The United Kingdom has set a target of achieving Net-Zero by the year 2050. The strategy sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to achieve these goals.

The UK Environmental Audit Committee estimates that Construction and the Built Environment accounts for 25% Total Carbon Footprint. As such, organisations operating within the sector play a critical role in achieving national emission reduction targets.

But what does the future of Net-Zero Construction look like, and how can organisations take steps today, to ready themselves for the commercial and regulatory pressures and expectations of tomorrow?

Build Back Greener

The Build Back Greener strategy addresses some of the ways by which the UK Government plans to reduce carbon emissions across the Construction and Built Environment sectors including funding for the development of low carbon alternative fuels; a greater focus on the use of modern sustainable construction methods and materials; and supporting improved reporting methodologies.

Low Carbon Fuels

Plant machinery, and the transport of materials and waste can represent a significant portion of a projects total GHG emissions. Implementing low carbon fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and alternative Energy Sources such as Solar and Wind, provide organisations with the opportunity to significantly reduce their GHG emissions.

Alternative Fuels in Action

Using SustainIQ, GEDA found that using Solar and HVO Fuels resulted in a 99.3% reduction in emissions when compared to conventional diesel. A full case study, detailing the project can be found here.

Sustainable Construction Methods

The embodied carbon of common construction materials such as Steel, Concrete, and Glass can account for the majority of a construction projects emissions. It is estimated that steel and concrete can account for as much as 72% of the embodied carbon of a construction project.

As a result, utilising more sustainable materials presents organisations with the opportunity to significantly reduce their GHG emissions. Timber materials such a Glulam for example, has a relatively low embodied carbon compared with materials like steel and glass, and has the added benefit of storing carbon absorbed from the atmosphere during the tree’s growth.

Additionally, organisations should also consider sourcing materials from suppliers closer to site when making procurement decisions, helping to lower transport emissions and potentially costs. More details on this approach can be found in our case study for Henry Brothers.

Retrofit of Existing Structures

Retrofitting and modernising existing structures will also play a critical role in the road towards net-zero. It is estimated that the embodied carbon associated with a new building, is on average, twice that of a deep retrofit. Additionally, reusing materials from the demolition phase (such as crushing and reusing concrete), can help lower emissions further.

The Role of Technology

Technology will play a significant role in net-zero construction. Organisations must be able to effectively measure, monitor, and report on the impact that their net-zero strategies are having. Retrospective analysis of the ESG performance of a project will no longer suffice. Organisations must be equipped with the tools and technology they need to make proactive decisions that can address anomalies and identify opportunities.

Real-time Understanding

SustainIQ enabled Felix O’Hare to monitor and manage waste across the project in real-time; providing insights that can be used to optimise resource management, improve site efficiency, and reduce waste generation at the source. A full case study, detailing the project can be found here.

Looking Ahead

While it’s impossible to say for certain, what the future of the construction sector might look like, we do know that change is needed. Alternative fuels and energy sources, sustainable materials, and greater transparency in reporting will each play a critical role in achieving net-zero by 2050.

The organisations that take time to invest in sustainability and net-zero today, will be the ones who are ideally positioned to reap the benefits tomorrow.

About SustainIQ

SustainIQ is a comprehensive ESG reporting software designed to help businesses measure, monitor, and report on sustainability performance. Covering four key pillars—Responsible Procurement, Environmental Management, People, Health & Diversity, and Community Engagement & Partnering—SustainIQ enables users to track over 200 ESG metrics in real-time, ensuring compliance with key reporting frameworks and standards.

To learn more about SustainIQ or to arrange a demo click here.