BRE IP13/03 PDF

Part 4 of 4 part set. This IP results from a study of the business benefits of sustainable construction practices in the construction and property sectors. It is the fourth of a set of four that explore this theme. The other three focus on occupiers, the design team, and on investors and developers. Sustainable development and sustainable construction are frequently used terms that in many respects reflect a truly common-sense approach to property procurement. Construction plays a significant part in this. They reflect the balance between consideration of environmental benefits, social benefits and the economic costs and improved business opportunities, the so-called triple bottom line. This provides the potential (in terms often used to describe sustainability) to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. As such, it is a synergy that is able to result in improved performance of both the building and the processes involved in constructing it in all aspects of the triple bottom line for both the construction industry and its clients.

Part 4 shows that construction firms benefited from reductions in construction time and defects (eg from the use of prefabrication). Using natural ventilation instead of air-conditioning also reduces the time and labour needed to install the services. Waste minimisation practices cut construction waste disposal costs.