Sustainability in the European Construction Industry Analyzed in New Timetric Report Available at MarketPublishers.com

18 Dec 2012 • by Natalie Aster

A total of 60% of construction contractor and project developer respondents in the European construction industry perceive ‘reducing carbon footprint’ as central to sustainability practice, while 57% consider the ‘responsible use of natural resources’ to be the most important sustainability initiative, according to the new report “Sustainability in the European Construction Industry 2012–2013: Market Trends and Opportunities, Forecast of Budgets and Profitability, Construction Industry Procurement and Marketing Initiatives" by Timetric. As many as 47% consider the ‘effective utilization of renewable energy sources’ to be important, while 40% perceive ‘waste management’ and ‘responding to customer for sustainable products and services’ to be important initiatives.

The ‘responsible use of natural resources’ helps differentiate a company in terms of sustainable practices. Using recycled and alternative products can help to reduce project costs through the use of alternative materials and fuels, improving energy efficiency, using water responsibly and reducing waste.

Report Details:

Sustainability in the European Construction Industry 2012–2013: Market Trends and Opportunities, Forecast of Budgets and Profitability, Construction Industry Procurement and Marketing Initiatives
Published: November, 2012
Pages: 133
Price: US$ 995.00

‘Using environmental code of practice’, the ‘adoption of green construction material’ and the ‘reuse and recycling of construction and demolition materials’ are the most implemented sustainability measures

An environmental code of practice outlines the expectations of an organization and is set by a government or leading environmental agency. ‘Using an environmental code of practice’ means that contractors and project developers must comply with social and legal guidelines. The purpose of a code of practice is to help companies understand, manage and minimize their environmental, health and safety impacts.

The ‘adoption of green construction materials’ offers specific benefits to project owners and clients, including reducing maintenance or replacement costs over the life-cycle of the project. Energy conservation, improved occupant health and productivity, lower costs associated with changing space configurations and reduced recycling and waste disposal costs due to the higher percentage of recycled content are considered the key benefits.

Energy efficiency measures such as ‘designing thermally efficient and airtight buildings with low energy demands’, ‘optimizing lighting, heat and ventilation’, and ‘adopting video conferencing’ are identified as important

Of all the buyer respondents, 55% indicated that ‘designing thermally efficient and airtight buildings with low energy demands’ is the key measure towards energy efficiency already implemented in their organization. A total of 56% and 60% of respondents from construction equipment and material suppliers and other construction industry suppliers consider ‘adopting video conferencing’ as an important energy-efficiency measure.

Many companies are adopting video conferencing as an important energy-efficiency measure. The use of video conferencing maximizes efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs. It acts as a tool which reduces travel, facilitates training situations and allows the sharing of 3D models and other such data.

‘Reduction of energy consumption’ is the most important criteria for supplier selection

The survey results reveal that buyer respondents consider the ‘reduction of energy consumption’, ‘recyclable or reusable product components’, the ‘effective minimization of waste’ and an ‘effective health and safety (EHS) management system’ to be important factors with regards to supplier selection.

Energy consumption can be considerably reduced by using efficient lighting appliances and reducing the waste generated by heat and electricity. Adopting simple measures such as using LED or CFL bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs can save a lot of energy. For example, Italcementi group is making efforts to produce energy using renewable sources. At its headquarters in Bergamo, Italy, electrically recharged cars and bicycles are being used, running on electricity generated at the group’s hydropower plant.

More information can be found in the report “Sustainability in the European Construction Industry 2012–2013: Market Trends and Opportunities, Forecast of Budgets and Profitability, Construction Industry Procurement and Marketing Initiatives” by Timetric.

To order the report or ask for sample pages contact [email protected]

Contacts

MarketPublishers, Ltd.
Tanya Rezler
Tel: +44 208 144 6009
Fax: +44 207 900 3970
[email protected]
MarketPublishers.com