Buying green in the construction industry
‘Buying green’ is a key part of the construction industry’s drive towards greater sustainability. But a survey in the February 2016 issue of ICE Management Procurement and Law found UK firms are struggling to put sustainable procurement into practice.
Joint research by Wolverhampton, Central Lancashire and South Bank universities revealed that only 45% of UK construction businesses have a written sustainable procurement policy – and only a quarter use environmental and social criteria when selecting suppliers.
Reasons to buy green were cited as cutting operating costs, protecting or enhancing reputation, responding to stakeholder pressure, complying with government regulation or simply because the top brass said so.
Lead author Suresh Renukappa of Wolverhampton University said many UK construction firms are now focusing on a ‘triple bottom line approach, that simultaneously accounts for economic, ecological and social performance.’
But he added they are not finding it easy. ‘How to manage the paradox of improving social, environmental and financial goals simultaneously is one of a company’s biggest challenges.’
He concluded, ‘There is an urgent need to explore the drivers and impediments associated with the successful integration of sustainability procurement initiatives into existing construction business models.’
He called for greater cross-sector collaboration to capture and share best and worst practices relating to sustainable procurement strategies.
To find out more on this or any other ICE knowledge resources, including the ICE Procurement and the Supply Chain conference, go to: https://www.ice.org.uk/disciplines-and-resources/procurement-and-the-supply-chain
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.