Around 52% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK come from creating or using buildings. Compare this with Sweden’s 20% and it is clear there is a huge opportunity for improvement.
Aside from CO2 production, there is also a host of other environmental problems presented by the construction industry in general, not least the extensive use of finite resources such as wood and metal.
To calculate the environmental cost of any given building one has to consider every stage in its lifecycle: from the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing building materials and components to actual construction, operation and maintenance and finally demolition.
Limiting the environmental impact at each stage in this process is key to any serious attempt to tackle climate change.
Several organisations already exclusively promote the use of sustainable building practices, products and materials. Numerous suppliers of building materials are dedicated to providing green alternatives to traditional types including insulation, bricks, tiles, flooring and woodwork. And last December the Government launched the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes.
So, overall things are starting to take off in this key sector and are well poised to expand rapidly. Whether you are looking to build your own home or improve an existing building there is help at hand at every stage of way.
To find out more about sustainable construction call us on 01580 830334 or email info@footprint-es.com.
