Refurbishment vs. New Build: What’s Better for the Planet?

In the quest to decarbonise the built environment, the construction industry faces a pivotal choice: build new or refurbish existing structures. While new builds often promise modern aesthetics and energy efficiency, the environmental cost, particularly in terms of embodied carbon, is substantial. Refurbishment emerges as a compelling alternative, offering significant carbon savings and aligning with sustainable development goals.

Around 40% of global carbon emissions come from construction, and in the UK, a growing share of that is tied to embodied carbon. Every decision to demolish and rebuild comes with a carbon cost that’s locked in before a building is even occupied. In contrast, reworking what already exists can deliver comparable performance with fewer emissions and less waste.  That’s why the conversation on refurbishment vs. new build has shifted from theory to urgency.

The principle is simple: the lowest-carbon building is the one already standing. Refurbishment isn’t just a compromise or a cost-saving route, it’s often the smarter, lower-impact option. And as we’ve seen across our work, it’s capable of meeting modern standards without starting from scratch.

Understanding Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon refers to the emissions generated by producing, transporting, and assembling materials. Unlike operational carbon, which can be reduced over a building’s lifespan through energy efficiency measures, embodied carbon is locked in from the outset.

According to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), embodied carbon from the construction and refurbishment of buildings currently makes up 20% of UK built environment emissions. This figure underscores the importance of addressing embodied carbon to achieve net-zero targets. And it’s here where refurbishment vs new build takes on real meaning, because one is clearly ahead on emissions.

The Case for Reuse

A study by the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) highlights that a typical new commercial building in the UK can have embodied carbon levels between 1,000 and 1,500 kgCO₂e/m². In contrast, deep refurbishment projects can achieve levels as low as 600 kgCO₂e/m², meeting LETI’s proposed targets for sustainable construction.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) emphasises the importance of whole life carbon assessments (WLCA) in evaluating the total carbon footprint of buildings. Their guidance suggests that refurbishment projects often result in lower whole-life carbon emissions compared to new builds, primarily due to the retention of existing structures and materials. This isn’t speculation, it’s another data point in the refurbishment vs new build equation.

Demonstrating the Difference

The Waterman in Clerkenwell involved the reimagining of four Victorian industrial warehouses, totalling 70,000 sq ft, into a connected, modern workspace. Rather than replace, we retained and reused. Over 5,000 bricks and 3 tonnes of glazing were reclaimed and re-integrated, while the raised flooring was lifted and laid back down, saving an estimated 250 tonnes of embodied carbon. These aren’t small wins. This is refurbishment as a climate strategy, rooted in measurable results.

Further west, Voysey House presented a different kind of challenge. A Grade II* listed building originally designed in 1902, the site demanded careful consideration and minimal intervention. Solar panels were added discreetly to the roof. Smart monitoring systems were installed to reduce operational waste. Internally, layouts were adapted rather than replaced. Despite its constraints, the building scored 41/45 on the Considerate Constructors Scheme and stands as proof that heritage can meet performance.

Meanwhile in Euston, our work at 163-203 Eversholt Street, once the original ticket hall for Euston station, focused on material transparency and low-impact fit out. Walls were clad in PET acoustic panels made from recycled plastic. Flooring was selected for durability and embodied impact. Rather than gut the space, we worked with the core structure to unlock new potential, supporting both tenant flexibility and long-term circularity.

At Mosaic East in Croydon, the ambition was to hit benchmark sustainability targets in a commercially viable way. The result: BREEAM Excellent, SKA Gold and AirScore Gold certifications, an EPC B rating, and a retained structure that kept construction waste to a minimum. It’s a clear example of how upgrading what’s already there can meet modern demands without defaulting to demolition.

These projects prove the argument doesn’t need to be theoretical. Refurbishment works. It works when the structure is listed. It works when energy performance matters. It works when budgets are tight. And it works when sustainability is a non-negotiable part of the brief. They make the case for refurbishment vs new build, less carbon, no compromise.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Beyond carbon savings, refurbishment offers economic advantages. According to research by BuildSpace UK, refurbishing can save up to 80% of the costs associated with demolition and new construction. Additionally, it can prevent approximately 35 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per project, making it both a financially and environmentally sound choice.

The UKGBC’s Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap underscores the need for widespread building upgrades, noting that the majority of the UK’s existing buildings will require renovation to meet 2050 net-zero targets. It reinforces that refurbishment vs new build isn’t just a design decision, it’s a national imperative.

Policy and Industry Support

The importance of refurbishment in achieving net-zero goals is gaining recognition. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has introduced the Reinvention Award to celebrate projects that prioritise refurbishment over demolition, acknowledging the role of existing structures in sustainable development. The UK government has acknowledged the significance of embodied carbon and plans to consult on approaches to measure and reduce it in new buildings.

So when it comes to refurbishment vs new build, we know where the evidence leads. Refurbishment stands out as a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible strategy in the construction industry’s journey toward net zero. By choosing to upgrade and adapt existing buildings, we preserve architectural heritage and make significant strides in reducing carbon emissions.