Spec Finish

of increasingly heavy financial penalties is a significant motivating factor, we are finding that a growing number of clients are taking a more positive view. Achieving a BREEAM ‘outstanding’ rating requires additional cost, such as paying to conduct thermographic surveys or making sure that all materials are fully recyclable. But the long-term benefits are likely to be significant in terms of reduced utility costs, future-proofed businesses, increased tenant demand and increased wellbeing for employees and communities. Again, engaging stakeholders early is often critical in elevating sustainability from a regulatory requirement to an exciting opportunity. • Holding yourself accountable The practical challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy touch every part of modern life, from the way we heat our homes to the lacquers and glues we use to finish a fit-out. Sustainable design has become a niche market over the past decade, but it will only become more important and mainstream. Companies in the construction and fit-out space also need to start holding their own operations to the same standards their projects are judged by. For example, Portview has pledged to use only low-VOC paints and reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. This is not only an essential part of making sure we practise what we preach at Portview, it will also help us to attract and retain talent from younger generations who may not currently see the construction and fit-out sector as a potential career choice. • Understanding your system Choosing the right materials and construction techniques is an integral part of sustainable design and creating local systems that support wellbeing and the environment. On the one hand, this means considering such factors as sun orientation, implementing high-efficiency electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, as well as using more renewable energy. But it’s also important to be aware of the broader local environment in which our buildings exist. This includes design choices such as using trees, plants, and grasses native to the area or installing stormwater management strategies. Buildings also play a role in our social systems. A commercial building’s average lifespan is 25-30 years, which presents some challenges for sustainable design. Either these buildings must be made with completely recyclable materials so that they can be cleanly dismantled, or the initial designs need to be flexible enough to accommodate future changes of use. The UK Government is encouraging the latter through the introduction of Class E permitted development rights. There are many other ways that projects can be more sustainable that are unique to their local contexts. For example, Portview have developed several closed-loop solutions that reduce waste and benefit the local community. We are part of recycling schemes for Correx, Plasterboard and Armstrong Ceiling tiles. Used materials are collected from our sites and re-manufactured; reducing raw materials, carbon waste and skip space. We donate waste wood from our projects to a local college’s carpentry department, providing a new use for materials that would otherwise be destined for landfill. We also work with The Turnaround Project, who have created a workshop out of the wood we’ve donated. We’ve also recently partnered with Tools for Solidarity – who take our old tools, refurbish them and send them to Tasmania and Malawi. Developing these solutions helps to reduce the impact of every job we complete and strengthens community relationships, allowing us to lead the sustainability conversation. • Making sustainability ‘normal’ Part of what makes the challenges of sustainability so intimidating is their scale. The narrative around the topic is often focused on the bigger picture, and goals like the UK achieving net zero emissions by 2050 can feel daunting. As with any large project, it can be difficult to knowwhere to start. In reality, seemingly small wins can begin to create themomentum for change when taken together. Organisational leadership has a really important role in educating stakeholders andmaking sure that construction and fit-out companies lead by example and hold themselves to account. Effective education drives changes in behaviour that help contribute to the larger goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Although it may seem small, an onsite worker stopping to quickly check whether a paint is low VOC before applying it shows that people are beginning to think differently about the way they work. The construction industry is at the heart of making our towns and cities more sustainable. By taking a proactive approach to driving change rather than reacting to it, we can help clients create amazing, future-proofed spaces with social and environmental benefits that ripple outwards. We can also help them differentiate themselves in a crowded market and make sustainability the norm. www.portview.co.uk Sustainability FIND OUTMORE FIS is in the process of setting up a sustainability working group and would welcome your views on the direction it should take to establish a net-zero plan for the finishes and interiors sector. If you want to join the working group, email Iain McIlwee at iainmcilwee@thefis.org i www.thefis.org 15 West Elm living wall. Be aware of the broader local environment and consider design choices such as using trees, plants, and grasses native to the area or installing stormwater management strategies.