How can the construction sector create sustainable housing and reduce carbon reliance at the same time?
Polypipe Building Products
We manufacture and supply everything you need for domestic housing projects, from roof to river.
“A single, clear, priority must be established in the immediate future of housebuilding – achieving Net Zero or meeting housing targets. Meeting the two together in the next five years will be difficult."
This was one of the opening lines from Chris Smith , Head of New Build at Polypipe Building Products , who, while positive about the future sustainability of the industry, remained ‘realistic’ about the rate of progress of the wider industry.
The reality of the current slow progress in house building is reflected in the latest figures published in the S&P Global construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI), which shows that residential construction has fallen at its fastest pace in nearly five years. With the sector grappling with red tape and poor economic conditions, is sustainability being given a backseat?
How does the construction industry and its supply chain do its best to meet the two priorities in tandem?
Polypipe Building Products held a roundtable on the topic of sustainable housing inviting senior decision makers from architect practices, housebuilders, developers, and housing associations to share their thoughts on nearing Net Zero and sustainability solace. James Parker , Managing Editor at netMAGmedia , publisher of titles including: ADF - Architects' Datafile and Housebuilder & Developer chaired the wide-ranging discussion.
Over four newsletters, we will share the highlights from the group across the agenda topics of:
·???????? Net-Zero buildings and carbon reduction strategies
·???????? Sustainable housing and urban regeneration
·???????? Climate resilience and adaptation
·???????? The retrofit challenge
The need for early engagement between manufacturers and designers
“Engaging manufacturers as early as possible in the design and construction process ensures they can support housebuilders with expert insights and innovative solutions.”
said Hayley Hayes , Head of Specification at Polypipe Building Products .
“We’re on a constant journey of learning how we can better help sector stakeholders in reaching Net Zero, and how we can create more sustainable buildings. Working together means we can tackle the generational problems we’re currently facing more effectively.”
Architects and housebuilders can leverage the environmental credentials and sustainability initiatives of their suppliers. Polypipe has invested heavily into its circularity efforts, and collects, processes, and uses recycled materials in many of its products. Sourcing greener building products means that the level of embodied carbon is reduced.
The roundtable group also discussed that any updates to Building Regulations must strike a balance between paving the way for modern, affordable, and operationally successful homes. If regulations are restrictive, they force the price of construction up or designers opt for safer and less innovative home configurations.
“Strong regulation is positive but it’s important they don’t hinder the creation of new homes.”
said, Louise Scannell , Design Director at WW+P Architects . The architects practice is currently delivering a development of 90 affordable passive homes in the London Borough of Merton.
“In our work to make sure the development is operationally successful we have had to invest lots of embodied carbon. It’s important that we strike the right balance between the two if we are to build homes sustainably in the future.”
The group discussed the industry adopting the RIBA Carbon Assessment tool to enhance its drive toward net zero and sustainability. The tool provides a standardised approach to measuring whole-life carbon emissions in building projects, allowing architects, engineers, and developers to make informed decisions that reduce environmental impact. By integrating carbon assessment early in the design process, firms can identify opportunities to minimise embodied carbon, optimise energy efficiency, and select sustainable materials.
With increasing regulatory pressures and individual corporate commitments to sustainability, adopting a consistent and transparent methodology like RIBA’s tool helps alignment with industry best practices and government net zero targets. Widespread adoption would also promote accountability and comparability across projects, driving change in how the built environment contributes to climate action.
Should sustainability run throughout the supply chain?
Michela Ravaglia , Sustainability Business Partner at Wates Group , said:
“We are working closely with our supply chain partners, supporting them to start their Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) journey. Incentivising sustainable development and innovation, and providing support up and down the supply chain, allows us all within the construction industry to make progress to develop sustainable homes for the future, contributing to pave the way toward a net zero transition.”
“We continue to explore different approaches to make sustainable homes affordable for our buyers, from supporting them gaining access to green mortgages, to working with sustainable utilities providers that support us in delivering zero bills' homes. We can't reach Net Zero in isolation, but with collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to sustainability, the construction industry can lead the way in reducing global carbon emissions and achieving a greener future.”
“Despite economic factors, funding restrictions, and planning limitations, the need for millions of new homes remains urgent,”
said Kate Watson , Sustainable Communities Team Principal Consultant at Turner & Townsend .
Without increased housing supply, rents and house prices remain high. However, prolonged planning approvals are also delaying the progress of building, with data from the Home Builders Federation showing approvals reaching a ten-year low last year.
How does the industry produce Net Zero buildings and implement carbon reduction strategies?
The EU has a Net Zero goal for 2030, the UK Government has committed to 2050, RIBA has a 2030 voluntary Climate Challenge target, social housing must meet an energy rating of EPC C by 2030 and the UN’s Paris Agreement outlines the need for emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030, and reach net zero by 2050.
“We are getting closer to all these dates but what is the industry doing to meet them?”
asks James Parker .
“The Buildings Safety Act (BSA) added more responsibility on all of us as designers to make sure the buildings are safe first and foremost. Meeting Net Zero goals by 2030, or even 2050, requires architects, designers, and engineers to collaborate from the outset.
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“We know carbon-intensive building materials must be used sparingly however there are many limiting factors within regulations and rules imposed upon us,”
commented Louise Scannell .
“Our focus is taking a passive design approach and being efficient with the materials we are using.”
For example, Southwark Council’s ban on timber framed homes has led to a reliance on concrete, underscoring the conflicting nature between safety regulations and sustainable practices. The group discussed that while timber is flammable it can be treated to enhance its safety credentials. Its burn time and charring characteristics are known and can be designed around rather than ruled out.
Kate Watson also discussed the possibility of more natural materials being used within housebuilding.
“Through the use of regionally sourced natural materials we can support drive to Net Zero. Reed and straw are grown in abundance in some parts of the country, and using them in regional developments reduces the carbon footprint of the project.”
Modern methods of manufacturing and construction mean that these materials can be used safely and effectively to meet the regulations around the construction of new homes.
How can we incite change in the industry?
“Can the industry change on its own accord or does it need stimulus?”
asks James Parker the event chair.
“The government needs to incentivise the market otherwise change will not happen at the pace it needs to.”
said, Kerry Heath BSc Hons, MA, FCIH, FRICS , Development and Sales Director at Hexagon Housing Association .
“Building regulations must evolve to drive change, the industry has its own commercial objectives and will understandably follow those.”
added David de Sousa , Director at AHR Architects.
Reports indicate that certain sectors of UK business, including construction, are prioritising profits over social values. For example, the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry revealed that some companies involved engaged in cost-cutting measures and safety was compromised as a result. However, an Ipsos survey found that 37% of people believe businesses should prioritise social purpose over profit.
The group agrees that the government can go further in implementing measures to promote environmentally sustainable practices in the construction industry. For example, strengthening environmental regulations incentivising renewable energy integration and phasing out environmentally harmful technologies.
Can we achieve sustainability, affordability, and desirability together?
Multiple members of the group raised the issue of affordability of homes. It remains a key concern in the current economic climate. High interest rates and stubborn levels of inflation have a knock-on impact on prospective homeowners. First time buyers are unable to enter the market, and those already on the ladder are unable to move up. This means that there is insufficient demand for the affordable homes developers are building, resulting in a stalemate.
“We must build the right type of homes that are desirable to live in.”
David de Sousa , again discusses the design of new homes and the fact they must be attractive to potential buyers.
The group discussed that house buyers are looking for homes that have space and flexibility. Well-designed spaces should improve quality of life and day-to-day living. Research shows that people want adaptable layouts that can evolve with their needs, whether that’s for work, family, or leisure. If house builders don’t find a happy medium, they risk building homes that tick boxes but don’t appeal to or accommodate the people who live in them.
Should future regulations involve the industry before publication?
“Absolutely,”
said, Danielle Michalska , Group Technical Innovation Manager at Barratt Redrow .
“We have to carefully consider how all the different parts of the building regulations work together so that a change in one area doesn’t create unintended consequences in another or even hold back our sustainability efforts.”
For example, during overheating modelling, structure, safety, and security regulations impose restrictions on design, when in practice a person will use and interact with windows and ventilation as they see fit, and not in line with modelling.
Danielle continued,
“Consulting the industry before implementation gives us an opportunity to feedback on, and trial, regulations before they are introduced, so any insights and previous experiences can shape how we build homes in the future.”
Carbon reduction strategies for old housing stock
A ‘fabric-first’ approach is critical to reducing fuel poverty, ensuring correct installation of insulating materials before the installation of technologies like NVHR (Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling) systems and air source heat pumps.
The UK’s aging housing stock means that a number of steps must be taken to make sure they can accommodate new heating, ventilation, and cooling technologies. Installing them without making the necessary changes will prove counterproductive and lead consumers to think they are ineffective.
The group agreed that for a successful roll-out of technologies like air source, and ground source heat pumps, a number of design considerations must be made.
To find out more about how the built environment sector’s leaders see a successful implementation of new heating and ventilation technologies, follow our social feed, and read our next blog post from the roundtable series.