Strategic orientation
Guiding an Efficient Sustainability Journey
Guiding towards sustainability should ideally start from the initial development stage of an idea, plan, or project by considering solutions and assessment processes at various levels. However, it can be undertaken at any point and is based on evaluating the current situation and exploring potential pathways to achieve sustainability.
Consider Standards and Assessment Systems
Assessment systems and standards are increasingly emerging to support project development and provide evidence for credible market communication. Since the late 1980s, environmental impact assessments have been systematically carried out on construction projects, tailored to specific cases and circumstances.
These assessments aim to minimise negative environmental impacts and offset irreversible ones, although they remain somewhat tentative, often emphasising positive impacts. Therefore, they serve as a mechanism for integrating environmental concerns into the Environmental Impact Assessment decision-making process.
Life Cycle
Simultaneously, focusing on assessing the attributes of products and materials promotes the adoption of life cycle approaches for these components. These methods aid in choosing the most environmentally responsible options and help develop environmental assessment techniques. In response to increasing environmental issues, criteria, approaches, and guidelines for construction have occasionally been introduced, along with environmental performance indicators and related evaluation procedures.
Evaluating Options and Establishing Strategy and Solutions
One key approach involves assessing different strategic options and potential solutions by analysing their limitations, opportunities, and implications, including economic considerations. This process helps guide strategic decisions and determines the timing, development, and implementation of suitable solutions.