Public Sector Construction: is best value longevity and performance - or reducing costs?

Construction projects in the public sector are often subject to intense pressure to cut costs, forcing them to maximise value for money. Yet, this drive for cost-effectiveness can sometimes come at the expense of the longevity and performance of certain aspects within the finished structure.

With the current state of the economy consistently pinching at the purse strings, the focus on cost reduction has intensified, with some public sector construction projects straying away from sustainable specification at no fault of their own.

This can, and has, resulted in a decline in the quality of some public sector buildings, and lack of much needed refurbishment, resulting in buildings which are simply not fit-for-purpose. This then has a knockon effect on the health and wellbeing of occupants, necessitating expensive refurbishment down the line.

n Material Selection

One of the biggest challenges facing the public sector is balancing the need to reduce costs with the requirement to deliver high-quality, long-lasting refurbishments. Lower cost materials with a cheaper up-front cost during specification may, in the long term, result in increased maintenance and a decline in overall value and sustainability. Specifiers must be wary not to discount some solutions which could provide the durability and longevity the project requires – generating whole life cost savings.

Working closely with an experienced and accredited manufacturer from the outset, and selecting the most suitable materials for the project, is paramount. As an expert manufacturer of waterproofing, insulation and soundproofing solutions, Soprema has been making great strides in sustainability for some time, hitting those performance goals for customers.

Responsible sourcing is also important. Soprema’s XPS recyclable insulation, for example, is produced from recycled polystyrene with climate-friendly CO2 technology. We offer natural insulation materials –such as Pavatex – made from wood residues from sawmills, and Pavatextil P insulation board, made from recycled denim jeans and cotton fibres.

n Lack of Funding

Another factor contributing to the decline in longevity and performance of public sector construction projects is the lack of available funding to invest in maintenance, which can result in reduced performance and increased costs over time.

Public sector projects are continuously under pressure when it comes to making a budget work. The use of lower-skilled labour and the pressure to deliver projects in a shorter timeframe, can also create problems. Yet, no matter the level of workmanship when installing a system, if the product isn’t a high-quality manufactured solution, it will not perform as it should.

At Soprema, all our systems are installed by fully trained, approved contractors; guided by our in-house technical team. Specifying Soprema’s waterproofing systems allows contractors to offer a single point warranty to the end user for complete peace of mind, as well as best value service life.

n Reducing Emissions

Whilst the battle to reduce costs may be the primary aim, the current sustainability agenda will force many companies to think differently about product longevity and performance. This is thanks to the UK government’s plans to reduce emissions from buildings to meet net zero targets, as our built environment is responsible for 25 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) recommends the government introduces mandatory whole-life carbon assessments for buildings, sets carbon targets aligned with net zero, prioritises retrofit and reuse over new build, as well as the specification of low-carbon materials. The committee also recommends the development of a retrofit strategy with an upskilling program and emphasises the need for accessible training in whole-life carbon assessments.

n A Balanced Approach

It is clear that public sector construction projects have faced intense pressure to reduce costs in recent years, due to circumstances outside of their control. However, in the quest to cut budgets, some projects have lost sight of the importance of long-term performance and what best value really means for the end client, and end user alike.

At Soprema, we provide proactive solutions at competitive rates to ensure your system provides essential protection throughout the lifecycle of buildings. Whole life cost savings can be found in quality products, backed by a knowledgeable team. And we think that’s the best value for money.