Construction sector
The home page of this website defines sustainability as both a process and an outcome. Similarly, sustainable construction is both a sector and an activity. This module explores the processes, roles and responsibilities engaged throughout different stages of construction across the sector and provides details of some of the activities that those involved in the sector (public and private stakeholders), should consider. However, 95% of companies in the sector are Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and therefore the following pages have been produced with SMEs in mind.
The Accounting for Sustainability project consulted with industry leaders in the construction sector. This work highlighted that addressing sustainable construction and refurbishment rested on understanding the business case for sustainability at each of the different stages entailed in the construction process. Below are the key elements of the complete value chain for any individual construction project.
Construction sector - value chain
Land Design Planning Contracting Construction Refurb End of life
The value chain represents each stage of the life of a construction project, from 'Land and building selection' to 'End of life'. The construction sector should view sustainability as a process to be engaged over a project’s whole life. However, the construction process involves a number of stages where sustainable benefits can be achieved. Therefore the following pages can also be viewed in isolation, for example, the refurbishment stage can be considered independently. Click on each link to find the key considerations for that stage together with case studies and tools which will help build sustainability into projects more effectively.
How is this module different from other modules?
Why do it?
Being more sustainable is better for business AND better for the planet and its people. Market leaders understand this, but we will not make enough progress until the other 95% see its benefits…
By celebrating success, sharing knowledge and tools we can and MUST help to move the whole industry. … and bring the back of this “sustainability caterpillar” up to the standards, aspirations and achievements of the front.
Quentin Leiper, President, Institution of Civil Engineers and Director for Engineering and the Environment, Carillion plc
Opportunities for the construction sector
Challenges for the construction sector
- Compliance vs Leadership - 95% of companies in the sector are SMEs and while there are some leaders in the industry on sustainability, much of the response to sustainable development issues is compliance focused. How can the industry be more proactive in moving the agenda forward to go beyond regulation and help shape customer demand?
- Moving the industry - How can the leaders in the industry work with the multitude of other organisations who are in the sector to deliver not just exemplar projects but make sustainability integral to the industry as a whole?