Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin, explores why sustainability must be the priority for the future of housebuilding, in the modern age
Sustainability is a topic that has been on the agenda in the construction industry for years, but often it seems like very little progress is made. One thing that is clear is that the main problem is attitude, rather than the industry’s incapability to change and innovate.
According to government records, nearly 50,000 new homes were built in the first three months of 2021, the highest figure in 20 years. With data from Mastercard revealing that 62% of people want companies to behave more sustainably, it has never been more important for the industry to respond.
Indeed, companies must work to improve their sustainability efforts and offerings wherever possible. Not only will this ensure that new homes are as eco-conscious as their soon to be owners, but it will also guarantee they meet current standards and pass future regulation changes.
This is essential for survival. Those that fail to adapt to consumer demands will be left behind.
But how can we achieve this?
Materials play a significant role in making the future of housebuilding sustainable
Materials have a significant role to play in the journey towards a more sustainable future for our homes.
Aluminium is not only a top-performing material, but it’s also the most eco-friendly choice. Its excellent recycling characteristics mean that more than 75% of all aluminium ever extruded from Earth is still in circulation today. When aluminium products reach the end of their life, they can be recycled and turned into other things. It is much more energy-efficient to recycle than to make new aluminium, with the energy used to reprocess it just 5% of what making it new would require.
In terms of windows and doors, using aluminium with polyamide thermal breaks prevents heat from escaping in the winter and rooms overheating in the summer. This helps housebuilders meet building regulation changes whilst saving the homeowner on energy use and bills.
Supply chains, operations, and processes must all get on board if the future of housebuilding is to become more sustainable
Making a real difference involves taking a holistic view of entire supply chains, operations, and processes. With this knowledge, companies must fully commit to their sustainability goals and follow strict processes. Part of this lies in choosing the correct suppliers with ethical and sustainable credentials.
Working to achieve standards such as ISO14001 will show that a company is working to do ‘the right thing’ by reducing the impact of their operations on the wider environment and is always working towards continual improvement to reduce their impact through the likes of targets to reduce energy and fuel consumption as well as bettering recycling rates.
The responsibility of a company runs from the sourcing of components right through to the end-user. Diverting waste from landfills wherever possible can make a drastic difference, as can reduction targets for things that may seem small, including water and energy usage.
The entire supply chain plays a part here, which includes packaging. Making simple switches like using less packaging, and making sure the latest innovations are being utilised, is effective in cutting plastic waste across the supply chain. Equally important, yet just as easy, is reconsidering delivery routes. Letting suppliers know when you might be passing their depot means that you can collect materials. As a result, the supplier does not need to use their own fleet, meaning less fuel is being used, lowering costs for all, while also strengthening supplier relationships.
A long-term switch is the move towards electric vehicles, which is expensive in the short term but will reap rewards. This will become increasingly possible as the infrastructure is introduced across the country to support it. In the meantime, hybrid vehicles are a great option to consider.
Offsetting is another initiative that is becoming increasingly popular.
