With pressure building on the construction industry to demonstrate commitment to more sustainable operations, the Build Chain explores where common business practices can be aligned with sustainability goals
If your business procures materials, this is a perfect opportunity to adopt sustainable materials procurement practices that can help your business reduce carbon emissions. From the greenhouse gases produced by transporting materials to site, to the sustainability credentials of the products themselves, there are many ways improvements can be made.
By adopting a strategic and integrated approach to sourcing materials, contractors and housebuilders can incorporate environmental, social, and economic considerations throughout the procurement process.
Define your organisation’s sustainability objectives
Before you can work towards your sustainability goals, you must decide what these are. For example, you may wish to reduce your company’s carbon emissions, promote circular economy practices, or use more renewable materials.
Once defined, you can integrate your sustainability goals into your materials procurement process with suitable evaluation frameworks.
Adopt a local supply chain
A supply chain that is local to your construction site shortens the distance materials need to travel and can significantly reduce the transport-related emissions associated with your project.
Local supply chains also often include smaller-scale operations and more direct communication. This can enable better co-ordination and reduce energy waste in the procurement process, helping to conserve resources and reduce overall energy consumption.
Some extra benefits of utilising a local supply chain include a boost to the local economy and potentially faster response and delivery times.
Assess the impact of the materials you choose
Where possible, choose materials that have a reduced negative impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle. Factors such as resource efficiency, recycled content, embodied carbon, water usage, and relevant sustainability certifications should be considered to contribute to a greener, more environmentally responsible built environment.
Many manufacturers and suppliers will publicise their efforts to create more sustainable materials, so look out for this when choosing what to buy. You can also carry out your own exercises like lifecycle assessments.
Purchase only what is needed
Reduce waste and costs by only buying the materials that are actually needed. This can be achieved by enabling procurement teams to work closely with relevant departments to deliver a complete view of what is already available and where. Preventing unnecessary deliveries also contributes to a reduction in transport-related emissions.
Utilise digital solutions to enhance the sustainable procurement process
Technology can be used to support local supply chains, choose environmentally-friendly suppliers, and ensure that only what is needed is purchased. Digital solutions also remove the need for paper-based systems, improving record keeping and further improving the impact your procurement activities have on the environment.
For example, The Build Chain helps UK contractors and housebuilders adopt a more local supply chain by connecting them with suitable merchants within a 30-mile radius of their sites. It also provides a centralised procurement dashboard, which can help prevent issues like over ordering.
By aligning materials procurement with sustainability goals, your organisation can contribute to a more environmentally responsible and socially conscious built environment while also reaping long-term economic benefits through resource efficiency and enhanced reputation.
