Why sustainability is about more than just going green

Sustainability is a growing hot topic, and with the election barely in the rear-view mirror, the talk of change and progress is higher than ever.

Understanding sustainability is the first step toward making a positive impact. A simple way to recognise the term, is defined by the UN as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Focusing on today so tomorrow can do so too, meaning that there are more than just environmental factors at play.

For businesses focused on roads and community infrastructure, that means more than just completing the project on time and under budget. It means delivering on project goals while ensuring the impact on the environment and local community is minimised – now and for future generations. Thankfully, advances in technology mean that properly sustainable projects are more achievable than ever — to the benefit of all.

Balancing Act

Until recently, businesses have focused on the environmental part of sustainability while misunderstanding the many other elements that are at play. As we move into a post-pandemic existence, that’s evolving. Being ‘green’ is great, but it's just one step down the sustainability road; carbon-neutral operations and striving for net zero is one crucial part on the road for minimising our impact on the world.

Acting sustainably means businesses must ensure that the health, safety, and livelihoods of local communities are guarded, as well as the stability of cultural land, the protection of sites of cultural significance and the preservation of natural ecosystems. The whole point of infrastructure is that it is built to benefit the community. The success of a project relies on how well it serves the people, how well they perceive it and how it will be used in the many years to come.

Getting a job done efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively can seem like a fine line to walk. But showing your dedication to sustainability and sharing your knowledge and the processes you’ve used to reach and exceed your sustainability goals is not just good for the environment and community. It’s also a huge boost when it comes to winning tenders and giving you a competitive edge as your business’s brand increases. It doesn’t mean a significant effort on your behalf: it just means considering more sustainable options for the project at hand. The decisions you make today will likely have a positive impact on the future of us all.  

The first step? Sound governance: the key to developing sustainability. Good governance shows you and the business cares and can grow sustainable values within your business and provides a framework for your business to achieve goals across the four main pillars of sustainability — society, environment, culture, and economy. The second step? Utilising the right technology to achieve your goals. 

Technology can assist

Innovation in materials and changes in the industry are helping businesses decarbonise and deliver better environmental outcomes. New innovations such as earth-friendly concrete and building with lower carbon materials like timber or recycled content have been encouraged. Using higher quality materials that last longer can also boost environmental sustainability to help reach net zero targets.  

However, improving sustainability requires more— technology is helping achieve this. For job sites, telematics solutions, including AI-powered vehicle and equipment management, automate processes and communications. Technology also decreases the risk of something going awry and lessens the time spent on a project. Trucks carrying waste or construction material can be directed to routes that are fit for the right purpose and can be ensured they are on the right track with route adhering navigation. This reduces noise, congestion, and especially pollution in sensitive areas.

This delivers better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, less wasted materials, and decreases your impact on local communities and ecosystems. Additionally, telematics collects data that can help your business meet sustainability standards and frameworks. If certain areas are lacking, the technology can help identify where you can improve. Geofences can be set around areas you need to protect, ensuring assets that do cross the line can be notified immediately to protect cultural sites of significance.

As a bonus, the data can be used as objective evidence to prove your sustainability efforts – this is crucial for winning large-scale community projects. Your businesses can then use the data as a learning tool to improve sustainability on future projects and even share this knowledge with others.  

No downside

Sustainable projects benefit businesses, communities, and the environment. Using technology to streamline projects can reduce how long it takes to complete a project and minimise the cultural, social, economic, and environmental impacts. Smart solutions collect data that help guide sustainability efforts and offer proof that your business is doing things the right way.

“Going green” isn’t all there is to being sustainable. It’s the best way to ensure everyone benefits from a project, not just now but for many generations to come.