UK Survey Calls for Further Green Progress in the 21st Century

The growing importance of sustainability and new 'green' initiatives by UK companies may often grab the headlines, but recent research by Building Design and Altro suggests that there's still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to delivering sustainable building products.

Hundreds of architects and designers took part in the Speak Out on Sustainability survey by Altro, the UK's leading interior surface specialist. The online survey certainly threw up some interesting results and clear calls for action for the UK construction industry.

Considering that sustainability is already an industry buzz word, it's surprising that 42 per cent of architects' current projects don't involve sustainable requirements, with 5 per cent reporting that sustainability has had no impact on their company's work over the past 12 months. However, this picture seems set to change, with almost all (99 per cent) expecting an increase in sustainable work over the next five years.

Perhaps surprisingly, it appears that the leading factor behind this 'green' growth is the government, with 71 per cent citing new regulations and legislation as the major reason behind their choice of sustainable building products. Client demand is also a key factor, with 68 per cent reporting that customer requirements have guided their materials choice.

But when it comes to sourcing sustainable materials, the survey also found that many specifiers find it difficult to obtain the information they need, with more than half (53 per cent) reporting that relevant information is difficult to track down or confusing. Equally, clear is that everyone has their own ideas about what it is actually meant by sustainability, with the survey reporting huge differences of opinion on which factors are important to architects when choosing sustainable materials. There is confusion, too, over what constitutes a sustainable material, with only timber being clearly named as a 'green' choice for interior surfaces.

Often exaggerated and selective 'greenwashing' claims by manufacturers combined with a confusing array of products on the market and a lack of a single, clear independent source of guidance have led to much confusion. Specifiers are calling for clear, honest and easily comparable advice from manufacturers to ensure that construction products will help them to meet sustainability targets. For example, Altro has recently launched a dedicated sustainability website, www.altro6steps.com, and offers a brochure in support of its company processes and products. Its clear goals and achievements are set out in order to help environmentally conscious architects and building owners.

One source of independent information that contractors can turn to is the Building Research Establishment (BRE), which assesses and rates building products. We are very proud that Altro Suprema is the very first and so far the industry's only safety flooring to have achieved an A rating, the BRE's highest classification.

Tracy Perry, Altro's quality, environmental and sustainability specialist, said: “We are delighted that so many of you took the time to speak out on sustainability. Interior surfaces are a key component of sustainable building projects and we are dedicated to working with you and other building professionals to meet the sustainability targets of the future
"Altro's 6 Steps programme highlights the company's commitment to sustainability and our achievements to date. Recent innovations include huge improvements to our manufacturing process and the launch of our 100% recyclable packaging, and we currently have a number of exciting new initiatives in the pipeline, including a pioneering recycling project.”

Visit Altro on stand E495 at this year's Ecobuild exhibition at London's Earl's Court on 26th-28th February.

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