Earth Day 2024: Celebrating Sustainability in Construction

Earth Day 2024: Celebrating Sustainability in Construction

With Earth Day 2024 coming up on April 22nd, it’s time for businesses across all sectors to think about their environmental impact and take steps towards a greener future.

That definitely includes construction, which accounts for 39% of global CO2 emissions and 36% of energy use.

But while traditional construction methods have been slower to go green, offsite construction has emerged as a shining example of sustainability. Let’s count the ways…

  1. Reducing waste: Standard construction methods generate a load of rubbish. But offsite construction cuts waste by precision-engineering building components in a controlled factory environment. This eliminates the need for on-site adjustments and rework, meaning much less waste.
  2. Recycling materials: The factory-controlled setting of offsite construction allows for systematic management, recycling, and repurposing of waste materials. This matches up perfectly with the Earth Day 2024 theme, “Planet vs. Plastics”, which calls for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.
  3. Lightening the load: Construction materials used in offsite methods can be up to 30% lighter, simplifying transport and minimising groundwork. This not only reduces the environmental impact of transportation but also leads to cost savings for stakeholders.
  4. Boosting efficiency: Offsite construction streamlines the building process, resulting in faster project completion and reduced construction time. This efficiency not only has a positive impact on the environment but also allows for quicker occupancy and return on investment.
  5. Cutting carbon: The optimised manufacturing process of offsite construction requires less energy than on-site construction, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. By embracing offsite methods, the construction industry can make significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint.

What are ARV Solutions doing?

We’re dedicated to reducing our own environmental impact (and fuel bills!) and have heavily invested for the long term to achieve this. We have installed:

  • Photovoltaic panels
  • Air-source heating and cooling
  • Infra- red heating for bathrooms
  • LED lighting
  • EV chargers

We have totally removed gas from the premises, and all electricity is either self-generated or from a green supplier. In just one year of using PV panels, we’ve managed to REDUCE our energy bills (no small feat with the current fuel costs) and save an impressive 2000kg of natural fuel. That’s roughly the weight of an average rhino or a particularly hefty giraffe!

We actively promote our food and waste recycling programs and reduction of waste. We’re constantly striving for sustainability and have plans in place to increase biodiversity in our landscaping outside the building. These multiple steps will make a significant impact in the long run.

We know that offsite construction alone won’t solve the climate crisis overnight. But if every business embraces this sustainable approach, the collective impact could be tremendous.

So this Earth Day, let’s celebrate how offsite construction is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible construction industry.

If you’re looking to join the sustainable construction revolution, get in touch with ARV Solutions today. Our unrivalled experience in recruiting for offsite and related sectors means we can connect you with the top talent to grow your business and contribute to a greener tomorrow – one panel or module at a time!

Compliance

As construction specialists, we understand the industry’s unique regulatory requirements and the complexities of keeping workers safe. Our consultants can advise on all aspects of compliance, from CDM regulations to IR35 changes.

Temporary to Permanent

Try before you buy! Convert our interim, fixed term, or contract staff to permanent hires, and pay only a pro-rata fee. With temp to perm, you can assess candidates on the job, simplify hiring, and improve cultural fit and retention.

Project- Based Hiring

Our experts can quickly source skilled contractors to meet your project timelines and goals. With short notice periods and various payment models, including CIS and limited company options, we offer the flexibility and agility you need.

Single Worker Appointments

When you need the right person fast, we offer contract, fixed term, and interim options. Fixed-term appointments are ideal for maternity cover or ad-hoc needs. Our interim staffing delivers the senior expertise you need to drive change.