Sustainability in Construction – A Complete Guide

Sustainability in construction is about reducing the environmental impact of construction and demolition while maintaining economic and social responsibility.

From using energy-efficient materials to adopting circular economy principles such as deconstruction, the phrase ‘sustainability’ covers a wide range of strategies that can help meet environmental demands, as well as improving both project outcomes and long-term business resilience.

Reducing Environmental Impact

The construction sector is responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions, with energy use, material production, and transportation contributing heavily to climate change.

Additionally, construction generates vast amounts of waste—over 600 million tons annually in America alone in 2018. Sustainable construction practices, such as using low-carbon materials, energy-efficient design, and waste reduction strategies, help minimize this impact and contribute to both national and global Net Zero targets.

Regulatory and Legal Compliance

With the US government currently committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, stricter regulations around sustainability continue to emerge.

From the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Green Construction Code (IgCC) energy efficiency standards to LEED and Green Globes certifications, compliance with these sustainability standards has become both a legal and commercial necessity.

Companies that fail to meet these requirements risk fines, legal challenges, and project delays, while those who stay ahead of regulations can gain a competitive edge in securing contracts.

Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains

Making sustainability a priority in your construction projects leads to long-term cost savings. Energy-efficient buildings have lower operational costs, while smart resource management minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. Strategies such as:

• Offsite and modular construction reduce material waste and labor costs.
• Renewable energy integration (solar panels, heat pumps) cuts ongoing energy expenses.
• BIM and digital construction technologies help optimize resource use and streamline project execution.

Meeting Client and Investor Expectations

Sustainability has quickly become a business differentiator in the US construction sector. Investors, developers, and clients are prioritizing green construction due to rising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments.

• Major developers and public sector projects often require Green Star-certified or net-zero buildings.
• Private clients are demanding low-carbon, energy-efficient properties to reduce operational costs.
• Investors favor firms with strong sustainability credentials, improving access to funding and partnerships.

Futureproofing against Market Shifts

The construction industry is evolving, with sustainability playing a central role in its future. Companies that adopt sustainable practices now will be better positioned for future success, avoiding the risks of falling behind in a rapidly changing market.

• Governments are phasing out high-carbon materials and processes.
• Clients are demanding circular economy solutions that reuse and recycle materials, such as deconstruction.
• Technologies like AI-driven sustainability planning and carbon tracking software are quickly becoming industry standards.

The seven 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 seven principles of sustainable construction provide a framework for the built environment, offering guidance on how to achieve a greener construction sector by reducing the industry’s overall carbon footprint.

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 

Whilst these principles aren’t governed or mandated, the seven principles of sustainable construction provide a comprehensive framework for guiding efforts towards a greener built environment.  

They serve as a great way to get businesses on-board with sustainable practices who are seeking guidance on how to both reduce carbon footprints and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Sustainable Design 

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

This not only aligns with the sector’s 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 labor when done correctly.  

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 buildings, it’s never been more important.  

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

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 

This principle refers to the design strategies and techniques used to minimize 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.  

In the US, energy efficiency standards are outlined in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and local building codes, which set minimum requirements for reducing energy use in buildings. Recent updates aim to enhance the thermal performance of buildings and support the transition to net-zero energy structures.

For instance, new homes built under Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) must achieve stringent energy efficiency criteria, ensuring they can produce as much renewable energy as they consume annually.

In addition, residential buildings may be subject to HERS (Home Energy Rating System) ratings to evaluate their energy efficiency.

Designing around energy efficiency 

In the US, energy efficiency assessments are commonly conducted through systems like HERS ratings, LEED certifications, and Energy Star programs. These assessments evaluate:

• Thermal performance (insulation, windows, and ventilation systems)
• Operational energy consumption (heating, cooling, lighting)
• Renewable energy integration (e.g., solar PV systems, wind energy)

Waste Reduction 

Waste reduction refers to the continued implementation of processes and strategies that minimize 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.

By focusing on retrofits, adhering to the waste management hierarchy (Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Dispose) we have the means to ensure we are minimizing waste. 

Indoor Air Quality 

Sustainable design and construction should also aim to improve indoor air quality 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. To become greener, many in the construction industry have developed new processes for more sustainable use of water throughout the building process.  

Minimizing 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 and Leak Detection 
• Monitoring, Reporting and Improving Water Use 

Sustainable Building Materials 

Sustainable building materials includes all products that are selected, produced and integrated efficiently to minimize 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. 

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 Fiber Reenforced Concrete 
• Geo-Textiles Using Natural Fibers 
• Carbon-Sequestering Materials  

With so much info out there, it can be hard to know how to apply all these sustainable methodologies into real-world construction projects.

From planning and design to material selection and waste management, adopting sustainable methods can sometimes feel like you’re being made to jump through hoop after hoop.

To put it all into context, here are some key ways sustainability can be integrated into construction projects.

Sustainable Planning & Design

Sustainability should be considered from the earliest stages of a project to minimize environmental impact and optimize efficiency. Key strategies include:

• Site selection: Choosing brownfield sites over greenfield to reduce land disruption.
• Energy modelling and simulation: Using digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modelling) to forecast energy consumption and optimize designs.
• Multi-functional spaces: Designing buildings that can be easily repurposed in the future, reducing demolition waste.

Choosing Sustainable Building Materials

Material selection plays a crucial role in reducing the embodied carbon footprint of a project. Sustainable material choices include:

• Low-carbon concrete alternatives (e.g., geopolymer concrete, recycled aggregate concrete).
• Sustainably sourced timber, such as FSC-certified wood.
• Recycled and reclaimed materials (e.g., steel, bricks, insulation materials).
• Bio-based materials, including hempcrete and mycelium-based insulation.
• Modular and prefabricated components, which reduce onsite waste and improve efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Construction Methods

Reducing operational carbon emissions is just as important as minimizing embodied carbon. Incorporating energy-efficient strategies into construction can significantly cut long-term energy use.

• Renewable energy integration: Installing solar panels, wind turbines, or heat pumps.
• LED lighting and smart systems: Using automation and sensors to optimize energy use.
• High-performance insulation and glazing: Reducing heating and cooling demands.
• Onsite renewable energy generation: Capturing and using energy within the project site to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Water Conservation Strategies

Construction projects can significantly reduce water consumption through smart design and resource management.

• Rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable uses such as irrigation and flushing.
• Greywater recycling to reuse water from sinks and showers.
• Low-flow fixtures and fittings to reduce water waste.
• Permeable surfaces and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to prevent urban flooding.

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Principles

Construction and demolition waste make up a significant proportion of landfill waste. Sustainable waste management focuses on minimizing and reusing materials.

• Lean construction techniques to reduce material overuse and inefficiencies.
• Offsite construction and prefabrication to reduce on-site waste.
• Deconstruction instead of demolition, allowing materials to be reclaimed and reused.
• Recycling programs divert materials like concrete, wood, and metals from landfills.

Integrating Construction Technologies

Advancements in digital construction and smart technology are making it easier to track and improve sustainability performance.

• Building Information Modelling (BIM): Enables precise material planning, reducing waste.
• Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP): Centralize your project data and automate workflows, enabling real-time monitoring of sustainability metrics, facilitating informed decision-making.

Digital twin technology: Creates a virtual model to simulate a building’s performance and optimize sustainability.

Sustainability in construction isn’t just about choosing greener materials, it’s about improving efficiency, reducing waste, and making smarter decisions throughout a project’s lifecycle.

Access Coins helps construction firms achieve this by providing a centralized platform that streamlines project management, optimizes resource allocation, and reduces costly rework that contributes to up to 20% of the industry’s carbon footprint.

With real-time data, automation, and advanced analytics, Access Coins helps construction teams track sustainability metrics, reduce material waste, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

By supporting Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including modular and prefabricated approaches, Access Coins also enables more sustainable building practices that lower carbon emissions.

See how Access Coins can help your business build more sustainably, by booking a demo.