There is something off-putting about sustainability. It feels worthy but not practical. It's an impression that comes from some of its most enthusiastic proponents. They seem earnest, committed, but somehow not living in the real (business) world.
But sustainability is a mainstream issue. It's high on the government's priority list. Big public sector projects are already asking about it in tender documents. It won't be long before all local authorities are demanding to know how sustainable you are.

In the private sector, big clients such as Asda, Prudential and Land Securities have Corporate Social Responsibility policies, which amounts to the same thing. And that means they will be looking for a supply chain that has the same standards.

That's why Carillion is keen to trumpet its record on sustainability, after Twyford Down left it labelled as an environmental monster. At number 33, it was the highest-placed construction company in this year's Sunday Times/BITC Corporate Responsibility Index. Carillion's rationale is to do things because they're good for business, not because it wants to save the planet. It seems to make sense, as our story on page 14 shows.

And guess what? There is no great mystery to sustainability. It's about running your company or project well and looking after the people who work for you and who are affected by your work.

Environmental management is one part of the sustainability package. If you are designing a building, the best thing you can do for the environment is make it more energy efficient. Tarmac Precast Concrete and under-floor heating specialist Warmafloor have teamed up to produce an ingenious heating and air conditioning system which does just that. Find out more in our Flooring report, which starts on page 29 with a strange tale of a carpet that soaks up CO2.

But it isn't all about the environment. The best thing about the shift from being "green" to "sustainable" is that it broadens the focus to include economic and social development. So next time a client asks you to explain how you plan to build sustainably, tell them about your staff development programme, the football team you sponsor, paper recycling at the office, paying your suppliers on time, your good safety record and your membership in the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

You might think it's all PR puff. And there is an element of that. But so what? Firms have much to gain by appearing socially responsible.

Source

Construction Manager