Navigating the Future: The Importance of Sustainability In The Construction Sector?
As the most important building in our lives, our homes have become a reflection of ourselves, our passions, and our attitudes towards the world and environment around us. In response to this, developers are increasingly looking towards more eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices when creating commercial buildings or residential homes.
Climate change, the finite nature of resources, new government regulations and consumer demand are all major factors driving the construction industry towards sustainability. The construction industry has a significant environmental impact, from energy use and emissions to waste. However, many construction firms are faced with the challenges of a lack of skilled sustainability experts and perceived high costs for entering the sustainable construction market.
According to recent reports, 45% of total UK carbon emissions come from built construction, with 72% of domestic emissions arising from space heating and hot water. Additionally, 32% of landfill waste comes from the construction and demolition of buildings and 13% of products delivered to construction sites are sent directly to landfill without being used.
As client demand for sustainable construction practices increases and new environmental regulations are introduced, such as The Environment Act 2021, the construction industry will face more pressure to adopt sustainable practices and the data to back up their claims. The Act amends existing legislation and aims to improve air quality, biodiversity, water and waste reduction and resource efficiency, with potentially significant implications for the construction industry.
To stay competitive, construction firms must develop strategies for sustainability, such as investing in renewable energy sources and implementing waste reduction and recycling programs.
By doing so, they can not only meet the demands of consumers and regulations, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
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