The construction sector is at the forefront of the quest for sustainability. The way in which structures, towns, and cities are designed and built has had an impact on our environment for centuries, and shifting the way in which construction operates now and into the future could be one of the key components of a sustainable future. If you are in charge of managing construction sites and projects, creating a sustainable working environment that continues to tick the other boxes of efficiency, productivity, and safety, should be a priority. There are a few different ways in which a sustainable construction environment can be achieved.
As the world comes to terms with poorer air quality, hotter summers and a future water crisis, the impact of climate change is here a lot faster than many predicted. With this in mind, the search for a sustainable future is more pertinent than ever before, and the construction sector is at the heart of the matter.
Consider the on-site premises
Although the main problem of emissions from construction sites comes from the process of construction and transportation of the materials and equipment, you can think about the energy performance of on-site offices to help lower the carbon footprint of the project. Look for site accommodation that has an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of A, B, or C to help reduce energy usage,
Look after site waste
Another big deal is how you process waste on site. There is so much waste naturally created within the construction sector, and it needs an effective waste management process and policy to be integrated into every project to ensure that positive change takes place, and that sustainability is embedded in everything that you do on site.
Think about your sourcing and transportation
Transportation is responsible for 20% of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. Thinking about how you can better utilise transportation of materials and equipment to and from your construction site could help to significantly reduce your part in this. Work with plant hire companies that have sustainability at the heart of what they do, with driver and operator efficiency training and tracking telematics, as well as the latest fleet options for hire that lower carbon emissions. It will also help to smooth schedules and only have vehicles and machinery on site when they actually need to be.
Efficient machinery
This also ties in with potential use of a plant hire company, as you can ensure that you are using the latest models of whatever piece of machinery or equipment you use on site. Use the highest quality, forward-thinking renewable fuels, know that anything delivered to you has been inspected and is in full working order, leading to greater efficiency and less pollution as a result, and have a better working fleet of options at your disposal.
Utilising expertise from a plant hire company in the UK will help you to implement plant hire as part of an overall sustainable practice within your construction sites and future projects. Using the latest models of plant hire equipment and machinery, you’ll have the lowest emissions possible from the machinery you use, they will offer greater levels of efficiency and safety, and be a key part of your sustainability ideals. Promoting sustainability and partnering with a plant lease company that has a sound carbon strategy will help you get to where you want to be with your own sustainable practices.
