Trends in modern, sustainable construction for 2023

Construction is one of the most important industries, it literally shapes what our world looks like, but it has been at risk of causing unrepairable damage to the natural environment. Whilst it has taken some time, the construction industry is modernising, and we’re leading the charge. 

In 2023 we will see more construction projects incorporating sustainable initiatives and practices. This includes using renewable and recyclable materials, reducing the embodied energy in building materials, reducing on-site waste, and reducing the energy consumption on finished projects.

We’re embracing our responsibility to lead the construction industry on the sustainability agenda and as a leading supplier to the construction industry, we recognise the impact our activities have on the natural and built environment. Here are some of the modern, sustainable construction trends we can expect to see in 2023:

Net Zero buildings 

One of the most popular trends of 2023 will be Net Zero buildings, something which we’re very familiar with. As part of our Group decarbonisation roadmap, the sustainability and property teams worked together to achieve a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of our recently refurbished head office building. 

We have now moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff and invested in energy-efficient solutions, such as LED lighting, the installation of solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. 

In 2021 we also moved to a 100% renewable energy tariff for all of the Group’s UK-based operations. It will see all Travis Perkins businesses in the UK supplied with 100% renewable source electricity across our stores, branches and offices nationwide.

The biggest consideration for us when it comes to Net Zero buildings is not our own estate but the wider UK built environment - to achieve Net Zero in buildings our customers need different products, data and services!

Increased use of renewable energy

In 2023 we can expect to see a huge increase in the use of renewable energy systems. Renewable energy means that it comes from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power, and is replenished at a faster rate than consumed.

Switching to renewable energy not only reduces the environmental impact but also lowers costs too. Our teams at TF Solutions, for example, sell resources such as air source heat source pumps, which have become an essential part of the solution to the problem of reducing carbon emissions generated through heating.

We also recently began scaling up our trial of using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement fuel for diesel in vehicles. The HVO used is certified as sustainably sourced and is made from waste materials such as used cooking oils and other waste oils and has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide by up to 90% compared to diesel.

Sustainable products

Sustainable products cover everything from products which support energy efficiency or water efficiency to products which have lower embodied carbon, lower waste, recycled content or are recyclable at end of life - not to mention products which have renewable material content and support nature and biodiversity. It’s a broad concept and one which our customers are increasingly interested in.

We take our responsibilities to lead on this agenda very seriously at Travis Perkins, and we are driving and supporting modern and sustainable trends in the construction industry by using our initiatives. Our teams in Staircraft, for example, created innovative modular solutions for stairs and flooring that are prefabricated, reducing waste on-site and enabling more efficient processes. 

Everyone in our business has a critical role in decarbonising products, materials, the supply chain and the built environment to ensure we are a sustainable business. 

Be part of the change at Travis Perkins

The future of construction will be sustainable and renewable, with more efficient materials and resources. This means that there will be a lot of opportunities for people to work in this industry, especially in the coming years.

Whether an apprentice, a branch manager, a driver or a yard assistant all of our teams make commitments to becoming more sustainable. If you’re looking to make a difference in the world, we may have an opportunity for you.

Browse our available branch, store and showroom jobs today and build your career with us.