In 2025, the sustainable building sector is evolving rapidly in response to the urgent need for energy efficiency, climate resilience, and innovative materials. These trends reflect a collective effort to create a resilient, low-carbon future - but what direction will the sector take in the year ahead to address these needs? Here’s a look at the key trends that are likely to shape sustainability in the built environment in 2025.
Aging infrastructure in the U.S. presents a significant opportunity for energy-efficient renovations. In 2025, expect continued investment in upgrading older buildings to meet modern efficiency standards. This trend is driven by government incentives, corporate sustainability commitments, and rising energy costs. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), energy-efficient renovations in existing buildings can cut energy use by up to 30%. This creates a powerful financial rationale, in addition to an environmental one, for renovations for efficiency.
AI-powered data centers, in particular, are drawing attention for their high energy consumption. Innovations in cooling techniques and energy-efficient building materials will be crucial to reducing this footprint. Renovating data centers with advanced insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and reflective materials such as high-reflectance ceilings can help mitigate environmental impact. Research from the Sustainable Cities and Society (SCS) shows that data centers can reduce energy consumption by 20-40% through such efficiency measures. With the heat on data centers, expect investments in energy-saving building techniques in 2025.
Sustainability in 2025 will increasingly focus on circular practices, driven by the use of recycled or otherwise environmentally conscious materials—such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and CO₂-infused concrete. These materials play a critical role in reducing construction waste and carbon emissions. Long-standing recycling programs, including initiatives to divert construction materials from landfills, demonstrate the potential of circular systems in the building industry.
Many local and state jurisdictions are driving these efforts through policy and regulation. For instance, New York City’s Local Law 97 requires large buildings to meet strict emissions and energy efficiency standards, often necessitating renovations using sustainable materials and practices. Similarly, California’s CALGreen Building Standards Code mandates recycling at least 65% of construction and demolition waste. These regional policies highlight a growing push for circular economy practices at the local level, independent of federal direction.
This local momentum underscores that circularity is not just a trend but an essential shift in how we approach building design and construction. By prioritizing recycled and environmentally conscious materials, jurisdictions and industry leaders are setting a precedent for sustainable practices that reduce waste and carbon emissions. This commitment ensures the built environment evolves responsibly, fostering a more resilient and resource-efficient future.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, climate resilience is a necessary component of building design. In 2025, resilient design practices are expected to gain wider adoption. This includes the use of flood-resistant materials, structures designed to withstand extreme heat, and adaptive renovations for regions prone to hurricanes and other disasters.
Insights from conferences like Greenbuild emphasize the need for resilience to be integrated into every phase of design and construction. Cities across the southern United States are already adopting flood-resilient materials and design strategies to mitigate damage from rising sea levels and hurricanes. Innovations in materials and design ensure that buildings remain functional and comfortable under extreme conditions, contributing to the long-term safety and stability of communities and people.
The trends shaping sustainability in 2025—energy efficiency, circular economy practices, and climate resilience—reflect the fact that necessity and incentives are driving innovation in the industry. The momentum toward a more sustainable built environment is driven by a combination of economic and regulatory pressures, environmental realities, and collaborative efforts across sectors.
Industry leaders should be aware of the need to not only embrace these trends but actively contribute toward a more efficient and sustainable building industry.
Kelsey Herring is a sustainable building expert and Director of Sustainability at Armstrong World Industries, a leading global design firm. Kelsey is a leader in driving sustainability in her enterprise and in the wider building industry, building on her background in environmental engineering to make a positive impact while building value.