UK construction 'thrift shift' says Envirowise

Improved resource efficiency in construction sector resulting from increasingly 'thrifty' mindset according to new report from sustainability experts Envirowise.

The Envirowise Business Thrift Shift Report, which encompasses responses from more than 500 UK companies, reveals that almost three-quarters (73%) of businesses have developed a more detailed knowledge of their spending and resource use as a result of the recession.

This includes everything from investment in raw materials, transport and energy, to staffing, equipment and professional services.

For the construction industry, reduction of spend on raw materials and consumables was the biggest area of cut back (48%), with a large number also minimising their water, energy and transport use.

And this 'thrift shift' is set to continue, with 90% of respondents expecting to be more careful about how they use their resources once recovery comes.

Chris Hodgson, Envirowise Construction Specialist, said: "The construction sector has been facing some serious challenges as a result of the recession and this is perhaps reflected in the number of survey respondents reducing staff costs during this period (44%)".

"However, it is also clear that for many companies this period of economic difficulty has stimulated a more resource-conscious mindset, galvanising environmental commitments that had perhaps been lower down the business agenda".

"We know from experience that resource efficiency goes hand-in-hand with profitability, so it is encouraging to see better management of raw materials, energy and water forming an important component of the business response to recession in the UK.

"Such an approach does not only lead to financial savings; it can also equip businesses to face increasing levels of environmental legislation and provides an important competitive advantage as customers become more environmentally conscious".

"These companies are not only more likely to survive the recession in the short-term, but are also better placed to thrive when the economy begins to recover".

Commenting on the research, Jonathan De Souza, Director of Constructing Excellence in the Built Environment, added: "It is our experience that a large number of companies are reacting to this challenging economic environment in the right way, by exploring lean techniques and innovative approaches to using resources more efficiently and cutting waste".

"By doing this, they are not only lowering their own environmental impact but also delivering projects that delight their clients and help strengthen their professional reputation in the sector".

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