By Danielle Cordner, Construction Business Development Manager

Where can you go to get advice on sustainability?

The need to focus on the whole lifecycle of a building has become a major part of the net zero conversation as the construction industry looks for ways to reduce carbon emissions. The UK’s major contractors are all now looking at the impact of construction on both their own business and the wider community, and this has seen many of them ask suppliers for net zero plans and verification of carbon emissions and sustainability.

This is not surprising as buildings contribute around 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. It’s therefore critical that everyone involved in the construction and operation of buildings, from architects, engineers, and other construction professionals understand the role they need to play in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.

Building services or HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) are major consumers of energy in those buildings and, as a manufacturer of the equipment that keeps buildings at the right temperatures for occupants, we’ve been having more and more discussions with major construction companies than ever before.

"Do you have all the documentation to prove you comply?"
Danielle Cordner

6 key areas to focus on

At Mitsubishi Electric we have long understood that it is only by harnessing the power of the collective wisdom within the construction supply chain, we can find ways to significantly reduce emissions and increase efficiency.

We therefore try to share as much of our knowledge as widely as possible and I’ve tried to simplify the things that the construction suppliers need to know into the 6 key issues.

• Sustainable Practices
• Safety and Risk Management
• Prefabrication and Modular Construction
• Materials and Techniques
• Product Support
• Wider ESG issues

Sustainable Practices

In addition to asking suppliers for verification of net zero and carbon reduction policies, the larger companies are also asking for innovative ideas to increase efficiency and drive sustainable growth. This is because they realise that no one company can solve the climate crisis on their own, and the answer must lie in collaboration.

This is where innovations that promote environmentally friendly construction techniques, resource optimisation, waste reduction, and low-carbon solutions should be shared and celebrated.

Safety and Risk Management

Construction companies are also looking for ideas that enhance site safety, help with risk assessments, as well as mitigation strategies that can protect staff, assets, and the company’s reputation. The third edition of Health and Safety in Construction explains the essential tasks for achieving healthy and safe construction sites. It is aimed at everybody involved in construction work, including clients, designers, contractors and individual workers.

Clients, designers and others who specify construction work may also find the book useful. It helps the reader to identify hazards and control risks and explains how to plan, organise, control, monitor and review health and safety throughout the life of a project.

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