Top Ten Actions for the Construction Sector

1. Retrofit existing buildings rather than rebuild, where possible.

2. Assess and quantify all opportunities for re-using materials for both constructing and fitting out buildings and compare with current levels of material re-use. Use this assessment to set a target to increase the amount of re-used materials over a certain timeframe.

3. Procure responsibly: Choose products and services with low whole lifecycle climate and ecological impacts. Monitor performance throughout contract duration by including climate KPIs in contracts.

4. Focus on using low embodied carbon materials – for example high recycled-content materials. Consider the full lifecycle of materials (sourcing, manufacture, transport, disposal) when assessing carbon impact.

https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Circular-Economy-Report.pdf

5. Make public commitment to achieve net zero as an organisation. Work with cutting-edge programmes that reduce the carbon impact of construction.

Top Ten Actions for the Construction Sector

6. Design for longer-life, low carbon buildings. Consider building operation and management requirements after completion to reduce emissions throughout a building’s lifecycle.

7. Map potential for onsite renewable energy generation. For example, solar photovoltaics and/or urban wind turbines and low carbon heating system installation, such as heat pumps. Use this information to underpin targets to increase use of such technology in future developments.

8. Integrate carbon sequestration aspects into buildings – for example ‘green roofs’ - which also improve air quality and environmental amenity.

9. Maintain skills and education throughout the organisation to ensure climate actions are rolled out effectively. For example, create training programmes for new joiners on the importance of achieving net zero carbon.

https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/effective-energy-management-for-business-guide

10. Engage with local people through positive climate action and build positive stakeholder relationships at the same time. For example, sponsor local climate positive community organisations or local carbon offsetting projects. Work with other businesses for mutual learning and to support calls for change to systems that don’t value environmental protection.