BOSTON — National construction leader Suffolk has released a new white paper aimed at accelerating the adoption of climate technology in the building industry. Titled “Accelerating Climate Tech Adoption in the Building Industry: A Framework for Owners, Investors, and Practitioners,” the report outlines practical strategies to integrate sustainable technologies at scale and move beyond isolated pilot projects.
The white paper introduces a five-step framework to help industry stakeholders — including developers, investors, architects, and contractors — implement climate solutions throughout the entire construction process. The recommendations stem from insights gathered at Suffolk’s recent Climate Tech Forum, which brought together startups, policymakers, and industry professionals to address shared challenges and pathways forward.
With buildings responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Suffolk’s report emphasizes that meaningful climate action must begin in the earliest project phases — particularly during design and preconstruction. It notes that by the time construction begins, teams often lack the access or authority needed to introduce new technologies, making early integration crucial for success.
“The construction industry is at a critical juncture to reduce its environmental footprint,” said Steven Burke, Senior Director of Sustainability at Suffolk. “This white paper provides a clear framework to guide industry-wide transformation through innovative, scalable climate tech.”
In addition to its core framework, the white paper addresses several systemic barriers to widespread adoption. These include lagging policy support, regulatory hurdles, and misconceptions around the cost and risk of implementing new technologies. Suffolk’s research argues that, when properly deployed, climate tech can lead to significant long-term savings by reducing labor costs, improving logistics, and extending the lifespan of materials.
The paper also explores how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and circular economy principles can play a key role in boosting energy efficiency and sustainability across the building lifecycle.
By providing a roadmap for action and encouraging collaboration across sectors, Suffolk aims to help turn climate tech from a niche concern into a central pillar of the construction industry’s future.
