The time is coming when your projects will be judged not just by cost and quality but by their carbon footprint. The push toward sustainability is picking up. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but you need to start thinking about carbon now because, in one generation’s time, net-zero carbon for buildings will be the norm, especially for public projects.
Even on the smallest jobs—a refurbishment or an extension—clients are asking about the carbon footprint.
What Does it Mean?
Let’s look at the carbon footprint of a single concrete block. It’s more than just a block on-site. Think about it: the extraction of aggregates, the cement production, the water used, the energy to shape that block, the diesel and machinery to move it, the truck to transport it, and finally, the mortar and labour to set it in place.
Each step adds to the carbon cost. Imagine this on a house, an office, a railway, or a 50-story building. It all adds up. As your QS (quantity surveyor) and Estimator, we can calculate all of that for you.
Quantity surveyors and estimators are now factoring carbon into their estimates. This isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. It makes sense to have your QS start to calculate the carbon footprint of every job. It’s becoming the new standard. Alongside asking suppliers for prices, QSs and estimators are now requesting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to quantify the environmental impact of products or services throughout their lifecycle.
How Do You Get Started?
Start Small With Factoring Carbon
Begin factoring carbon into your smaller projects. It’ll give you practical experience and time to get up to speed so you’re ready for the bigger projects and when it becomes mandatory.
Request Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
When you’re sourcing materials, ask suppliers for their EPDs. It’ll give you a clearer picture of the carbon impact from the get-go.
Partner with a QS
QS and estimators are already working on carbon estimation. We can help you navigate this new landscape and ensure your tenders are future-proof.
Conclusion
Our carbon impact isn’t something that’s going away anytime soon. It’s actually getting more important as the years move on, and our industry has a lot to account for. Stay ahead of the game and learn what it means to start factoring carbon in your tenders.
As your QSs and Estimators, we’re here to help and can calculate it all for you. Contact us today at Carroll Estimating to find out how we can help you grow your business and make more money with a seamless process from tender bid to final account.
