Sustainable report published

Construction is starting to build in a more eco-friendly way, according to a new sustainable construction report published by Glenigan.

In ‘Build Back Greener: Challenges and Opportunities for UK Construction’ Glenigan said BRE’s landmark BREEAM accreditation scheme has become a game-changer, encouraging contractors and developers to adopt a greener approach to building. Glenigan’s data indicates a traditionally high-emission sector is starting to change its approach, and building in a more eco-friendly way.

To put current progress in context, since 2016 8% of construction projects have been BREEAM accredited. In value terms, 21% BREEAM-rated projects account for a higher proportion of work started, demonstrating that a higher environmental performance is an increasingly sought-after feature for premium buildings.

Furthermore, over the last four years, the number of higher BREEAM-rated (Excellent or Outstanding) buildings has grown. By value, half of BREEAM-rated projects granted planning consent since 2018 have secured these higher accolades, rising 7% on the preceding four years.

Although this indicates progress has been made, it is at a more gradual pace than many both inside and outside the industry would like, Glenigan said. Retrofitting existing stock will present a sizeable challenge, but could potentially be a huge growth area for BREEAM-accredited projects over the next few decades.

Glenigan’s economic director Allan Wilen said: “There’s no doubt construction will have a vital, and central, role to play as we draw nearer to Net Zero 2050, and even closer to the next milestone marker in 2030.”

He continued: “What’s abundantly clear is that substantial investment, both public and private, will be needed, particularly in areas such as EV charging infrastructure and driving more BREEAM accredited buildings. Yes, it’s a big challenge, and we’re really only at the start of the journey. However, it presents a welcome opportunity for UK construction, not only to build back greener in terms of new and existing stock, but also establish a new and diverse sector of green-focused built environment professionals, equipped to meet the requirements of a carbon neutral society.”