SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Sustainability in Construction 101 – Article 8:

The UK construction industry has a critical role to play in achieving the country’s ambitious net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. As a sector responsible for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, it is evident that sustainable practices are essential to make a substantial impact on climate change.

In this final installment of our Sustainability 101 series of articles, we take a look at how sustainability may shape construction moving forward.

How could sustainability shape the future of construction?

Sustainability has been a growing concern in the UK construction industry, and it is likely to continue playing a crucial role in shaping its future. Although it is difficult to predict the future, here are some possible developments that may impact the industry’s sustainability practices, including the potential move towards more transparent and regulatory reporting around emissions.

Stricter Environmental Regulations:

The UK government has been increasingly focused on environmental issues and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is likely that the construction industry will face more stringent regulations and targets for reducing carbon emissions. This could result in a greater emphasis on measuring and reporting emissions across the entire lifecycle of construction projects.

Net Zero and Low Carbon Initiatives:

The UK government has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To align with these goals, the construction industry may need to adopt low-carbon technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy-efficient building designs. This would require better reporting on emissions and energy consumption to measure progress and ensure compliance with these initiatives.

Building Certification and Standards:

There might be an increasing demand for green building certifications such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). These certifications require detailed reporting on various sustainability aspects, including emissions, energy use, and materials sourcing.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials:

There could be a greater emphasis on adopting circular economy principles, encouraging the reuse, recycling, and re-purposing of construction materials. Reporting on the use of sustainable materials and waste management practices may become more common in the industry.

Technology and Data-driven Reporting:

Advancements in technology may enable more accurate and efficient data collection and reporting to provide real-time data on energy usage and emissions, helping construction companies monitor their environmental impact more effectively.

Supply Chain Transparency:

Sustainability reporting might extend beyond construction companies to include their supply chains. Clients and consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the entire construction process. Transparent reporting on the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain could become a competitive advantage for companies that embrace sustainability.

Increased Stakeholder Focus:

Investors, clients, and the general public are becoming more environmentally conscious and may put pressure on construction companies to improve their sustainability practices. Transparent reporting on emissions and sustainability measures can enhance a company’s reputation and attract environmentally responsible stakeholders.

In conclusion

Whatever the future brings, it will be essential to stay up-to-date with current developments and legislative changes as the industry evolves.

As sustainability becomes an integral part of the construction sector, companies that embrace transparency and proactive reporting on emissions and other environmental aspects are likely to position themselves as leaders in the industry and contribute positively to the UK’s broader sustainability goals.

3rd Aug 2023