The construction and house building sector is familiar with a landscape of continual change and technological innovation. Sustainability however, is not just another fad — it is creating a range of new pressures, expectations and business drivers, which forward-looking companies are addressing.
New policies are changing the conditions under which construction firms operate. Public and media interest in the activities of the corporate sector is heightening, especially where these activities run counter to sustainability. Whereas previously the achievement of environmental protection, social welfare and economic prosperity was seen as the responsibility of government, stakeholders are now expecting the construction and house building sector to play a more active role in building a more sustainable future.
The sector’s response to sustainability has varied. Some house building and construction companies are actively engaging with stakeholders to better understand the risks and opportunities that sustainability presents. However, the majority of companies are taking only a compliance-driven approach, thus overlooking the risks of potential loss of business to competitors or reputation damage, as well as the opportunities for cost savings and market differentiation.
