
Sustainable construction isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the new standard. The tools, strategies, and mindset are all available; now it’s up to us to put them into action.
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