24 THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE
CONCRETE IS THE MOST USED MAN-MADE MATERIAL IN THE WORLD, WITH ABOUT 14 BILLION CUBIC METRES BEING USED EVERY DAY
MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE Moreover, robust preparatory actions are palpably underway – but despite awareness of the FHBS, more needs to be done, 52% of respondents have not aligned themselves with specialist environmental or sustainability consultancies; less than half (47%) are forging new supplier partnerships and just 4 are delving into low carbon building materials.
In a proactive move, 45% are amplifying their use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), while 42% are reassessing their house type range. Notably, 88% have outlined targets for carbon reduction and, among these, almost two thirds (2) have backed their targets with a sustainability strategy and a detailed roadmap to net zero. While just under half (47%) already have a dedicated sustainability director to navigate this green transition, another 38% are in the process of appointing one, signifying a collective, strategic march towards a sustainable future. Critiques, however, hinge on aspects such as the insufficiency of available support, short lead times to implement changes, educational deficits, and lack of government stimuli – factors which potentially hinder housebuilders in their race against stringent targets amidst an environment rife with policy delays and economic strife.
BUILDING BLOCKS TO FUTURE HOMES Though the FHBS may be progressive and far-reaching, there are clearly some hurdles which must be overcome to feasibly bring it into force. Fundamental to this is tackling the lack of available academia, research and industry collateral on green building matters, making it even more difficult for housebuilders to upskill on their own merit.
As part of a strategic analysis presented in the “Building Blocks to Future Homes” report, the team at Aggregate Industries have proposed three key enablers to equip housebuilders with the right tools and support to ensure FHBS compliance. It is calling for: • A government-backed collaborative platform to facilitate cross-industry co-operation
• Dedicated stimuli for FHBS properties (e.g. stamp duty tax reductions for eco-friendly homes)
• The sustainable contractor skills gap to be addressed
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
With global warming continuing and the built environment accounting for approximately 40% of global GHG emissions, accomplishing net zero is unattainable without a fundamental decarbonisation of the sector. Our findings from this report stress the need for an evolution of regulatory frameworks which leverage the ambition within the sector to spur change.
The sustainability challenge is, after all, a shared one; and it is only together that we can create a future where we no longer need to have conversations about building greener because low carbon homes perform as designed, as standard, every time.
Concrete and cement production is an energy-intensive process which releases carbon dioxide, so early production of a more sustainable and cost-effective low- carbon cement, on a global scale, is vital if we are to meet the infrastructural needs of economically developing towns, cities and nations.
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
Alterations in the manufacturing process of concrete and steel – both major embodied carbon contributors – will have a huge impact; hence low carbon cement facilities are currently being developed around the world and in the UK. As construction firms ramp up their delivery of sustainability commitments, there is recognition that the green innovation stakes must also be raised higher within the supply chain.
Meanwhile, for us at Aggregate Industries, significant strategic investment is being made in R&D and innovation as we move towards our goal as a supplier of sustainable construction materials. At the Port of Tilbury, for example, our new manufacturing facility will fulfil the increasing demand for sustainable building materials within an evolving market. It will support the global drive for low carbon and circular construction materials and accelerate decarbonisation in the UK market.
As a manufacturer and supplier for the UK’s building industry, we are fervently committed to pioneering the sustainable future. This includes further and on-going of innovative sustainable alternatives across our concrete, cement, asphalt, aggregates and landscaping ranges.
Cassandre Le Galliard is sustainable product manager at Aggregate Industries
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
