Smart changes your construction company can make to combat climate change

The UK has already taken action to meet its goal of net-zero by 2050 but reducing carbon emissions won't be an easy task for every industry, including construction. The construction industry is the sixth-highest carbon-emitting industry in the UK. Around 10% of the country's carbon emissions come from construction activities, and the built environment sector is responsible for 45% of the UK's carbon emissions. The industry faces multiple challenges in combating climate change. Still, construction companies need to change how they operate to support the government's net-zero strategy.

What is the UK government's net-zero strategy?

There are several ways the government hopes to reduce its carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and achieve its goal of net-zero by 2050. It plans to introduce grants for low-carbon solutions like heat pumps and electric vehicles; phase out the installation of gas boilers by 2035; ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030; replace all energy sources with renewable energy by 2035; build or retrofit homes with high-quality insulation and green heating.

These are some of the ways the government plans to combat climate change, and your construction company can keep these in mind when implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

Use recycled and locally sourced materials

Using recycled and locally sourced materials is one of the most impactful ways the construction industry can reduce its carbon emissions. Recycled materials are often cheaper and can reduce your costs. By using locally sourced materials, you’ll have more control over your supply chain, and you can support local vendors who produce sustainable materials. Materials from local suppliers also don't need to be delivered from far away, reducing the carbon footprint of your supplier and your projects.

Consider the impact of construction vehicles

Most construction vehicles and machines use diesel, which is a fossil fuel. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. While the construction industry can't give up vehicles and equipment, it can look at investing in low-carbon alternatives. Some heavy-equipment manufacturers are starting to introduce electric heavy-duty trucks and equipment, which your construction business could consider in the future. There are minor changes you can make now to reduce carbon emissions, including using energy-efficient vehicles to transport materials and workers.

Start using renewable energy

Construction sites depend on electricity to power tools, so reducing the energy you use is difficult. Instead, your business could use renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric energy to power equipment. In 2020, 42% of the country's power was generated by wind, solar, bioenergy and hydropower. As renewable energy becomes widely available, it will become easier for your business to switch to green energy. You can also promote renewable energy solutions and encourage clients to choose low-carbon energy sources for their buildings.

Recycle construction and demolition materials

You can send less waste to landfills by employing a waste management company to assist you with recycling construction and demolition materials. Construction sites generate a lot of waste which ends up in landfills, which are one of the leading causes of climate change as they release biogas into the atmosphere. When you recycle materials, you reduce the need for the industry to make as many new materials from scratch, saving energy and reducing the consumption of natural resources. Some of the construction materials that can be recycled include brick, stones, plasterboard, and reinforcing bars.

Cut down on paper with Construction Software

One of the simplest ways your construction company can reduce its carbon footprint is by creating a paperless work environment with Construction Software. You can use Construction Software to create digital Job Sheets, and paperwork can be uploaded to the software and stored digitally. Your technicians can complete forms online using their Mobile Device and email Quotes and Invoices instead of printing them.