Sustainability & Climate Environmental Awareness at Buildcost
We recognise the critical role that quantity surveyors have in balancing cost and environmental impact, and we strive to be leaders in the industry in promoting sustainable practices.
We have signed up to and fully endorse the "Surveyors Declare" document as produced by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) to guide our sustainable business practices. The document offers an essential framework for addressing the climate and biodiversity challenges on all our construction projects.
We acknowledge the construction industry's significant impact on the environment. Buildings and construction contribute to nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and have a significant impact on natural habitats. At Buildcost, we recognise this impact and are committed to reducing it. By raising awareness of climate and biodiversity problems among our employees, clients, and collaborators, we promote a culture of sustainability and proactive environmental stewardship.
We understand the need for continuous education and knowledge sharing around sustainability. We encourage ongoing training for our employees on good sustainable practices and the latest advancements in green technologies. Collaboration with other industry professionals, climate scientists, and policymakers ensures that we stay at the forefront of sustainable construction.
There are several measures that can be adopted to ensure our business activities are environmentally responsible:
Lifecycle Costing
This process evaluates the total costs of a project's life cycle as opposed to the capital expenditure only. The total cost includes the construction, operation, and maintenance budgets. This approach enables informed decisions to be made that benefit both our clients and the environment.
Energy Efficiency
Reducing the carbon footprint of a project is important in achieving sustainable goals. Optimising energy efficiency in all operations and using environmentally friendly materials and technologies will assist with reducing energy consumption. On our projects we collaborate with all the team in reviewing the project in terms of BREEAM, LEED, EXCEED, WELL, NZEB, BER, Taxonomy, HPI etc. This ensures that the carbon cost is factored into all decision making.
Resource Optimisation
Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials is incumbent on all of us. Procurement policies should prioritise products and services that have the least environmental impact, encouraging suppliers and contractors to adopt sustainable practices.
Water Conservation
Maximising water efficiency on projects while preventing the risks of water pollution, ensures sustainable use of this essential resource.
Biodiversity Considerations
Clever designs that incorporate swales, green roofs, natural habits can assist with biodiversity on construction and infrastructure projects. This assist with mitigating impacts to existing ecosystems.
Sustainability Passport
Buildcost is also proud to collaborate with Changemakers Ireland to complete a Sustainability Passport, which will track our progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Individuals, communities, businesses, and social enterprises can all implement the Sustainability Passport to assist them live more sustainably. It divides sustainability into five areas of life and offers small suggestions for how individuals and groups can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Changemakers advise that "People should not feel obligated to solve the world's problems on their own, we can only achieve real change if we raise community awareness and encourage people to make small changes"
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing construction landscape, Buildcost remains committed to sustainable development and climate resilience.
