In a promising turn for the construction industry, the first signs of success in sustainable construction practices have emerged. However, experts caution that further crucial measures are imperative to propel the industry into a thriving future focused on circular economies and carbon reduction
The first green shoots of sustainable construction have sprung, but further key steps are needed across the board to achieve a thriving industry, one that focuses on a circular economy and carbon reduction.
Despite the additional commercial pressures experienced over the last few financially turbulent years, it is still imperative that the industry as a whole continues to focus on ESG credentials to reduce the sector’s impact on climate change and avoid taking a backward step the planet can ill-afford.
There has been a shift in attitudes towards climate change in the past decade
Over the past decade, there has been a shift in both political and cultural appreciation towards climate change which is ever more visible by our changing weather and unpredictable seasons.
Extended parliamentary debate and the introduction of ever-evolving legislation such as the Paris Agreement all continue to drive the green agenda, and a focus on the construction industry remains significant.
There are some great examples of sustainability-led construction schemes that prioritise a strong green agenda, namely Willmott Dixon’s Spelthorne Leisure Centre development in Surrey, which is the largest Passivhaus-accredited project in Europe and one of the most advanced energy-efficient leisure centres in the world.
Passivhaus schemes currently account for less than 1% of all new-build projects in the UK
Whilst accreditation schemes such as Passivhaus are one way of moving towards a sustainable construction industry, they only currently account for less than 1% of all new-build projects in the UK.
The facility is designed to consume up to 70% less energy compared with a standard new building, optimising natural daylight and integrating photovoltaic panels to generate energy from renewable sources.
Using the Passivhaus site as an opportunity to raise awareness for more environmentally friendly building materials and methodologies, Grayson partnered up with Willmott Dixon, FACE Brickwork, Speedy Hire, and Cemfree to build a demonstration wall using eco-friendly alternatives.
We wanted to prove that by working together, the carbon-heavy industry can do something constructive to help the environment and that eco-friendly alternatives are not just great in theory but in practice, too.
The demonstration wall showcased some of the latest developments in environmentally-conscious construction, from cement-free mortar and blocks to battery-operated plant and progressive building practices.
Grayson has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by May 2024
As a business in the sector, Grayson has set an ambitious goal of becoming truly carbon neutral by the 1st of May 2024.
Over the last few years, the team has been busy mapping out and implementing significant and tangible steps, all of which align with science-based ambitions and the UK Government’s targets for Carbon Reduction Planning.
Focusing on reducing waste and green energy, we’ve already installed solar panels, our fleet has made the switch from LPG forklifts to electric forklifts, and we have ordered Tesla batteries so we can store our surplus energy.
The CDE sector is responsible for 59% of all waste generated in the UK
This means that we’ll be using our own generated electricity and going completely off-grid. We’re also hoping to use biodiesel to fuel our commercial vehicles.
Our actions are being managed under PAS2060 which is a recognised international standard and renowned as the most stringent and respected measure.
The Construction, Demolition, and Excavation (CDE) sector is responsible for 59% of all waste generated here in the UK and, of the 119 million tonnes of construction waste heading for UK landfills in one year alone, hundreds of tonnes will be made up of single-use timber mortar boards.
Sustainability is still considered a cost premium
Historically, and even still to this day, sustainability implementation was and is still being considered a cost premium. Whilst this may be true for certain technologies and innovations, wholesale implementation is the best way to drive down costs.
Commercial landowners and developers are becoming more alive to the issue with end users demanding better credentials for their buildings, helping to ensure the client’s brief is awash with green.
Overall, the construction industry needs to prioritise sustainable practices, and businesses need to incorporate them into their business models in order to adapt to the changing climate.
It is also a moral obligation that will eventually become recognised and add value to their offering.
Companies that are already achieving green targets and weaving sustainable practices into their business priorities will be best placed and positioned if legislation does come in.
Ethically, it’s the right thing to do, and it will eventually become a primary driver in the construction industry. If a business is already achieving green targets, they are going to be front and centre.
Tony Higson
Managing Director
Grayson
