(MENAFN- Pressat) Thames Freeport has launched its Sustainable Construction Lab, marking the start of a coordinated programme to accelerate neighbourhood-scale retrofit and low-carbon construction across East London and South Essex.

The launch coincides with the first retrofit works beginning this week on homes on the Becontree Estate in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. These initial projects are being delivered by Transform-ER and E.ON, working in partnership with the council and local supply-chain providers.

The programme responds to urgent challenges in the built environment. In 2022, England generated 63 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste - the highest level recorded since reporting began in 2010. While recovery rates have improved, rising total waste and the scale of inefficient homes across the region demonstrate the need for a more coordinated approach to retrofit and construction delivery.

Turning ambition into delivery

Thames Freeport Chair, Rt Hon. Ruth Kelly, said:

A system-level approach to construction and retrofit

The Sustainable Construction Lab brings together Rainmaking, Ramboll, Energiesprong UK, BE-ST, Tallarna and E.ON, with support from the three Freeport local authorities.

The programme will:

• Retrofit the first neighbourhoods by April 2026

• Unlock up to £200m in private investment for low-carbon construction

• Establish a regional marketplace for sustainable construction materials

• Introduce a new green construction qualification with FE providers

• Lay the foundations for a Sustainable Construction & Homes Innovation Centre within Thames Freeport

Partner quotes

Daniel Avery, Director, Rainmaking, said:

Saurav Chaudhuri, Head of Innovation, E.ON UK, said:

Emily Braham, Director of Strategy & Operations, Energiesprong UK, said:

Louise Rogers, Impact Manager – Housing & Manufacturing, BE-ST, said:

Claire Racine, UK Head of Sustainability for Buildings, Ramboll, said:

Stuart Rimmer, CEO of Thames Freeport, said:

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