Construction industry won’t meet environmental targets, data suggests

Three-quarters of the construction industry believe that the sector will be unable to achieve the government’s climate objectives, according to research conducted by Uponor. 

The government has set a number of environmental targets for the construction industry, these include electrifying construction machinery, reducing waste and retrofitting homes.

However, in a survey of over 200 construction industry professionals, 77% of respondents agreed that these environmental goals will not be achieved without significant changes to the industry.

The research also revealed that half of those surveyed do not think it will be possible to disconnect all new homes from the gas grid by the Future Homes Standard’s deadline of 2025.

Only 10% of respondents said they feel the industry has enough support to deliver low carbon homes and 70% of respondents said more training is needed to create low carbon homes.

Zisis Nikoloudis, commercial segment manager at Uponor, said: ‘Our research uncovered scepticism in the construction industry regarding its ability to meet the government’s environmental objectives – showing that there are still lots of sustainability challenges to overcome.

‘Among these challenges are the efficiency levels of HVAC systems and heating networks. At Uponor, we’re well aware of the important role these systems play in creating sustainable housing, which is why we work hard to develop solutions that help create a greener built and living environment.

‘If efficient systems are not made the norm and inefficient systems that consume vast amounts of energy or that waste heat through distribution are not taken out of the existing housing stock and disregarded for new-builds, then it will be difficult for the construction sector to meet its environmental targets.

‘It is important that awareness of sustainable solutions, such as low water temperature systems and low thermal loss heating networks, is increased. If smart systems like these are embraced by new-build and refurbishment projects then it will help the industry in its route to achieving net-zero carbon status.’

To read the full report, click here.

Photo Credit – Pixabay