What is Sustainable construction?

Sustainable construction which is also known as green building/ green construction, focuses at reducing the environmental influence of a building over its entire lifetime, while maximizing  its economic feasibility and the comfort and safety of its occupants. 

In other words it’s a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.

The UK strategy for more sustainable construction, suggests key themes for action by the construction industry. These are:

·         design for minimum waste

·         lean construction & minimise waste

·         minimise energy in construction & use

·         do not pollute

·         preserve & enhance biodiversity

·         conserve water resources

·         respect people & local environment

·         monitor & report

Most of these points simply make good business sense eg minimising waste increases efficiency. Sustainability is of increasing importance to the efficient, effective & responsible operation of business

Why this Strategy is needed

The construction industry is significant: its output is mass and provides employment for millions of workers. The target of the construction industry, be it public buildings, commercial buildings, homes or infrastructure such as our roads, harbours and sea defences, has a major impact on our ability to maintain a sustainable economy overall and has a major impact on our environment. Moreover, it is clear that we cannot meet our declared environmental targets without dramatically reducing the environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure construction; we have to change the way we design and build

The business case for the sustainable construction agenda is based on:

·         Increasing profitability by using resources more efficiently;

·         Firms securing opportunities offered by sustainable products or ways of working;

·         Enhancing company image and profile in the market place by addressing issues relating to Corporate and Social Responsibility.

This Strategy involves a shared recognition of the need to deliver a radical change in the sustainability of the construction industry.