INDUSTRY: Property Development, Construction and Infrastructure

Energy management and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

With the built environment accounting for a significant portion of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, addressing energy management is imperative for the property development, construction, and infrastructure sectors. Focusing on building efficiency lowers energy consumption and costs and aligns with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and energy-reporting requirements. Additionally, attention to embodied carbon, encompassing the environmental impact of construction materials and processes, is crucial for minimising the overall carbon footprint of building and infrastructure projects.

Wellness standards

Wellness standards – the recognition that buildings profoundly influence the well-being and productivity of their occupants – have become a central focus for many organisations in this sector. Incorporating features such as maximum access to natural light, good indoor air quality, and ergonomic design enhances the physical and mental health of occupants and contributes to increased job satisfaction and performance. Beyond the immediate benefits for individuals, prioritising wellness also aligns with the broader societal shift towards sustainable and responsible development.

Water and waste management

The built environment exerts substantial pressure on water resources and generates significant waste, underscoring the urgent need for responsible practices. By implementing efficient water management systems and embracing circular principles that prioritise recycling and reuse of materials, organisations can minimise their environmental impact. Water conservation not only addresses resource scarcity but also mitigates potential environmental and social risks associated with water-intensive construction and development. Similarly, a focus on waste reduction and circularity not only diverts materials from landfills but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient construction industry.

Supply chain

The complexity of global supply chains exposes the construction industry to various environmental, social, and economic risks. Ensuring resilience involves mitigating these risks by diversifying suppliers, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing strategies to adapt to disruptions. Sustainable sourcing of materials, ethical labour practices, and reduced environmental impacts become achievable when organisations prioritise transparency. Find out more about our supply chain audit tool, FutureConnect.

Supply chain

As global awareness of the critical importance of biodiversity grows, regulatory bodies are increasingly emphasising the need for organisations to account for and mitigate their impact on ecosystems. Biodiversity offsets, designed to compensate for unavoidable environmental harm, are becoming more prevalent in regulatory frameworks, including in the UK. Organisations that proactively address biodiversity impact not only comply with evolving regulations but also contribute to the conservation of ecosystems, demonstrating a commitment to responsible and sustainable development practices.

Human and labour rights

Ensuring the fair treatment, safety, and well-being of construction workers is crucial for the long-term success and reputation of businesses in these sectors. By prioritising human and labour rights, organisations can create workplaces that respect the dignity of every employee, fostering a positive and inclusive culture. Upholding these rights also mitigates the risk of labour disputes, strikes, and reputational damage, thereby enhancing the stability and sustainability of projects from beginning to end.

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