23 Apr Navigating a sustainable future for the built environment industry
The recently marked World Earth Day represents a reminder of the necessity to embrace sustainability across all industries, including the built environment. With the challenges of climate change becoming more pronounced, the building and construction industry faces further pressure to integrate a responsible and sustainable approach to building and urban planning.
Industry experts have provided insights on the progressive landscape of sustainability in property development and highlighted the importance of commercial businesses in creating a more resilient market for the future.
As we continue to manage the challenges of climate change and environmental impacts, the insights of industry professionals are valuable in determining the opportunities within the built environment industry. From integrating sustainable values into communities to promoting regenerative design plans, industry leaders can promote positive changes and support a more sustainable and resilient market.
Clare Masters, head of sustainability at Quintain, explains that creating an energy-efficient property is only one element of taking climate action. Masters emphasises that the building industry needs to ensure that low-carbon actions become daily habits, along with other sustainability actions. Actively engaging with residents and stakeholders to recognise changing attitudes is critical to ensure that low-carbon plans are successful and can progress.
Any climate or net-zero-related plans in the built environmental industry must incorporate all elements of a business strategy and be considered within the supply chain process. Through establishing partnerships with suppliers who share a similar level of commitment to sustainability, businesses can deliver the most efficient and sustainable outcomes.
Around 40% of global carbon emissions come from the built environment, so the sector has a responsibility to manage its impact. This includes tackling the carbon connected with construction and the emissions associated with operating buildings once built. Initiatives like the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard will enable the industry to ensure buildings meet net-zero standards and align with UK climate targets.
Earth Day is a clear reminder of the ability of collective action to tackle climate change. Businesses can collaborate with others in industry and academia on the latest research to enhance and strengthen their sustainable plans in the building industry. This partnered approach is critical for the future changes required in the built environment industry.
Jane Wakiwaka, sustainability director at the Crown Estate, explains that protecting and enhancing the natural environment is a top priority for the Crown Estate. Wakiwaka highlights they are consistently looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions and incorporate sustainable measures to strengthen future generations.
We must embrace investment in both old and new assets to achieve our national net zero goals. Through collaboration, the built environment industry can remain resilient and progressive while providing a driving force for a sustainable future.
Incorporating resilience has become a decisive value for many construction businesses, but we must encourage others to follow a similar journey and collectively reach our net-zero targets. Through education and partnerships, more progressive corporations can highlight the commercial and social benefits of building sustainably. Earth Day is important to appreciate that ESG must be a priority in the built environment industry, especially if we intend to reach the target of net zero by 2050.
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