Dear concrete and steel,

We go back a good few centuries, and we’ve had some great times together. But it’s starting to feel like we’ve reached the end of the road.

You’ve played a huge part in countless developments, improving the lives of billions of people. For that, we’re grateful. You’ve become globally recognised, and rightly so.

Architects and engineers have put you to great use to create some truly memorable moments throughout history.

But the truth is, we’re growing tired of your energy-intensive production. You’re just not ageing well in a carbon-sensitive world.

And the fact is, we’ve met someone else. Strong, durable, beautiful and, best of all, natural. Stone. Straight out of the ground and ready to be put to good use in our buildings.

Stone can do everything you can do – loadbearing, arching, spanning – but with a fraction of the energy. It’s effortlessly beautiful, without the need for false facades. And with almost unlimited supply and endless variation, you just don’t cut it anymore.

We’ll do our best to look after you in your retirement, as you rust, spall and fall into disrepair – eventually to be recycled, replaced and consigned to history.

But we want to leave behind a new, low-carbon legacy. One that allows both our planet and our people to be healthy and to prosper for millennia to come.

We hope you understand.

Yours faithfully,

Rob Neild, on behalf of the global construction industry.