Navigating beyond sustainability buzzwords
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
With the ever increasing attention on sustainability in construction, claims for sustainability crop up everywhere. Reading a statement on a manufacturer’s website about how ‘sustainable’ their product is, without any further information describing exactly in what way it is sustainable, can be immensely frustrating and cause one to lose faith in the quest to drive the implementation of sustainability in practice.
Whilst it certainly is not the case in all situations, these statements can be intentionally vague or overstated to highlight the environmental benefits of the product or company and may not represent reality. This practice is commonly referred to as “greenwashing”. This article presents a short guide for how to look beyond the buzzwords.
[edit] Understand what aspect of sustainability you are interested in
The broad and varied definitions of the term ‘sustainability’ and the many contexts in which it is used means that this has become a type of cover-all, blanket term addressing anything from environmentally superior to socially responsible. What particular aspect of sustainability concerns you in relation to the product or company you are investigating? It may be ethical and responsible sourcing of labour and materials, reducing embodied carbon, minimising waste generation or mitigating water consumption.
Knowing the specific areas that you are seeking information about will help focus your efforts in identifying the suitability, or otherwise, of the product or company.
[edit] Look for robust examples or evidence
Vague statements about a particular product’s sustainability should wave warning flags. Unfortunately, this is all too common, as found in a recent search: “PVC piping is one of the world’s most sustainable products". Look for examples or evidence to back up what is being said and to clarify the circumstances under which this claim is made:
- Why is the product sustainable?
- If it claims to have low embodied carbon, what is that compared to? Is it responsibly sourced?
- Are there very particular circumstances under which the product’s use can be considered sustainable, but standard practice negates this benefit? For example, plasterboard is 100% recyclable and suitable for closed loop production, but manufacturer take-back schemes, while important to take advantage of, are not always used. Nonetheless, the availability of these schemes shouldn’t remove the emphasis on designing out plasterboard waste as much as possible.
[edit] Look for independently verified information to back up claims
Certification from independent and reputable organisations gives credibility to company sustainability statements. For example, if a company claims to be environmentally responsible, are they ISO 14001 accredited, or better? Further examples of independent verification include BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Certification, commitments to Science Based Targets and so forth.
A quick word of caution on Environmental Product Declarations (EPD): just because a product has an EPD, doesn’t necessarily make it better or more sustainable than another product: it just means that its impacts have been quantified and verified. EPDs are still beneficial and could justify statements regarding low carbon, low whole-life impact or recyclability, but they need to be reviewed in detail to determine how sustainable the product is.
[edit] Be aware of a singular focus
A singular focus on exemplar performance in a particular sustainable attribute without acknowledging the broader context should be investigated further. Look for evidence of a holistic approach to sustainability, considering both environmental and social impacts across the full life-cycle. For example, a material may be low embodied carbon, but have toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and contribute to poor indoor air quality, or it may have high risks of child labour in the supply chain.
A product may note a high recycled content, without clarifying that the recycled feedstock has to be transported over significant distances to source the required quantities. Be wary of justifying or looking purely at a single aspect without considering the broader impacts.
Not everything mentioned here will be applicable in every situation, and much like sustainability itself, the context of the project can have a significant influence on what company or product is most suitable.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Attestation of conformity.
- British Board of Agrément.
- CE marking.
- Chain of custody.
- Construction Products Regulation.
- Embodied energy.
- End of life potential.
- Energy related products regulations.
- Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Environmental legislation.
- Environmental plan.
- Environmental product declaration.
- Kitemark.
- Life cycle assessment.
- Recyclable construction materials.
- Site waste management plan.
- Sustainability.
- Sustainable materials.
- Sustainable procurement.
- What to expect of sustainability professionals.
- Whole life costs.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).