VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
MAKING THE SUSTAINABLE SWITCH With sustainability high on the corporate agenda, many construction businesses are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing greener building materials, some even made from waste carbon dioxide. But could they be doing more? EQUIB
F JACQUELINE HUGHES I S A S E NI O R R I SK ANALY ST AT RISK M A N AG E MENT C O NS U LTANC Y, E Q UI B . S HE S PEC I AL I S ES I N ADVISIN G O RG A N I S AT I O NS O N HO W TO M A N AG E R I SK WHEN FI NANC IN G O R D E L I V ER I NG L ARG E-S C AL E I NF R A S T RU C T U R E PRO G R AM MES.
FC&A – MAY – 2020
rom start-ups turning construction waste into bricks to businesses engineering wood for optimum carbon storage, the world of sustainable building materials is growing at a rapid pace. However, for a sector used to tight operating margins, cost considerations still sometimes take priority. Many industry experts believe that fiscal incentives are needed to accelerate change in the sector, encouraging contractors to make use of the eco-friendly alternatives that now exist. While solving the issue of climate change is an inherently global problem, it’s something the UK can’t afford to ignore when considering the risks posed to large-scale
construction and infrastructure programmes. With global heating causing more intense rainfall and a continued rise in sea levels, more investment is urgently needed to ensure structures are built to last and aren’t exacerbating environmental risks. In order to ensure these risks are properly managed, project managers should have a clear understanding of what they are aiming to achieve and the fundamental requirements of the programme. Having an appreciation of what sustainability means within the context of the programme is crucial – for example, does it refer to the longevity of the building, its environmental impact or both? 22
Before deciding to prioritise sustainability, a cost-benefit analysis should be carried out at an early stage, taking account of the environmental impact of any suggested product switches. While they may have long-term benefits, eco-friendly materials are often more expensive and, in some cases, they may not provide enough benefit to justify the outlay. However, it is worth bearing in mind that landowners and clients are beginning to factor sustainability benefits into the bidding process for projects. As corporate social responsibility gains traction, developers and main contractors keen to do their bit for the environment may find themselves more likely to win work.
