Sustainability in construction

Sustainability is a very broad term, that describes activities being carried out without depleting the Earth’s resources or having harmful impacts on the environment. The Brundtland Commission quite rightly called sustainability “meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” When you’re looking for civil engineering in North Wales, it stands to sense to go for a company with a vast portfolio, proven experience of delivering high-quality results, on schedule and to budget, but also one that takes sustainability to heart.

Why? A company that actively works to ensure sustainability is high on their list of priorities is one that puts thought and consideration into the construction process. When you consider that wastage is the number one cost when it comes to projects, a company that actively monitors their materials orders and usage is one that’ll cost you far less in the long run. Sustainable Construction also means accountability, and a team with accountability is one that will provide results with far less waste of materials – and your project’s money.

But how do you know that a company is accountable when it comes to wastage? There are a number of assessment tools and standards available to help assess environmental performance. The most well-known of which is BREEAM. The world’s leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings. BREEAM has an edge over other assessment tools by the fact that it addresses a number of lifecycle stages, such as New Construction, Refurbishment and In-Use. That, and it’s a well-respected, well-used tool for any discerning company. Globally, there are more than 547,900 BREEAM certified developments, and almost 2,247,300 buildings have been registered to the BREEAM assessment since it was established, moderately recently in 1990.

BREEAM assessment processes evaluate the procurement, design, construction and operation of a development against targets that are based on ever-changing performance benchmarks. Assessments are undertaken by independent assessors, and developments rated and certified with easy to understand grades.

When it comes to hiring contractors, project management firms or construction in general, look for firms that work to BREEAM standard, strive to use renewable or recycled materials, develop carbon neutral operations and reduce or eliminate waste. It’s for the environment, for future generations, and it’s also for your project’s financial viability.