The climate emergency is here. Never before has it been so important for firms operating in the built environment sector to step up and demonstrate their green credentials. James Bailey, Managing Partner at Bruton Knowles, shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of becoming more sustainable. 

“From a procurement perspective, bidders are increasingly being asked to demonstrate their carbon credentials when delivering a service, particularly to public sector clients. Whilst we all understand there is a compelling business case for this, it can be difficult to quantify. There is a growing expectation for firms like ours to be measured against social value and sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs), so we must find new and innovative ways as a business to highlight our carbon commitment.

“We always endeavour to be radical in our thinking, to challenge ourselves about our own sustainable working practices, so we can clearly demonstrate our approach to customers. For example, when we deliver asset valuations, we assess the extent to which cleaner modes of transport can be used by the delivery team. Planning in carbon efficiencies at the outset of a project means we can also help our public sector partners play their role in delivering Government’s 2050 Net Zero target.

“On the commercial side, there is a long way to go. Whilst there have been some flagship schemes across the region that have embraced sustainability, the average commercial entity still wants something made that recognises value for money. For them, green development continues to be cost prohibitive to deliver, because the pay-back comes too far down the line. Until the banks and other financiers facilitate change to encourage greener development by making fundamental structural reforms to lending, it is hard to see how this situation will improve.”