WITH environmental awareness becoming increasingly necessary, one of the oldest sayings in the book has never been so apt: “Waste not, want not”.

Going green is a catchphrase businesses hear often, but recent research has shown that many are doing little to monitor their carbon footprint.

More than 100 construction product businesses were recently questioned and nearly all of them recognised that sustainability is instrumental to the future of the industry.

However, even though 91% of businesses surveyed were aware of the importance of using green building techniques, only 40% calculated their carbon footprint. While awareness is important, it needs to be translated into actions.

There are already significant pieces of legislation impacting on the construction industry that are in place to engender improved environmental performance.

Perhaps the key to meeting the demands of a greener market is realising the importance of sustainability and understanding the principles behind it. Companies are under pressure to understand their current obligations with minimal resources and only knowledge transfer will assist those involved with implementing change.

The benefits of embedding good holistic environmental management throughout an organisation are vital. Organisations following these principles will definitely be ‘winners’ in the longer term.

While some argue that a great step forward would be for UK construction firms to select their subcontractors on the basis of their green credentials, this would apply significant pressure to smaller businesses in already difficult economic conditions.

A more effective way of driving improved environmental performance could be for larger contractors to offer support through training workshops, and consultancy to their supply chains. Sharing sustainability best practice in the industry with their peers will have a longer lasting impact.

There are also many agencies available to help such as:

WRAP Waste Resources Action Programme

NISP National Industrial Symbiosis Programme

BRE Building Research Establishment

The Carbon Trust

Environment Agency (the Regulator)

Environmental Academy

Construction Training and consultancy companies and member organisations such as Constructing Excellence.

Firms are not alone in trying to gain knowledge about making their businesses greener. Any needing support should turn to the expertise that is available.

For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, please contact chief executive, Catriona Lingwood, on 0191 374 0233 or catriona@cene.org.uk

Rita Callender is managing director at the Environmental Academy.