On Wednesday 29th January, the Constructing Excellence Conference 2025, ‘Delivering Excellence’, took place. Four panel discussions took place throughout the event focusing on key topics in construction right now.
One of these panels focused on ‘Better for the Planet’ and explored how to minimise emissions and industry’s impact on the environment through transparent data, sustainable procurement, maximising circularity opportunities, aligned standards, educating clients and uptake of emerging technologies.
We were fortunate to be joined by a range of industry professionals who shared their own experiences and insights into the theme. The session was Chaired by David Whysall and panellists included Tom Wilson, Jack Cook, Jill Thompson, Nia Stewart and Claire Volatier.
During the session, delegates were polled to better understand the industry’s commitment to delivering a better future for the environment and to identify actions that we can all take right now to do our part.
Client Responsibility
Clients should prioritise responsible sourcing and push the market, while also considering local market readiness.
Commitment from clients significantly impacts the overall sustainability of a project, not only through the materials selected but also by setting an example for others.
The lack of skills and training for clients is an issue we need to tackle. Clients need a better understanding of sustainability practices and the impact of construction on resources. Clients need to be a on board with the move to a more sustainable industry.
Contracts
There is a need for greater clarity around contracts. Clients often fail to get what they ask for due to unclear contracts or lack of enforcement, leading contractors to opt for lowest-cost solutions.
Current contracts do not consistently set clear standards, which can lead to challenges in interpreting obligations and expectations. As a result, disputes may arise due to the lack of clear terms and expectations. A key challenge lies in determining how to measure client loss in these cases.
We should start with a flexible approach when addressing contractual terms to allows for adaptability in the early stages. Once established, these can be solidified into more rigid obligations.
Skills & Training
With the advancements in technology, regulations, and a growing need to address environmental concerns, the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. However, there is a lack of trained workers in crucial areas such as supply chain management and carbon cost management.
As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adhere to stricter environmental regulations, understanding and managing carbon costs is crucial.
Continuous education in supply chain logistics, procurement strategies, and technology-driven solutions is essential to closing this gap.
Data Management
The construction industry traditionally struggles with data management. Key issues stem from lack of standardisation, granularity of data and verification of data.
Addressing these challenges is critical to improving decision-making, particularly when it comes to the environmental impact of projects.
Sharing data is crucial, we need a combined effort to deliver a significant impact. When sharing data, it’s key that the information has been verified and accurate in order to be used efficiently in carbon calculations.
What Next
The next steps for construction to deliver a more sustainable future for the industry include prioritising responsible sourcing and sustainable practices, and will require client support. Contracts need to be made clearer and more enforceable, with measurable sustainability standards. Addressing the skills gap is essential, as is standardising data management and encouraging data sharing to improve decision-making and transparency. Finally, embracing circular economy principles by promoting the re-use and repurposing of materials will help reduce waste and environmental impact.
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Read the outputs from the other sessions from the 2025 Constructing Excellence Conference:
Better for the Bottom Line
