Construction Report: Majority Push for ‘Green’ Future
An environmentally-geared report has just been published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Entitled ‘The Green Perspective’, the report highlights how more than 94 per cent of professionals within the Construction Industry consider that “green” construction is the way forward. The survey used to amass data for The Green Perspective involved the participation of 850 professionals within the industry, and looked at the perspectives within Construction in respect of climate change, as well as the part played by sustainable building.
Commenting on the results gleaned, the Deputy Chief Executive of the CIOB, Michael Brown, stated: "From the survey we can see that there is clear concern about climate change and a desire to enforce sustainable construction but there is a lack of understanding about what is being done and what can be done to tackle these issues”
He continued: “The problem may lay in the fact there is still much debate among experts and political leaders concerning possible solutions and the affect that they will have in reducing climate change. What is certain is that reducing waste and carbon emissions from buildings will not only help the environment but is also profitable to businesses. From these results we can see that there is no debate to be had within the construction industry in regards to the direction that needs to be taken, but reaching these people with everyday solutions and practical changes seems to be where the 'green revolution' is falling short."
What is evident from the study is an increased awareness within Construction of environmental issues, combined with heightened knowledge of their potential impact on the industry of tomorrow. Of those assessed, 98 per cent understand the role played by construction in regards to climate change. This role, according to 91.4 per cent of them, is either vital or important, while 94.6 per cent consider “green” building the way of the future. Finally, 86.2 per cent consider that financial benefits are connected to developing buildings where energy efficiency is a main feature.
However, 67 per cent of the professionals agreed that the Construction Industry’s ability to manufacture energy efficient structures is hampered by current regulations. Such Regulations were isolated as the chief significant method by which C02 emissions could be reduced within Construction, with most participants highlighting that these regulations were able to be enforced. The implication of this is that Construction would welcome more stringent regulation, in order to power both demand within the market and sustainable development.
Mr Brown added: "Although this survey has identified an increase in demand for sustainable development over the last five years, this increase appears not yet to have reached significant enough levels. The reason for this lack of widespread market appetite is seen as a shortage of client awareness and education towards the financial benefits for building green projects. And yet 86% of respondents believe there are financial benefits to be had from producing energy efficient buildings."
Source – Construction International’s Sub-Editor
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