The built environment understands that it must reduce carbon emissions.
commitment from the World Green Building Council is for “new developments and major renovations that are built to be highly efficient, powered by renewables, with a maximum reduction in embodied carbon.”
This is because the sector is globally responsible for 38% of energy-related carbon emissions.
Housebuilders have a huge opportunity to play an important role in the fight against climate change. As building products improve, we can also look for ways to improve the construction process itself.
In this article, we will explore some of the ways housebuilders can reduce their carbon footprint and help combat climate change through a cleaner construction process.
Invest in Bamboo Staircases
Bamboo is an incredibly renewable resource, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option when compared to timber.
At Multi-Turn, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and taking responsibility for the environment. That's why we offer eco-friendly stair solutions made from renewable bamboo, providing a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to traditional hardwood.
Our bamboo staircases are all certified by the FSC, ensuring that they meet the highest social and environmental standards in the market. Don't worry about sacrificing quality for affordability - bamboo staircases are not only affordable but also exceptionally strong and durable.
Invest in Efficient Machines
Housebuilders can reduce their carbon emissions by minimizing the amount of energy used onsite. This can be done by using more efficient methods of construction and investing in newer, more efficient machinery that is designed to reduce energy consumption. This could include using electric or fuel-efficient vehicles rather than traditional diesel options, as well as hiring equipment from suppliers with newer fleets.
Coordinated Deliveries
Deliveries account for a large percentage of the carbon emissions produced by construction projects. Reduce transportation costs associated with getting materials to the building site by choosing greener transportation options and coordinating deliveries so that multiple trips are not necessary.
This could involve working with suppliers to ensure that all materials needed for the project are delivered at once, or arranging for key components, such as staircases, to be delivered directly to the site. By doing this, housebuilders can help to significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emitted during transport.
While the housebuilder themselves may not plan the deliveries, they can make sure their suppliers understand the importance of this. By communicating that it is important, they will influence the suppliers they work with to likewise prioritise efficient logistics.
Source Locally
When it comes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with building materials, sourcing locally is one of the best options.
This is because it minimizes the amount of transportation required to deliver the materials to the site, and reduces the number of emissions produced from transport. In addition, it can help to support local businesses and economies.
Sourcing materials locally also has other benefits, such as reducing waste and helping to preserve natural resources. By working with local suppliers, housebuilders can ensure that they are getting high-quality materials that meet their specific needs while also doing their part to reduce environmental impact.
Advocate for Better Planning Regulations
Housebuilders can advocate for better planning regulations that mandate higher levels of sustainability in new builds and developments.
In order to combat climate change, we need to build homes and communities that are more energy efficient. This means that housebuilders need to be involved in the planning process from the very beginning, working with local authorities to ensure that new developments are designed with sustainability in mind.
Housebuilders can also work with local governments and utilities to ensure that new developments are designed and built in a way that minimises energy consumption. For example, they could advocate for the use of more energy-efficient materials and appliances, or for the installation of solar panels and wind turbines.
Housebuilders can help by providing evidence-based data on the benefits of sustainable design, such as lower running costs and reduced emissions. They can also work with local authorities to develop pilot projects that test new sustainable technologies and strategies. By demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable design, housebuilders can help make it a requirement for all new developments.
Internal Education
Housebuilders can help raise awareness about the importance of lowering carbon emissions by providing education to their employees about climate change and sustainability. Here are three ways they could do this:
One of the easiest ways for housebuilders to promote education among their employees is by creating educational materials.
This could include fact sheets about climate change, case studies of sustainable construction projects, or even videos explaining how different technologies work. By providing easy-to-read materials that explain the basics of climate change and sustainability, housebuilders can make sure that everyone on site has a basic understanding of these important topics.
Housebuilders can also hold training sessions and workshops on climate change and sustainability.
This could be an opportunity for employees to learn more about these topics in depth, as well as discuss ways that they can implement them into their own work. By giving employees the opportunity to learn about climate change and sustainability first hand, housebuilders help empower them to take action on these issues.
Have employees share ideas about reducing personal carbon emissions. Or highlight stories of employees who have worked with suppliers to secure a more efficient delivery schedule.
Collaborate with Contractors
Housebuilders can work with contractors to develop best practices for reducing carbon emissions from the construction of their developments.
There are many ways that they can do this, and it will require cooperation from both sides.
One way for housebuilders to reduce carbon emissions is by working with contractors to source materials more efficiently. This includes making sure that all materials are ordered in bulk whenever possible and that only approved suppliers are used. It also means ensuring that the correct specifications are given to the suppliers so that there is no waste.
Housebuilders can also work with contractors to improve the efficiency of construction processes. This includes using pre-fabricated parts as much as possible, ensuring that all workers are trained in energy-efficient techniques, and scheduling work so that there is minimal overlap between teams.
More broadly, housebuilders can collaborate with other construction industry members to develop best practices for reducing carbon emissions from new developments. By working together, they can share ideas and strategies for reducing the environmental impact of their work.
Finally, housebuilders can collaborate with contractors to develop incentives for reducing carbon emissions. This could include financial rewards for meeting specific reduction targets or providing training and support so that workers can become more environmentally conscious.
Promoting Energy Efficiency to Customers
Finally, housebuilders can promote awareness of climate change among their customers. They can educate buyers about the benefits of energy-efficient homes, and how they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing sustainable development options.
Conclusion
Housebuilders have the ability to lower carbon emissions from the construction of their developments. By working with contractors to source materials more efficiently, education and promoting sustainable practices, and collaborating with other industry members, they can make the construction process itself more sustainable.
Multi-Turn plays an important role in leveraging locally-focused supply chains, allowing partners to cut down on their carbon emissions with organised deliveries scheduled that show up on site on time and fit the first time. But their greatest commitment is to sustainable materials. Our timber staircases are not only sustainable, but FSC certified, and regenerative.
Our focus is on helping you achieve staircase success through a consultative process. Then we draw up an efficient delivery schedule which makes the construction process more efficient and sustainable.
For more information on key challenges facing housebuilders, check out our eBook.
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