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HOW IS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SHAPING THE RACE TO NET ZERO?

July 29, 2024

In the ever-evolving narrative of our environment, the construction industry plays a pivotal role. This has never been more true as we work towards a more sustainable future. As we navigate through the intricacies of environmental change, it’s heartening to see this sector take meaningful strides towards net zero.

Net-zero, retrofit and environmental sustainability have been buzzwords over several years. However, is enough being done and has it been working? Recent news would make you think twice about progress. Articles published this week on The Guardian and Sky websites mention the new Labour government will need to ‘take on net-zero nimbys.’ This is whilst ramping up public investment to decarbonise residential properties and infrastructure systems. 

Since the initiative started emissions have been cut by 53%. However, drastic changes must be made if we are to reach the target of 68% by 2030. 

So just how is the construction industry working alongside the government and other industries to make this happen?

EMBRACING A GREENER BLUEPRINT

At the heart of the construction industry’s journey to net zero is an intentional shift in mindset. This moving from traditional practices to innovative, eco-friendly approaches. The transformative shift isn’t just about using greener materials, although that’s certainly a large piece of the puzzle. It’s about reimagining the entire lifecycle of a construction project from conception to completion and beyond. We should ensure that every step contributes positively to the environment.

RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES:
BUILDING WITH CARE

It’s not just about what we build but also how we build. Responsible construction practices play a pivotal role in the industry’s push towards net zero. This includes minimising waste, recycling materials, and ensuring efficient use of resources throughout the construction process. By adopting these practices, the industry demonstrates a respectful and mindful approach towards construction. This ensures minimal impact on our planet’s resources.

The idea of the ‘circular economy’ is central to the idea of building with care. The circular economy steers away from the traditional linear economy approach where buildings are used until untenable. Instead, practices like retrofitting are shaping the built environment. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it also creates new opportunities for newly formed and established businesses. According to UK Research and Innovation, the circular economy in UK construction could reduce total carbon emissions by roughly 38% by 2050. You can read more about our retrofitting work here.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: ILLUMINATING THE FUTURE

Energy efficiency is another critical area where the construction industry is making significant inroads. The design and creation of buildings now have an increased focus on reducing energy consumption, with features like natural lighting, solar panels, and smart home technologies becoming the norm. These innovations not only lighten the load on our planet but also offer long-term savings and benefits to occupants, a win-win in our journey towards net zero.

The architectural role here is pivotal. You can read about how Spatial Dimension’s survey data helps architects on a daily basis here.

THE ROLE OF POLICY & COLLABORATION

Achieving net zero is undeniably a monumental task, one that requires the collective effort of policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities. Governments around the world are beginning to recognise their role, implementing regulations and providing incentives that encourage green construction practices. These policies are crucial in setting a global standard, fostering an environment where sustainable construction is not just encouraged but becomes the norm.

In December 2023 a funding pot of £1.17 billion was confirmed for public sector decarbonisation. This aims to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037, in comparison to 2017 levels. In February of this year, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirmed Phase 4, with more information due this Summer. Due to the recent elections, we’re unable to advise when this will be. However, the latest news on www.gov.uk advises the bulk of the funding put will be available from 2025 to 2026 (£670 million). If this remains the case, this is an exciting and groundbreaking opportunity for all within the industry from surveyors to architects to contractors.

Collaboration across sectors and with non-governmental organisations is another big opportunity. These partnerships are essential in sharing knowledge, driving innovation, and scaling solutions that make net zero a reachable goal. By working together, the construction industry can leverage shared experiences and breakthroughs, paving the way for a future where sustainable construction is a universal standard.

INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE

Innovation is crucial in guiding the construction industry towards net zero, with technologies like green concrete and carbon capture showing us what’s possible. These innovations not only reduce the environmental impact of construction projects but also inspire new thinking about how we can build better, smarter, and greener.

The industry’s embrace of digital technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), further exemplifies this innovative spirit. BIM not only improves efficiency and reduces waste during construction but also plays a crucial role in the lifecycle management of a building, ensuring sustainability is maintained from start to finish. You can read more about how our BIM services are helping our clients across the industry here.

THE PATH FORWARD: OVERCOMING BARRIERS OF ENTRY

As we look to the horizon, the path to net zero in construction is both challenging and exciting. It’s a journey that demands our collective passion, innovation, and resilience. Yet, amidst these complexities, lies a tremendous opportunity to redefine our legacy – to be remembered as the generation that built with the future of our planet in mind.

We, of course, will face challenges including complexities in the supply chain, cost and consumer behaviour. It’s therefore imperative that businesses within the construction industry lead this transformation. Cost is one of the biggest challenges, with the barriers of entry significant, particularly for smaller companies. As net-zero practices proceed we anticipate these costs will significantly drop and the industry will continue to become more cost-efficient alongside more sustainable.

As a member of the UK Green Building Council, we are committed to building a sustainable future. Powered by over 700 members, the UKGBC is at the forefront of positively influencing policy, identifying pathways to propel the sector forward sustainably and driving the solutions to transform our buildings, communities, cities and infrastructure so that people and nature thrive. 

Regardless of a Labour or Conservative government, net-zero has a clear goal to reduce all direct emissions from public sector buildings by 50% and 75% by 2032 and 2037 respectively. Decarbonisation and the net zero goal is something everyone can agree on and work towards. We are confident that funding will remain for this integral process and there will be continued work throughout the construction industry as a result. 

Are you looking for reliable and sustainability-captured survey data? You can request a quote below, contact us and view our retrofit work.

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