Download Shifting Sands: a report on construction supply chain risk and resilience

Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, rising import dependence and tightening carbon regulations, construction supply chains are facing unprecedented pressure.

The effects are far-reaching. The materials we rely on originate from around the world, and our access to them are subject to UK policies, regional markets and global events. To get a clearer picture of these changing dynamics and the risks they present to construction materials procurement in 2026, we have teamed up with the Association for Sustainable Building Products, ESG consultancy BL3, and with Rentokil's sustainable insights team.

The result of this is a new white paper exploring how key materials – from steel and timber to copper and plastics – are increasingly exposed to global disruption, cost volatility and ethical sourcing risks. These changes impact contractors, developers and funders, and will shape how we deliver new buildings and improve our existing built environment.

With our industry's ambition to deliver more buildings is set against a backdrop of 2030 climate targets and ongoing global conflict, Shifting Sands shows how procurement and supply chain management can reduce risk and drive change for a more sustainable and resilient sector.

The paper highlights the big trends impacting organisations, and the steps they can take to embed sustainability into everyday commercial decisions at a time of uncertainty.

Read the report to explore:

• The relationship between imported materials and exposure to global shocks
• The impact of policy changes such as CBAM and UK industrial strategy
• Rising scrutiny on human rights and supply chain transparency
• Practical steps to de-risk procurement and reduce embodied carbon

At a critical moment for the industry, we are focussing on the available solutions and opportunities for better, more informed procurement.

👉 Download the full white paper to explore the findings and recommended actions.

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