Making construction more sustainable

UK construction has some work to do when it comes to sustainability. The industry generated 10.8 million metric tons of CO² emissions in 2022; while this is 1.7% less than the previous year, construction still accounted for 2.5% of the UK’s overall carbon emissions. If the UK wants to have any chance of meeting the net-zero target by 2050, change needs to happen. And there are steps that can be taken at every stage of the construction process.

Design

Thinking sustainably should start in the design stage – well before construction has started. Designing eco-friendly buildings is a key way that the industry can help to reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions in the long run. This means designing energy efficient buildings with renewable energy sources, insulation, heat pumps and more. Not only will this reduce the environmental impact of the buildings, but it will make them far more appealing to buyers.

Procurement

Think carefully about the suppliers you select, since 90% of an organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to supply chains. Are the suppliers you are working with committed to reducing their environmental impact? Do they adopt sustainable practices and responsibly source their materials?

An effective waste management plan is also essential, as an estimated 77.4 million tonnes of construction waste ends up on UK landfill sites. Using recyclable and renewable materials can help with this, plus it reduces the need to extract natural materials (responsible for 60% of global heating impacts). Additionally, it’s important to not over-order so you have excess materials that go straight to the bin.

Consider the transportation involved, too – can you consolidate the number of suppliers that are being used and try to source from nearby? Have you planned efficient routes and made sure the vehicles are eco-friendly?

Onsite

The project manager should carefully plan construction activity so that energy is being used efficiently. They should monitor electricity use regularly, and ensure that the energy generators are not any bigger than needed. Contractors should also be trained to use machinery in a way that improves fuel efficiency, with eco mode activated whenever possible.

Offsite

It’s essential to consider how much construction work can be done offsite, since this can reduce waste by up to 90%. Prefabrication reduces the amount of materials that are transported to the site, and limits the volume of excess waste as it is easier to recycle and reuse in a controlled factory environment. Also, offsite construction reduces the need for using machinery on site.

Sustainability – an investment

Ultimately, you do need to invest in sustainable practices in the faith that it pays off in the long run. The initial fees involved may deter professionals from wholly committing to going green, but it’s a move we must make for the sake of the planet. Have you considered using renewable energy sources on your construction site? Although there is a set up cost, it will reduce energy bills in the long run and, of course, plays a significant part in reducing carbon emissions.