Portwest Construction Magazine

CONSTRUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY

The construction industry is one of the largest and most impactful sectors in the world, but also one of the most resource-intensive and polluting. According to the World Green Building Council, the industry accounts for almost 40% of the global energy-related carbon emissions, as well as 50% of all extracted raw materials. However, the industry is not standing still. It is undergoing a transformation towards more sustainable practices, driven by a combination of environmental awareness, social responsibility, and economic incentives.

Legislative Spotlight: The Construction Products Regulation mandates CE marking ensuring compliance with construction product standards, including environmental and energy efficiency criteria. The European Green Deal targets climate neutrality for the EU’s economy by 2050. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise, calling for a 30% reduction in building energy intensity per square metre by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.

INDUSTRY CASE STUDY

How can construction companies balance economic goals with environmental and social responsibilities? Just like safety and efficiency, I do not see economic goals and sustainability as being mutually exclusive. Sustainability can contribute to the long-term economic success of a business. However, an integrated and strategic approach is required. This has been communicated through the STRABAG common mission - ‘Work on Progress’ where a clear goal has been set to be Carbon Neutral by 2040. In conversation with Project Director, Craig Sewell:

What innovative sustainable practices does STRABAG adopt?

As a company of 86,000 employees working on a wide variety of projects around the world and considering the direct challenge from the Board and CEO to be carbon neutral by 2040, there are many great innovations that are being adopted. One example from our Woodsmith Project in the UK is the use of blind bore design and methodology to construct 2 x 380m deep access shafts. In addition to significant cost and time savings, we calculated 60% carbon reduction when compared to traditional shaft construction methods.

Craig Sewell, Project Director - Strabag

CONSTRUCTION

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