Construction Sustainability and Quality - a symbiotic relationship?
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Whilst for decades, sustainability management in construction has been "owned" by Health and Safety, this article argues that it is more closely aligned with quality management than with site safety and environmental management.
Site safety management is typically more reactive and immediate, focused on protecting people in the present, while sustainability and quality management are more product-focused, strategic and whole-of-life.
There are a number of areas where Sustainability and Environment align with Quality Management:
Technical relationship with Engineering and Design
Sustainability considerations are embedded early in project design and procurement (like material selection and life-cycle assessments) - if you want a sustainable (low-carbon, low embedded energy, efficient) asset then it all starts with the design - you can't retrofit Sustainability.
In s similar way, Quality is driven by the design and procurement - if the design is well-detailed, buildable and accurate, and competent well-resourced contractors are engaged then quality standards are easier to achieve - if the design isn't quality you have little chance of achieving a quality product.
Whilst there is a relationship between safety/environment and asset design and procurement, it tends to be weaker than for quality and sustainability.
Client-Defined Expectations
The outcomes and level of effort aimed at Sustainability Management are determined by the Client and their requirements (e.g., carbon footprint, community impact, biodiversity).
In the same way as the Client specifies product Quality requirements (appearance, performance, durability).
Very few contractors will deliver a level of sustainability or quality that is higher than the client wants.
The Safety of workers and protection of the Enviroinment is all about the Head Contractor risk and reputation - it's a standard non-negotiable.
Materials Review/Approval/Management
Good Sustainability Management requires close control over materials approval to ensure that material selection meets the Client requirements (i.e for embodied carbon and energy efficiency) - if this is not managed and tracked it can have an impact on Client Handover (asset may not reach Sustainability rating scheme aspirations).
In the same way, Quality Management requires comprehensive materials approval to ensure that material selection meets the Client requirements (i.e. for appearance, brand, functionality) - if this is not managed and tracked it can have an impact on Client Handover (wrong / unacceptable materials installed).
Safety and Environmental material management isn't about approving materials for use in an asset - it relates to risks from consumables and chemicals and typically results in procedures/instructions to use the materials.
Immediacy of Failure
Issues originating from poor Sustainability Management on Construction Projects may not become apparent until handover, during commissioning, or post-completion. It can be difficult to identify the original cause.
In a similar way, defects from poor Quality Management on Construction Projects may not become apparent until the handover and completion phase - and may not surface for years after completion.
Safety and Environmental issues (injuries / spills) are more immediately apparent - it's much easier to relate the outcome to the cause.
Safety, Environment, Quality and Sustainability - Common Aspects
There are a few areas that are common between all four disciplines.
Defects and rework results in poor product quality outcomes, can be unsafe to rectify (see Barwon Water Study in CQA members area), can cause environmental incidents and wastes additional carbon in repairs.
Plans and procedures are not enough - projects need to engage with the workforce to to deliver outcomes.
Competency is essential if you want to achieve outcomes.
This is our view - what do you think? Let us know through a comment below or on LinkedIn.
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