5 Ways to Make Your Construction Project More Sustainable

Esparto
May 25
3 min read

Introduction

Sustainability in construction is no longer optional; it’s a core expectation. From reducing embodied carbon to improving energy efficiency, sustainable construction practices can lower operational costs, enhance asset value, and improve compliance with environmental legislation.

At Esparto, we work with clients across the full project lifecycle to embed sustainability into design, procurement, and delivery. Whether you're seeking to meet BREEAM targets, achieve net zero ambitions, or simply reduce your environmental footprint, these five strategies will help your project lead with purpose and performance.

Choose Sustainable Materials

Material selection plays a critical role in the overall carbon footprint of a project. By prioritising sustainable materials, you can make immediate, measurable improvements to environmental performance.

FSC- or PEFC-certified timber ensures responsible forest management.
Low-carbon concrete mixes, such as those using GGBS or fly ash, reduce embodied emissions.
Recycled steel and aluminium help divert waste from landfills and cut energy-intensive virgin production.
Locally sourced materials minimise transportation emissions and support the local economy.

Esparto Tip: Incorporate a material sustainability assessment early in design to influence key decisions before tender.

Incorporate Energy-Efficient Design

Energy performance isn’t just about M&E systems, it begins with smart design. Working collaboratively with architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants from RIBA Stage 1 can reduce both energy demand and reliance on high-spec technologies later.

Passive solar design: Maximise natural daylight and minimise unwanted solar gain.
High-performance insulation and air-tight envelopes: Reduce heating and cooling loads.
On-site renewables: Integrate solar PV, heat pumps, or battery storage where feasible.
Smart building systems: Use automation and monitoring for efficient operation post-occupancy.

Esparto Tip: Set an ambitious but achievable Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target, and track it throughout design and construction.

Implement Smart Waste Management

Construction generates over 60 million tonnes of waste annually in the UK alone. An effective waste strategy not only cuts landfill costs but supports circular economy principles and aligns with BREEAM and CEEQUAL requirements.

Design for deconstruction: Allow easier reuse and recycling of materials in future.
Waste tracking platforms: Monitor, report, and improve diversion rates in real-time.
On-site segregation and modular off-site construction: Minimise contamination and offcuts.
Collaborate with contractors: Choose partners with a proven waste reduction track record.

Esparto Tip: Set a project target of 90%+ diversion from landfill, and include it in your contractor’s sustainability brief.

Set Clear Sustainability KPIs

Defining and tracking sustainability performance from the outset is essential. Without clear metrics, goals can easily drift or be missed altogether.

Common construction sustainability KPIs include:

Embodied and operational carbon emissions (kgCO₂e/m²)
Energy performance (kWh/m²/yr)
Water consumption (litres/person/day)
Waste diversion (% diverted from landfill)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG score)

Align these KPIs with recognised standards like BREEAM, LEED, CEEQUAL, or ISO 14001, and ensure they’re reflected in project documentation, contracts, and reporting structures.

Esparto Tip: Use a sustainability dashboard to visualise KPIs for stakeholders and track trends over time.

Engage Stakeholders Early

Sustainability is most effective when it’s collaborative. Early engagement fosters innovation, prevents resistance, and ensures everyone, from the design team to the supply chain, is working toward the same environmental goals.

Host sustainability workshops during RIBA Stage 1 or 2
Engage local communities to understand social and environmental context
Collaborate with suppliers to identify low-carbon alternatives
Use digital collaboration tools to capture feedback and track decisions

Esparto Tip: Nominate a Sustainability Champion within the team to maintain focus and accountability.

Making your construction project more sustainable isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about making smarter decisions that create long-term value. From materials and energy to waste and stakeholder engagement, a proactive approach helps reduce risk, unlock efficiencies, and meet rising requirements.

At Esparto, we don’t just advise, we deliver. Our integrated sustainability support spans every stage of your project, ensuring results that are measurable, meaningful, and market-ready.

Want to embed sustainability in your next project? Contact Esparto to start a conversation with our advisory team.