Construction companies in the UK are under pressure to adopt eco-friendly construction methods. This is because of the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting its targets for renewable energy. Construction companies are also facing pressure from customers who are increasingly interested in sustainable buildings. This drive is echoed in the Construction Leadership Council’s ambitious Construct Zero net zero plan by 2050.
In this article, Adam Roper explores the benefits of eco-friendly construction and how they can benefit your company and workforce, not just the environment.

Some of the benefits might be obvious, eco-friendly construction methods can help construction companies save money and meet their environmental obligations. These methods include using recycled materials, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon construction techniques. Construction companies that adopt eco-friendly construction methods can save money on their energy bills and waste disposal costs. They will also be able to attract new customers who are interested in sustainable buildings.

However, as the construction industry looks to become more sustainable, there are more subtle, yet far-reaching benefits to companies adopting greener construction methods.

Eco-friendly construction methods can help create a better working environment for employees

There’s no doubt that eco-friendly construction methods can create a better working environment for employees. After all, green construction is all about using less energy and resources, which can lead to lower utility bills, smaller carbon footprints, and fewer health risks. But there are other benefits of eco-friendly construction that you might not have considered. Here are a few examples.

Better air quality: Construction sites are often full of dust and other particles that can be released into the air, causing poor air quality. By using eco-friendly construction methods, you can help reduce the amount of dust and particles that are released into the air, improving air quality for everyone.
Fewer health risks: Construction workers are exposed to all sorts of potentially harmful materials, from dust and chemicals to asbestos and lead paint. By using eco-friendly construction methods, you can reduce the amount of these materials that workers are exposed to, which will help keep them healthy and safe.
Improved morale: We all like to feel like our work is doing something good for the environment, although the benefit may not be so tangible, just knowing the negative effects of the project will be mitigated can be a subtle driver of workplace satisfaction.

Eco-friendly construction methods can help attract new customers and clients

When it comes to construction, going green isn’t just good for the environment – it can also be great for business. In the UK, an increasing number of consumers are looking for eco-friendly options when choosing contractors and suppliers. By using sustainable methods and materials, construction businesses can tap into this growing market and attract new customers and clients. The requirements for the industry to be more sustainable are creeping into more and more businesses and if you can offer a greener alternative at the tender stage, this might just set you apart.

Eco-friendly construction methods can help improve the reputation of the company and the construction industry

It’s no secret that construction companies have a bit of a reputation problem. In the minds of many people, construction companies are associated with pollution, noise, and general disruption.

However, there are a number of ways in which construction companies can improve their reputation by becoming more sustainable. One way is to use more sustainable construction methods. It shows that they are committed to reducing their environmental impact. It can help to reduce the disruptions caused by construction projects. It can also help to create a more positive image of construction companies in the public’s minds.

You might only consider ‘going green’ as a buzzword now but there is no stopping the fact that sustainability will be driven deeper and deeper into project requirements in the future, sooner or later the industry will need to adapt. There is a wide range of benefits for embracing this now, not just for the environment but also for businesses and their employees. As the demand and legal requirements for sustainable construction grow, more companies will be adopting green construction methods. So, if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, it’s time to start thinking about going green.