2020 has brought many challenges within the building and construction industry, however, one of the most important challenges the industry has been facing is sustainability.

The construction industry has been taking hit after hit and the ripple effect of what’s to come is daunting. According to a WEF report, the top 5 global risks were environmental, and UK Construction Online states

“The UK built environment contributes 40% of the UKs total carbon footprint of which the large majority occurs in downstream building”

So it’s detrimental to the building and construction industry to make huge changes. Sites have been put to a halt due to COVID, following behind it a recession, and even further down the line the effects of climate change. Nonetheless, the construction industry is still standing, and evolving for the better.

But what is sustainability within construction?

To put it simply, sustainability within a built environment is more than slapping some solar panels onto a building. It’s all about improving every aspect of building and construction, from how it’s planned, designed and constructed to maintenance and operation.

Often, you will see companies committing to ‘Low carbon energy’ or ‘Zero carbon energy’. But what is the difference?

Zero carbon energy

Refers to renewable energy such as wind, water, solar, geothermal and plant material.

Low carbon energy

Options cover a range of energy sources that are not renewable but can still produce less carbon than use of the conventional electricity grid or gas network. These options include waste heat, gas engine and gas turbine.

Sustainability is evolving the world of construction, with many of the big names such as contractors Willmott Dixon, McLaren and Morgan Sindall committing to making changes. But it’s more than just the construction industry that has to commit to a sustainable future, developers and owners such as Heathrow and M&S have joined the sustainable revolution; financial bodies and investors HSBC and Lloyds Bank, Advisors like Crawford and CBRE and Local Authorities like Birmingham Council have all promised to collaborate together for a better built environment.

As for suppliers, sustainable building solutions call for environmentally friendly materials, waste reduction, and a commitment to meet the long-term demands of a growing population. A good way to meet those conditions is to build with non-traditional materials, such as bamboo, fibre-reinforced mortar, and recycled plastics.

District councils such as Birmingham City Council are implementing changes and preparing for a Low and Zero carbon energy generation. Here are some examples of the changes&

  • How water is conserved, and flood risks are reduced in the development
  • The consideration of the procurement of materials which promote sustainability, including low impact, sustainably sourced, reused, and recycled materials.
  • The minimisation of waste and the maximisation of recycling during the construction and operation of the development
  • How the development takes account of the natural features of a site (e.g. orientation and landscape) to minimise energy use

And much more.

What are industry leaders doing?

Many construction companies are building towards carbon neutrality. Construction and property development giant Skanska have committed to reduce the carbon emissions of its UK business to zero by 2045. But what does the future of sustainability look like for companies?

Companies such as BrewDog have already achieved their carbon reduction plan and are now Carbon Negative. The beer industry giant has achieved the reduction of its carbon footprint to less than neutral, so effectively, they are removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, rather than adding to it.

Using energy sources such as wind turbines, green energy and implementing an electric delivery fleet on the motorways, they have found ways to reduce their carbon footprint and even bought 2,050 acres of land called “The BrewDog Forest, and plan for it to be one of the largest native woodlands created in the UK. Maybe this is just a glimpse of what the construction industry can achieve.

Its exciting to see what the future will hold for the building and construction industry; the trend of sustainability has already changed the landscape of the sector for the better.

Who are BRS?

Building Repair Solutions Ltd (BRS) with offices in Essex, West Midlands, and Scotland is one of the UK’s best choices for providing insurance repairs and restoration works to homes regionally. Were on the hunt for tradespeople, builders and contactors to assist us with home insurance repairs. To become part of our building repair network Email hello@buildingrepairsolutions.co.uk.