_________________________________________________________________________________ Sustainable buildings achieving change . Clients don ’ t want to work with polluters or those with unsustainability practices . So , we need to be asking if construction companies are incentivised to take more sustainable approaches in their business operations , and are the projects they are contracted for using sustainability as a measure for success ? Shifting to more sustainable practices can be mobilised as another tool in the competitiveness toolbox .
Worldwide , the amount required to finance sustainable construction projects is staggering . According to the International Finance Corporation , green buildings represent a significant low-carbon investment opportunity in emerging markets of $ 24.7 trillion by 2030 . For financial markets , these kinds of projects can represent growth opportunities when more traditional markets are struggling . For individual construction companies , making changes earlier around sustainability can reduce their long-term costs . By bringing stakeholders together , financial goals can support sustainability objectives and designs .
Planning ahead
In order to make these changes happen , we need people that are engaged in sustainability at all levels of construction , that understand the challenges involved , and have the right tools and skills to solve them . Such people also need the belief and authority to make those changes . As the energy efficiency and carbon reduction deadlines get nearer , there will be more pressure to deliver on those goals in practice , rather than in theory .
As such , we have to challenge outmoded ideas and provide the right tools and methods to evaluate the options . Rather than looking at project management , environmental details or policy on their own , we have to combine these elements whilst recognising that they shape one another and thus look at issues from multiple perspectives . Without this approach , the construction industry will find it hard to fulfil its responsibilities around the United Nations ’ Sustainable Development Goals and achieve decarbonisation by 2050 . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Dr Graeme Larson www . ucem . ac . uk
Dr Graeme Larson is Associate Dean of Sustainability at UCEM , which is the leading provider of supported online education for the built environment , with over 100 years ’ experience of providing the highest quality learning opportunities . At any one time , UCEM supports more than 4000 students from more than 100 countries benefiting from the university ’ s qualifications taught by tutors with extensive industry experience . UCEM provides flexible and accessible postgraduate and undergraduate degree and apprenticeship programmes that support students ’ life and career goals , as well as helping companies in the construction and building industry to create a sustainable built environment that is shaped with people in mind .
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