Sustainability quantity surveyor
Sustainability has long been associated with additional cost. We would argue that the long term value offered by well-integrated sustainability does not have to cost the client in the short term.
Does it seem like something doesn't add up? Well, it's all down to who is doing your sums and what is included in their budget.
Quantity Surveyors (QS) are the guardians of the purse strings. As such, what and how QS value has a direct impact on whether sustainability opportunities get implemented or value engineered out. Embedding targets and aspirations in to a client brief is all well and good but unless they are built into the budget they may be offset against the future they were designed to improve.
This isn't a new challenge of course, the delicate balance between long term goals and short term spending timeframes is faced by all sustainability professionals. However, now there's a new option - a hybrid breed of Sustainability QS - that are able to offer solutions that don’t cost the earth or the client. Whether this is manifested through regular collaboration between a dedicated sustainability professional and a QS or a rare case of an eco-cost analyst, the value added goes far beyond the sums.
The opportunity is there for those who recognise that we are all on the same team. If you are fortunate to come across this new breed of QS, you will see why informed clients treasure their support. If not, work with the tools at hand - value your QS. Show that sustainability can be balanced with budgets by providing a spectrum of options, work together to align these with practical implementation and translate client aspirations into prioritised budget items. Sustainability QS is no longer an oxymoron, it is an essential tool that brings short term cost and long term value in alignment.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.