Sustainability ‘Top Trend To Watch’ In Construction

The UK construction sector is evolving, with new technology and new innovations helping it to adapt to our changing world.

One of the key focuses for many developers moving forward will be sustainability, given the current focus on climate change and how we can all play our part in mitigating that.

A recent article for Planning, BIM & Construction (PBC) Today highlighted some of the top trends within the country’s building sector, with two of the four picked out relating to sustainability.

First up is using more sustainable materials in our construction projects. That means looking for recycled, reclaimed or repurposed materials wherever possible. This has the added benefit of lowering your production costs, so it’s not only about making a build more eco-friendly.

The second is a sustainable design when it comes to large-scale projects. Whether you’re building a new housing estate or regenerating a city block, you need to consider how the environment you’re creating will be sustainable.

For developers, that means looking at how to make a scheme sustainable in the future, such as by prioritising travel by bike or on foot, or even installing the infrastructure required for more people to have electric vehicles.

It can also involve installing green technology to help homes and businesses generate their own energy, whether that’s through solar panels or geothermal heating and cooling systems.

A recent article for Interesting Engineering pointed to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden visitor centre as an example of a truly green building. It uses a geothermal heating and cooling system and has a green roof that’s been planted with native grasses and wildflowers. There are also rain gardens to help prevent water run off.

Need insulated roofing sheets for a project you’re working on? Contact us today.