The construction industry has historically had a negative impact on the environment. Outdated techniques and technology often hindered the sector from making progress on more sustainable approaches to project delivery. But with a reputation for negative environmental impact comes a huge responsibility for effective change.
The construction industry has seen significant changes, most notably in the legislation that regulates the sector. This change is driven by both the Government and regulatory bodies monitoring the industry, as they look to improve and optimise commercial practice.
As we continue to witness the effects that the construction industry has on our environment, regulatory assessors now look to find opportunities that could prevent further environmental damage and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The Positive Effects on Construction of Environmental Policy
The 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution is a clear-cut policy that focuses its efforts on the following areas:
- Advancing offshore wind
- Driving the growth of low carbon hydrogen
- Delivering new and advanced nuclear power
- Accelerating the shift to zero-emission vehicles
- Green public transport, cycling and walking
- “Jet zero” and green ships
- Greener buildings
- Investing in carbon capture, usage and storage
- Protecting our natural environment
- Green finance and innovation.
The report points out that the UK already generates more electricity from offshore wind than any other country. Currently home to the world’s first two floating offshore wind farms, at the time of publishing in November 2020 the UK government’s forecast that by 2030 they will have scaled this twelvefold.
The Climate Change Act was introduced in 2008 and was the first time a country introduced a legally binding initiative to address climate change. Net Zero is the target advised by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) for greenhouse gases by 2050. As new discoveries are made about the construction industry’s effects on the environment and innovations become available, updated legislation will help set the standard for greener construction.
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Reducing the Negative Impact of Construction
Much of the work done to improve sustainability in construction has been to reduce the harm done. While striving for positive effects of construction on the environment is essential, it makes sense to reduce the negative impact first. A reduction of transport distances, and utilising local suppliers, can decrease emissions by reducing fuel usage.
Proper disposal of waste is also an opportunity for construction companies to minimise damage — and potentially have a positive impact on the environment. Reusing materials in the first instance extends the lifetime value of a product. Using biodegradable materials is also a great way to keep landfill waste to a minimum. When reusing or recycling is not an option, the negative impact on the natural environment can be lessened by responsible waste management. All businesses producing waste have a waste duty of care — including seeking out recycling facilities to ensure waste is disposed of properly.
The Positive Effects of Construction on the Environment Itself
Reducing negative impacts is one part of furthering sustainable construction, but positively impacting the environment is the ultimate goal. The drive is there, as demonstrated by a recent announcement that UK Green Building Council membership increased by 16%. This upsurge reflects an increase in construction companies prioritising corporate social responsibility(CSR), of which environmental impact plays a huge part.
Constructing healthy buildings has a positive impact on the end-user of the building and the environment. When CSR is at the heart of a business, making decisions around community impact and working conditions will have a knock-on effect on the environment. For example, using non-toxic building materials is often considered with a tenant or other building user in mind during the planning stage. This decision may be taken to improve air quality in a building. However, it could also lead to construction having a positive effect on the environment by using fewer harmful chemicals in the processing of materials.
As companies prioritise local communities, they also often have a positive impact on the environment. For example, if construction companies include green spaces for residents’ health and wellbeing, this could also protect,encourage and enhance biodiversity. Similarly, when constructing new roads, including additional travel options in the design could have wide-ranging advantages. Including accessible walking routes and bicycle paths promotes active living, and offers an alternative to driving, reducing carbon emissions. In turn, these footpaths can be more easily incorporated into the natural landscape so the habitat can become a part of the design.
Join CHAS as a contractor for resources on sustainable practices and other key areas of corporate social responsibility. Clients can join CHAS for access to pre-accredited contractors as well as the client portal.
