As we step into a new year, the deadline for the UK Government announcement of its net zero 2050 goal is another year closer. Many businesses have begun to make green commitments and ambitions, carving their path to the 2050 Net Zero target.
Many in the construction sector, have voiced that sustainability has taken a back seat. While the uncertainty of the supply chain, rising costs of raw materials, energy, wages, and utility costs have taken precedence, there is no time like the present to address this important issue.
Daniel Hancox,Business Support Manager at pitched roofing manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles is looking at initiatives to synergise the relationships within the supply chain. The firm has embedded sustainability processes into its operations, and community impact, to ensure end-to-end visibility of carbon emissions and opportunities for reductions.
He comments: “Social housing across the UK amounts to a 17 per cent of the total housing stock, however, there are only a handful of energy-efficient homes being built. There is concern about the lack of understanding when it comes to sustainability, how businesses can implement changes, and how to measure efforts accurately.
If these issues aren’t addressed and worked on, they will soon become a cause for concern for both residents and the Government, as urgent action will be required if they do not meet their 2050 Net Zero target.”
Although there are apparent concerns across the sector in the lack of progress being made, there has also been positive signs of change, where some developers are clearly noticing the effects or irreversible damage that could be caused if they don’t look to make more sustainable and safe choices, soon.
Increasing numbers of developers and contractors are choosing to deliver energy-efficient and sustainable projects that are meeting the modern-day needs of their consumers and tenants.
The starting point to setting off on the right foot for 2023, is understanding how to measure sustainability. Companies, such as external sustainability assessors Planet Mark, are dedicated to supporting businesses to set out goals, measure their impact and certify their achievements. The first step to a greener future is to measure and analyse greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by extraction, manufacturing, transportation, deconstruction, disposal, and end-of-life.
Businesses must focus their efforts on comparing the data to the benchmark statistics that are outlined for the construction industry to help to visualise what areas need further attention as well as identifying what is working well.
Setting step-by-step goals, following the UK Government’s plan, has already highlighted that carbon footprint reports show that their direct emissions have decreased 9 per cent.
Socially responsible companies should be dedicated to community outreach and sharing their sustainability stories to encourage as many people as possible to be aware of what the company are contributing to the resolution of carbon emissions.
Product and Innovation
One of the small changes housing associations can make to be more sustainable is choosing eco-friendly roofing tiles. For example, concrete roof tiles could be considered an environmentally friendly roofing solution as they are strong, durable and use considerably less energy during manufacturing when compared to its similar clay counterparts.
Education is key
Educating the supply chain and people further afield about sustainability is another change that needs to be made. For many, not understanding the regulations or having the correct training in place to learn about sustainable options and their benefits is one of the reasons why there is a lack of sustainable social houses.
Community
Embracing changes to improve the sustainability of social housing projects will play a significant role in reducing the country’s carbon emissions, which ultimately will help build more greener, safer homes that benefit the people and the communities in which they live in.
Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent pitched roof tile manufacturer providing leading UK house builders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects, where sustainability and eco-credentials are of the utmost priority.
For more information, please visit www.russellrooftiles.com
