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​Enhancing Sustainability in the UK Construction Sector

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​Enhancing Sustainability in the UK Construction Sector

Enhancing Sustainability in the UK Construction Sector

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, the role of Sustainability Managers has never been more critical. The construction industry, in particular, plays a significant part in this narrative due to its substantial environmental footprint. Recognising the urgency, the UK construction sector is increasingly focused on enhancing its sustainability profile. This article explores how Sustainability Managers can steer the industry towards a greener future through carbon reduction, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), sustainability, sustainable development, and corporate reporting.

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, the role of sustainability has never been more critical. The construction industry is a major culprit in climate damage due to its substantial ecological footprint. Recognising the urgency of this issue, the UK construction sector is increasing focus on sustainable practices. Sustainability managers can steer the industry to a much needed greener future through practices like carbon reduction, sustainable development and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) methods.

Understanding the Current Landscape

The Environmental Impact of the Construction Sector

The built environment accounts for about a third of the UK's total carbon emissions, making the construction sector a crucial player in the country's sustainability journey. These emissions are categorised into operational and embodied carbon. The former refers to emissions generated during a building's operational lifetime, while the latter encompasses emissions linked to construction processes and materials throughout a building's lifecycle.

Historically, the industry's primary focus has been on minimising operational carbon by improving energy efficiency. Nonetheless, recent research highlights an upward trend in embodied carbon, necessitating a shift towards addressing both sides of the carbon equation.

 

The Construction Sector’s Environmental Impact

The towns and cities we’ve built account for a whopping third of the UK’s total carbon emissions, making the construction sector a crucial part of our country’s journey towards sustainability. Why is this the case? During a buildings’ operational lifespan it emits operational carbon. But the problem doesn’t start there. Massive amounts of embodied carbon is emitted during the construction process and through the materials we use to build.

Construction has historically focused on minimising operational carbon by improving energy efficiency. But since recent research highlights an upward trend in embodied carbon, there needs to be a shift in focus. 

 

The Role of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

Increasingly, the industry is exploring Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), such as off-site manufacturing, as a potential tool for improving its sustainability credentials. MMC involves techniques that maximise the use of manufacturing in construction processes. Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM), a form of MMC, involves manufacturing certain project components off-site, which are then delivered to the construction site for incorporation into the project. The environmental benefits of MMC encompass reduced energy use on-site, decreased waste, and limited traffic movements.

However, not all MMC technologies are created equal. Some may not necessarily lead to carbon reductions on all projects, and in some instances, they could result in an increase in embodied carbon. Therefore, a careful analysis of the project's specific requirements and the potential carbon impact of the chosen MMC is essential.

 

The Modern Methods of Construction Can Help

The industry is exploring Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) as a way of improving its sustainability credentials. MMC utilises modern techniques that maximise the use of manufacturing in construction processes. One example of MMC is Off-Site Manufacturing; you manufacture certain project components off-site, which are then delivered to the construction site for incorporation into the project. There are many benefits of this, including reduced energy on-site, decreased waste and limited traffic movements.

Unfortunately not all MMC technologies are created equal. Some don’t lead to carbon reductions on all types of projects. In some cases, they can actually result in increased embodied carbon. This is why a careful analysis of the project’s specific requirements and potential carbon impact are key.

 

Five Strategies for Sustainability Managers in the Construction Sector

1. Optimise Temporary On-Site Offices

Sustainability Managers must ensure energy efficiency in temporary on-site offices, often overlooked during a project. These cabins often lack basic measures such as proper insulation or LED lighting. Therefore, implementing these simple yet effective solutions can lead to substantial energy savings.

Sustainability Managers must ensure energy efficiency in temporary on-site offices, which are often overlooked. These cabins often lack basic measures such as proper insulation or LED lighting. Implementing these simple, yet effective, solutions can lead to substantial energy savings.

 

2. Minimise Transportation-Related Emissions

Transport is another significant source of emissions during the construction phase. Reducing these emissions can be achieved by sourcing materials locally and using consolidation centres to decrease the number of journeys required.

Transport is a significant source of carbon emissions during construction. Sourcing materials locally and using consolidation centres will decrease transport time, fuel costs and emissions.[DK5] 

 

3. Reduce Waste

The construction industry generates a significant amount of waste. To combat this, Sustainability Managers can encourage the recycling of materials and coordinate with other organisations to utilise left-over materials.

Construction is one of the largest producers of waste. But this can be combated by recycling materials - one innovative method is to coordinate with other organisations to utilise left-over materials. Sourcing leftover materials can also bring down costs.

 

4. Set Targets and Measure Success

Setting sustainability targets and evaluating performance against them can motivate staff to follow green initiatives. Engaging with rating schemes such as the Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme (CEEQUAL) or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Method (BREEAM) can enhance an organisation's green credentials.

How do you motivate staff to follow green initiatives? Set sustainability targets and evaluate staff performance against them. There are rating systems available, like the Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme, or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Method. These can enhance your companies’ green credentials.

 

5. Collaborate with Sustainable Suppliers

Working with suppliers that prioritise sustainable practices can ensure that everyone involved in a project is operating in an environmentally-friendly manner. Reviewing potential suppliers' environmental policies can help select those that align with the company's sustainability goals.

Working with suppliers that prioritise sustainable practices ensures that your project is environmentally friendly. You can easily review potential suppliers’ environmental policies and select ones that align with your company's sustainability goals.

 

The Role of Sustainability Managers in Driving Change

The journey towards a greener construction sector necessitates the pivotal role of Sustainability Managers. They are the catalysts driving change from within, guiding their organisations and the industry at large towards sustainable practices. Through their leadership and strategic planning, Sustainability Managers can help the construction sector navigate the complexities of sustainable development and achieve its green objectives.

 

How Sustainability Managers Can Drive Change

Sustainability Managers are a vital part of the mission for a greener construction sector. They drive change from within, guiding their organisations (and the industry) towards sustainable practices. Through strong leadership and strategic planning, Sustainability Managers can help the construction sector navigate the complexities of sustainable development and achieve its green objectives.

In Conclusion

Sustainability is an issue of paramount importance in today's world, and the construction industry plays a key role in addressing it. The role of Sustainability Managers within this sector is crucial in guiding the industry towards a greener future. By focusing on aspects such as carbon reduction, ESG, sustainable development, and corporate reporting, these professionals can help the industry make significant strides towards minimising its environmental impact.

The journey to sustainability is a complex one, fraught with challenges. However, with the right strategies, the right people, and the right mindset, the construction industry can transform these challenges into opportunities. This transformation will not only contribute to the industry's sustainability goals but will also pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for us all.

 

Sustainability is the Future

The journey to sustainability is a complex one, fraught with challenges. However, with the right mindset, the best people and innovative strategies, the construction industry can transform these challenges into opportunities. Sustainability Managers can play a crucial role in guiding the construction industry towards a greener future that benefits us all.