What Are The 7 Principles Of Sustainability In Construction?

These findings have spurred numerous organisations to develop roadmaps and frameworks for cultivating a more sustainable construction sector. This collective framework, known as the 'seven principles of sustainable construction', serves as guidance for the wider industry.  

Although the specific principles may vary among organisations, their core message persists: the pursuit of a more environmentally-friendly built environment. 

In this blog, we delve into the seven fundamental principles of sustainability in construction, discussing how each of these cornerstones help the industry become more sustainable.  

 

The Urgency for Sustainable Practices

Before we jump into each of the 7 principles of sustainable construction, it’s important that we cover why they are so important now. 

The construction industry, while instrumental in shaping our core infrastructure and communities, carries a significant environmental burden. With waste production and greenhouse gas emissions reaching alarming levels, in 2022 the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) published their ‘Building to net zero: costing carbon in construction’ report. 

Within it they highlighted the built environment’s role in helping the UK reach its net zero by 2050 objectives, calling for a staggering 68% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.  

At first glance, this seems like a lofty objective for one sector to meet in such a short time. However, the UK’s built environment is currently responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.  

Therefore, the call for action has never been more critical.  

Furthermore, the IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) concluded that it is essential that as a planet we reach net zero CO2 by 2050 to remain consistent with the 1.5C global warming objectives.  

With this deadline fast approaching, it becomes increasingly clear that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option. For businesses within the built environment, embracing sustainability is no longer a choice; it's an imperative for safeguarding our planet's future. 

 

Building to Net Zero Scheme 

The "building to net zero" scheme issued by the Environmental Audi Committee (EAC) represents the nation- and sector-wide need for action. 

The report highlighted that up until now, there has been an alarming lack of Government impetus to reduce or even truly define current emission levels.  

It further discusses how the sector has received little-to-no guidance from a government level on how to navigate these changes towards more sustainable practices. In fact, at the time of the report, buildings were still being widely demolished without thought to the whole-life carbon impact.  

As a result, the reports call-to-action included the need for a reprioritisation towards retrofitting. This was primarily in order to counter the waste generated in new builds and demolitions. 

The report also emphasised the need for compulsory whole-life carbon assessments and targets to effectively address embodied carbon emissions. The collected data would subsequently empower constructors to make informed decisions regarding the most suitable low-carbon materials for the project at hand.  

So how can the industry rise to this call to action and achieve a greener built environment by 2050? Well, this is precisely where The 7 Principles Of Sustainable Construction come in... 

 

The 7 Principles of Sustainable Construction 

The 7 principles of sustainable construction were introduced to the industry as a direct result of recent reports such as the ‘building to net zero’ scheme and The Paris Agreement of 2015. 

These 7 principles of sustainable construction provide a framework for the built environment, offering guidance on how achieve a greener construction sector by reducing the industry’s overall carbon footprint. Let’s break them down one-by-one: 

 

The 7 Principles of Sustainable Construction are: 

1. Sustainable Design
2. Durability
3. Energy Efficiency
4. Waste Reduction
5. Indoor Air Quality
6. Water Conservation
7. Sustainable Building Materials

 

Sustainable Design 

Also known as ‘green design’, this process refers to the practice of designing with the intention of minimising or circumventing negative environmental impact.  

This design philosophy considers environmental, social and economic impacts in equal measure, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future of the planet.  

This not only aligns with the sectors net-zero objectives, but also presents compelling long-term advantages for businesses. These can include substantial project savings in terms of costs, energy consumption, and even reduced labour when done correctly.  

To navigate this landscape, established methodologies like the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) offer invaluable guidance to architects and contractors alike.  

Third party assessors, such as BREEAM, meticulously measure the sustainability performance of buildings, ensuring that projects meet sustainability goals and continue to perform optimally over time.  

By aligning yourself with third-party assessors in the early stages, businesses can work towards planning and specifying projects that consider: 

• Energy Efficiency 
• Water Conservation 
• Sustainable Materials 
• Social Equity 
• Waste Reduction 

 

Durability 

Building with durability in mind, might at first glance seem like common sense, and you would be right in thinking so. However, as the industry’s perspective shifts towards retrofitting and away from new builds, it’s never been more important.  

This principle emphasises the use of robust materials and construction techniques that can withstand the test of time. By prioritising durability, we ensure that both new and existing structures remain resilient, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacements. 

Specifying these durable materials and techniques not only extends the lifespan of a building but also minimises its environmental impact over time. Additionally, it contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness of a project by reducing long-term maintenance expenses. 

Furthermore, durable construction materials and techniques play a crucial role in enhancing the overall sustainability of a project. They contribute to a reduction in waste production and promote resource efficiency, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable construction practices. 

This includes the use of materials designed to withstand weathering, corrosion and degradation, as well as being able to support high foot-traffic or extended use.  

 

Energy Efficiency 

More complex than it may seem, this principle refers to the design strategies and techniques used to minimise energy use during the planning, build and ongoing upkeep of any building or construction project. 

It can also refer to the transportation of personnel and materials and their lifecycle before reaching the site.  

Additionally, with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard which is due to be introduced in 2025, all UK homes built from 2025 must be ‘zero carbon ready’. That is, they should not require further energy efficiency retrofit measures to become zero-carbon.  

This new standard seeks to ensure that all future homes are built to produce 75% fewer CO2 emissions than those built to current energy efficiency requirements. So, how can you design with all this in mind? 

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) serves as the official energy efficiency assessment standard set by the UK government. When conducting a SAP assessment, factors such as CO2 emissions, energy expenses, and the thermal efficiency of internal elements are evaluated. This includes an assessment of insulation effectiveness, indoor air quality, and measures related to maintaining optimal temperatures for heating and cooling. 

In addition, some other examples of designing around energy efficiency include: 

• Renewable Energy Systems 
• Energy-Efficient Technology 
• Energy-Efficient Materials 
• HVAC Systems 
• Energy Monitoring Systems 
• Considered Building Envelopes & Orientation 

 

Waste Reduction 

Waste reduction refers to the continued implementation of processes and strategies that minimise waste during the entire construction of a project. It promotes the need for recycling and the use of recycled materials, whilst also dissuading new-builds where possible.  

Unfortunately, an industry-wide philosophy of ‘demolish and start again’ has led to a culture which frequently overlooks the importance of a circular construction process. As an industry we have become very wasteful, with a history of bad-fit applications and materials such as RAAC (Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) being used in buildings. 

In fact, in 2022, almost 32% of construction materials sent to landfill were due to the demolition and deconstruction of buildings.  

By focusing on retrofits, adhering to the waste management hierarchy (Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Dispose) and adopting a structured approach such as the Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP), we have the means to ensure we are minimising waste. 

 

Indoor Air Quality 

Sustainable design and construction should also aim to improve indoor air quality, in an effort to promote healthy and comfortable indoor environments.  

With climate control system surging in popularity, natural ventilation, has for the longest time been overlooked and ignored. 

Whilst the feasibility of effective natural airflow and ventilation will always be location-specific, there are several design features that can aid in improving indoor air quality and airflow. Specifying systems such as solar chimneys, wind towers, ridge vents, high louvres, transoms & clerestories can help improve the air quality of our inhabited spaces. 

 

Water Conservation 

The construction sector is infamous not only for its high level of energy use, but also its water consumption. In an effort to become greener, many in the construction industry have developed new processes for more sustainable use of water throughout the building process.  

Minimising the use of water during the material production process or building process will vary from business to business, however some useful ways to reduce water consumption include: 

• Low-Flow Fixtures 
• Rainwater Harvesting Systems 
• Efficient Irrigation 
• Regular Maintenance & Leak Detection 
• Monitoring, Reporting and Improving Water Use 

 

Sustainable Building Materials 

Sustainable building materials includes any and all products that are selected, produced and integrated efficiently, in order to minimise environmental impact. This includes using materials that have been created using renewable or recycled materials, produced with minimal waste output and those that are designed for long-term use and reusability. 

Whilst sustainable materials may not be as universally applicable as their traditional counterparts, these days there is almost always a suitable alternative to any non-sustainable building material.  

However, adopting this final sustainability principle, requires the industry to shift their perspective and end bad habits. Seeking new products and being more environmentally aware begins with making changes to the way we specify. 

Some examples of sustainable alternatives to materials already being used to great success in the industry include: 

• Approved Timber 
• Natural Fibre Reenforced Concrete 
• Geo-Textiles Using Natural Fibres 
• Carbon-Sequestering Materials 
• And Many More Sustainably Sourced Materials, Aggregates And Substrates… 

 

Adopting The 7 Principles Of Sustainability In Construction  

The UN World Commission states “Sustainable development is [defined as] development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. 

The adoption of sustainable practices in construction is not merely an option, but an imperative for safeguarding our environment and re-shaping a resilient future. The 7 principles of sustainable construction, from sustainable design to the use of sustainable building materials, provide a comprehensive framework for guiding our efforts towards more a greener built environment.  

As we move forward, let us continue to seek innovative solutions, explore sustainable alternatives, and prioritise responsible construction methods. Only together, do we have the power to build a legacy of environmental ownership and achieve truly sustainable progress.