We’ve talked before about sustainable construction – and it hasn’t become any less relevant. With a growing awareness around climate change and tighter regulations in the UK ensuring sustainable building practices, it’s crucial that construction teams make sustainability part of their entire process. More than positively impacting the environment though, many sustainable initiatives work to reduce costs and future-proof build projects.
It’s only in recent years that the construction industry has caught up with other areas and started to implement sustainable practices as the norm. And it’s not a moment too soon – it's estimated that the construction sector alone is responsible for about 45% of the UK’s carbon emissions. Not only that, but it also accounts for 30% of the country’s landfill waste and 40% of its energy consumption. Those are big numbers for one industry.
Change is inevitable and needed. As a result, the government has been implementing roadmaps and initiatives that serve to make sustainable practices easier for construction companies and their teams.
Several government-led initiatives and industry roadmaps have been introduced in recent years to guide the construction industry toward a greener future. For example:
Additionally, industry organisations like the Green Construction Board (GCB) and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) are providing the frameworks and certifications—such as BREEAM—to measure sustainability in projects.
The Climate Change Act was introduced in 2008 and updated in 2013; and set legally binding targets for reducing the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050. In 2019, this target was amended to net-zero emissions by 2050.
There are now stricter regulations on energy use, waste, and emissions, meaning projects must meet tighter standards, and there’s a growing emphasis on building with long-term environmental impacts in mind.
The good news is, by following the 7 principles of sustainable construction, you’re already on your way to compliance.
The 7 principles of sustainable construction offer a clear path for reducing your project's environmental footprint. Let’s break them down and explore why they matter, and how you can adopt them in your next project.
Sustainable design considers environmental impacts from the very beginning of the project. This means considering things like energy use, water efficiency, and the long-term durability of materials.
One of the most widely used tools to assess sustainability in building design is BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). BREEAM evaluates a building’s environmental, social, and economic performance, giving it a certification level based on how sustainable it is. Having a BREEAM certification on a project is a big plus, as it demonstrates your commitment to sustainability.
Durability plays a key role in the sustainability of a build. Buildings designed to last reduce the need for future repairs, renovations, or complete rebuilds, which saves resources and waste. By investing in durable materials and construction methods, you’re not only helping the environment—you’re saving money down the line on potentially expensive rework.
Energy efficiency is arguably the biggest factor in delivering sustainable construction projects. This means designing and building structures that use less energy—whether that’s for heating, cooling, lighting, or running equipment. Insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy sources like solar panels all play a part in cutting down on energy consumption.
The more energy-efficient your building is, the lower its carbon footprint. And with energy costs rising, clients are increasingly looking for buildings that will save them money on their energy bills.
Construction generates a lot of waste, but with a bit of planning, you can cut down on the amount that ends up in landfill. Waste reduction strategies include off-site construction, reusing materials, and recycling what you can. The goal is to use materials more efficiently and reduce what gets thrown away.
Indoor air quality promotes a healthy and productive working environment that is comfortable for people. Using non-toxic materials, ensuring good ventilation, and avoiding sources of pollution like mold or dampness are all important for keeping the air clean inside your building. Effective and natural airflow might not always be easily implemented depending on the location, but design features can contribute to good quality natural ventilation.
Good indoor air quality isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for the well-being of building occupants.
Water conservation strategies in construction include rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and greywater recycling. By incorporating these features, you conserve water and reduce the building's operating costs. With water prices steadily increasing, this can be a real benefit to your clients.
Using sustainable building materials is a cornerstone of eco-friendly construction. This could mean using recycled or reclaimed materials, sourcing timber from certified sustainable forests, or using low-carbon alternatives like eco-friendly concrete.
The key is to choose materials that are both high-performing and have a low environmental impact. When done right, this principle also contributes to the durability of your projects. And with more suppliers offering sustainable options, it’s easier than ever to choose environmentally friendly building materials.
The good news is that more construction companies are embracing sustainability in their projects. Certifications like BREEAM and LEED are becoming more common, modular construction methods are reducing waste, and there’s an increasing focus on renewable energy integration into buildings.
At the same time, the shift toward a circular economy—where materials are reused and recycled—is changing the way we think about waste management in construction.
The right digital tools can make a huge difference when it comes to managing sustainability in construction projects.
By leveraging these tools, you can streamline your processes and make sure you’re hitting sustainability targets.
Make sustainability part of your processes – it isn’t going away
Sustainable construction is here to stay. By following these 7 principles and embracing the digital tools available, you can reduce the environmental impact of your projects while saving money and staying compliant with ever-tightening regulations. As construction moves toward a greener future, the companies that adopt sustainable practices now will be the ones that thrive.
Sustainability isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smarter and more efficient.
Need more support with sustainable construction? Download our FREE guide with 4 tips to help you achieve greener practices.