A new report, ‘Sustainable by design’, by engineering consultancy Patrick Parsons, based on research* with 100 senior executives of UK construction firms, reveals that despite the majority (85%) believing the industry is doing enough to reach net zero by 2050, there are significant barriers to achieving this target.
Over two thirds (68%) of respondents said that improvements to building material supply chains to reduce carbon would be critical to achieving net zero, followed by 63% who said that existing planning regulations need to change to support the sector if it is to hit this target. Using alternative materials which have a lower carbon footprint is also a significant barrier to overcome for 62% of those questioned, followed by decarbonising existing buildings (59%) and the ability to collect data to measure carbon in buildings (48%).
When asked about the impact of the focus on climate change because of COP26, 86% said that they believe it will accelerate positive advances in sustainability in the sector during 2022.
Commenting on the findings of the report, Conor Murphy, Senior Partner, Structural Engineering
at Patrick Parsons said: “The UK construction industry is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and is confident that this target will be met. However, this ambition is not without its challenges in terms of the materials used, the need for planning rules to change and the ability to decarbonise legacy buildings to improve their performance. Greater use of sustainable design and engineering in the planning of new developments, will support the pathway to net zero.”
Patrick Parsons focusses on helping clients assess, design, and overcome the most complex of engineering challenges across a range of sectors. Operating from four sites – its HQ in Birmingham, London, Wakefield and Ashvale – the business provides a range of connected engineering services including Structural, Civil and Geo-Environmental consulting engineering services, competences the firm has developed over many years, and for which it has built a strong reputation.
To read the report in full, visit https://www.patrickparsons.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Sustainable-by-Design-Report-Web.pdf
For more information about Patrick Parsons’ range of services, please visit www.patrickparsons.co.uk
Research conducted by Pureprofile in January 2022 with 100 senior executives of UK construction firms with over 100 employees.
About Patrick Parsons
Established in 1964, Patrick Parsons provides exceptional multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy services. With over 100 staff operating out of offices in Birmingham, Twickenham, Ashvale and Wakefield, Patrick Parsons delivers on projects nationwide. Offering a unique range of integrated engineering specialisms spanning Geo-Environmental, Civil and Structural, Patrick Parsons has one of the most comprehensive skill sets in the industry. Our expertise has allowed us to develop a portfolio which includes multi-million pound residential developments, complex infrastructure highways design and logistics facilities.
