INDUSTRY NEWS
LSFA launches guidance route to net zero
As the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard enters its early adoption phase and the Future Homes Standard moves closer to implementation, the construction industry faces increasing pressure to deliver measurable carbon reductions without compromising cost, safety or performance.
To help designers, developers and specifiers across both the public and private sectors navigate this transition, the Light Steel Frame Association( LSFA) in the UK has launched its new guidance document, the“ Cost-Effective Route to Net Zero.”
“ The guide explores how light steel frame construction can support the industry’ s journey to net zero through whole-life carbon reduction, circular construction principles and advances in low-carbon steel production. It provides practical guidance for project teams looking to deliver high-performance, futureready buildings while maintaining commercial viability,” it told ISMR.
The guide also reinforces that achieving net zero must never come at the expense of building safety. As regulations continue to evolve, non-combustible structural solutions are becoming increasingly important. Light steel frame offers excellent fire performance, dimensional stability and durability.
From production to deconstruction
The publication highlights the importance of considering carbon emissions across the entire
lifecycle of a building from material extraction and manufacture through to construction, occupation, adaptation and eventual deconstruction.
“ Light steel frame is uniquely positioned to support this approach. As one of the world’ s most recyclable construction materials, steel can be reused or recycled indefinitely without any loss of structural performance. Today’ s light steel frame systems already contain
South Wales school built from Frameclads ECO-LSF up to 100 recycled steel.
Image: @ LSFA. between 60 % and 90 % recycled steel, while the steel industry continues to accelerate its transition towards low-carbon production through Electric Arc Furnace( EAF) technology powered by renewable energy. The new Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot is expected to reduce on-site CO₂ emissions by up to 90 %, marking a significant milestone in the UK’ s transition to green steel, with production anticipated to commence around 2027,” continued the LSFA.
Ben Towe, Chair of the Light Steel Frame Association( LSFA), added:“ Our aim is to equip construction professionals with the knowledge and confidence to specify light steel frame systems as a credible net zero solution, demonstrating that high-performance, futureready buildings can be delivered without a significant cost premium. Early collaboration with the right expertise can transform project outcomes, unlocking a more sustainable, safe and costeffective pathway to net zero.
“ The challenge facing the construction industry is significant. We must reduce embodied carbon, improve operational performance, extend building lifespans and embrace circular construction principles while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality buildings that remain commercially viable. For too long, the net zero conversation has focused almost exclusively on operational energy. While this remains vital, we now recognise that whole-life carbon must sit at the heart of every design decision. By considering structural solutions at the earliest stages of a project, we can unlock significant carbon, programme and cost efficiencies while future-proofing buildings for generations to come. This is where light steel frame comes into its own.”
The“ Cost-Effective Route to Net Zero” guide is available as a free, open-source resource and can be downloaded on: www. lsfassociation. co. uk / document-library n
www
. lsf-association. co. uk
AM for UK’ s RN submarine maintenance
QinetiQ’ s additive manufacturing expertise will support the rapid maintenance of the Royal Navy’ s submarine fleet through a new onsite facility at HM Naval Base Clyde.
Delivered through two contracts with the Submarine Delivery Group( SDG)’ s Additive Manufacturing team, the Additive Manufacturing All In One( AIO) solution— a UK sovereign point-of-need capability— and its Market Access Cell( MAC) will together enable submarine components to be manufactured to order onsite by QinetiQ and Royal Navy submariners and delivered dockside to the boats. QinetiQ will operate the containers in Faslane, supported by submariners of the Royal Navy.
More complex parts will be reverseengineered by QinetiQ and manufactured through an accredited network of UK-based additive and advanced manufacturing SMEs, drawing on expertise from demanding
Image: @ UK MOD Crown Copyright 2026.
HMNB Clyde’ s Additive Manufacturing Team leaders.
engineering sectors such as Formula One.
In March this year, QinetiQ’ s expertise in additive manufacturing supported a routine maintenance period for HMS Anson as it visited Perth, Australia. QinetiQ rapidly designed the required critical components, delivering replacements in just four weeks( much quicker than normal supply chain lead times).
The UK’ s First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn
Jenkins, who launched the Submarine Maintenance Recovery Plan( SMRP) in January, said:“ The arrival of these deployable workshops marks a step forward in delivering the Submarine Maintenance Recovery Plan. This new technology has the potential to change how we maintain our submarines, cutting time alongside and increasing availability. It represents the real, tangible progress the Royal Navy is making to strengthen the underwater fleet.”
Commander Max, SDG Additive Manufacturing Lead, added:“ By enabling engineers to produce components onsite, we are reducing dependence on complex supply chains and accelerating repair timelines, ultimately improving the submarine’ s material state and availability.” n
www. QinetiQ. com
14 | ismr. net | ISMR July / August 2026