Can sustainability policies make construction companies more appealing to customers?
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, construction companies are under pressure to make their operations more sustainable. The industry has a significant impact on many different areas of the environment, from air and water pollution to energy consumption. What’s more, research has revealed that the construction sector is accountable for up to 50% of the waste that goes to landfills.
As such, it’s obvious that construction companies need to be making more of an effort to take a sterner stance on sustainability. This would clearly help support the environment, but could it also play a part in generating more business? Here, we take a look at what construction companies can do to be more environmentally friendly, and assess whether or not consumers see this as an important factor when choosing which company to use.
How can construction companies be more sustainable?
There are so many opportunities that present themselves to construction companies that allow them to become more sustainable and take better care of the environment. One of the most important ways companies can better look after our planet is by choosing the right materials. Construction companies should aim to use recycled materials where possible, as this reduces the need to extract new raw materials from the earth. In addition, construction companies should look for materials that can be reused or recycled at the end of a project.
Another aspect of sustainable construction that should be considered is energy efficiency. Both during construction and once the project has been completed, energy efficiency should be factored into every stage of the process.
Insulation, for example, can be installed to help keep buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Another way to reduce energy consumption is to use solar power for heating water or generating electricity on site. Solar panels can also be installed on the roof to make the final project more sustainable. By taking measures such as these, construction companies can play their part in making the world a greener place.
Will they make a difference?
These days, more and more people are looking for eco-friendly options when it comes to the products and services they use. And construction companies are no exception. In fact, adopting eco-friendly practices can actually make a construction company more attractive to customers. For one thing, it shows that the company is committed to protecting the environment. This can be a major selling point for customers who are looking for a company that shares their values, and wants sustainability to be a feature of their construction project.
The stats back this up. According to this guide to sustainable construction and manufacturing, 66% of customers revealed they’d be willing to pay more for products that have been sustainably produced. This goes to show that the majority of the market attach greater value to eco-conscious companies who are making environmentally friendly choices throughout the business.
To sum up
It’s clear that in today’s eco-focused society, making these sustainable changes to your company’s approach could bring about lots of improvements, to both the environment and your bottom line. What’s more, these small margins are what could give your company a competitive edge over rivals within the sector. There are so many reasons why taking an eco-conscious stance could benefit your company, now and in the future, so start making a change today.