According to the recent research published in 2024, the Global Sustainability in Construction market is currently on the rise and is expected to expand with a CAGR of 8.91% in the period of 2024 – 2031. The construction industry’s growth is propelled by several factors, from environmental concerns to evolving client preferences. Regulatory measures in multiple countries also play their part, demanding construction companies to reduce their carbon footprint and develop buildings that are more energy-efficient and sustainable. These regulations compel construction clients, developers and construction companies to rethink traditional practices and adopt more energy-efficient, eco-friendly building solutions through regulatory framework.
What was once considered an optional or progressive approach to construction is now becoming a fundamental industry standard. Companies can no longer treat sustainability as a secondary concern — it has become an essential element of design, planning, and execution. From the integration of renewable energy sources and advanced insulation materials to the widespread adoption of low-carbon concrete and modular construction, sustainability is now embedded in every stage of the building process. Additionally, clients and investors are increasingly prioritising green buildings that offer long-term operational cost savings and align with global sustainability goals. As demand grows for energy-efficient homes, commercial spaces, and infrastructure, companies that fail to adapt risk losing relevance in an evolving market.
Ultimately, the transformation of the construction industry is no longer just an option — it is a strategic necessity. Embracing these changes not only ensures regulatory compliance but also enhances business resilience, project efficiency, and long-term profitability in a rapidly evolving landscape. Jaspreet Kaur Lall, a project manager in construction with over a decade of industry experience and a chartered building consultant with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), explains what these changes mean for the industry and how companies and professionals will adapt to them.
In its essence, sustainable construction is an approach that promotes using renewable and recyclable resources and materials at all stages of project implementation. It is achieved through various measures, choosing technologies with a lower carbon footprint, and giving preference to environmentally friendly materials. It is also important to note that, although the transition to a more sustainable way of operation requires a certain level of effort and investment, in the long term it is beneficial for all parties.
“There is a common misconception that following a sustainable approach makes buildings more expensive,” explains Jaspreet Kaur Lall. “On the contrary, it helps to lower the cost both for the construction company and for those who will use the building in the future”.
For instance, green construction implies choosing more durable materials that will last longer without repairs. Energy efficiency helps to lower utility costs while creating a comfortable environment. From the construction company’s perspective, a sustainable approach creates an additional incentive to implement more efficient means of operation, which turns out to be cost-effective in the long term.
Throughout her career, Jaspreet Kaur Lall has worked at several UK companies, including one of the largest real estate and multidisciplinary organizations. She mentions that her experience there had contributed a lot to her success, helping her to get an integral understanding of the construction industry as a whole and the growing role of innovative technologies in the field.
Currently, several aspects of sustainable construction are talked about the most. For example, building information modeling along with data collection and analysis allows companies to get a more detailed and objective evaluation of the environmental impact of the building and take into account the planning stage. Robotics used for data collection, demolition, and certain construction operations can reduce waste and create an environment for safer construction. 3D printing and innovative materials allow architects and engineers to create more energy-efficient and robust constructions while experimenting with new forms and design approaches. However, Jaspreet Kaur Lall highlights that it is difficult to predict what of these technologies will remain in use in the long term, as the landscape is constantly evolving. Due to that, professionals are required to be constantly on the lookout for new solutions and ways to apply them.
Moreover, implementing these methods and technologies will require a professional to acquire a broader scope of knowledge, both theoretical and practical, and develop an integrated view of the project, instead of focusing on a single aspect of the construction process. This is how Jaspreet Kaur Lall approaches the development process as well.
“It is necessary to have a clear view of all stages of the project, from its inception to fulfillment and further maintenance,” she explains. “From the very beginning, I learned to manage the project lifecycle in its entirety, integrating the most productive approaches in the process.”
Furthermore, during Jaspreet Kaur Lall’s work at a leading UK property consultancy, she successfully applied her expertise in architecture and architectural technology to improve industry practices in building inspections, surveying, and project management. Her deep understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of construction allowed her to optimize team collaboration, enhance workflow efficiency, and introduce methodological improvements that added significant value to the company’s operations. Her research and practical experience played a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of building inspections and surveys. She developed structured methodologies that enabled professionals to obtain a comprehensive and objective evaluation of a building’s condition. By refining inspection techniques, Jaspreet Kaur Lall helped establish clearer, more systematic procedures for identifying structural defects, assessing potential risks, and ensuring that survey findings provided a strong foundation for informed decision-making. This approach led to higher-quality assessments, allowing property managers, investors, and regulatory bodies to make well-informed choices regarding maintenance, compliance, and long-term asset management. Beyond improving technical processes, Jaspreet Kaur Lall also contributed to the optimization of internal documentation and reporting systems. Recognizing the inefficiencies and inconsistencies in existing workflows, she introduced a standardized approach to report processing and submission management. These refinements reduced errors, inconsistencies, and administrative bottlenecks, ensuring that information was processed more efficiently and accurately. By streamlining these procedures, she not only simplified internal operations but also improved the overall quality and reliability of the company’s property assessments.
Moreover, a wide scope of knowledge and expertise allows Jaspreet Kaur Lall to apply innovative and more sustainable approaches to the project elements that will benefit from them the most, avoiding the pitfall of chasing the trends and implementing emerging technologies for the sake of them. Jaspreet Kaur Lall finds a way to do so at her current job as a construction project manager at a leading property consultancy, but she also finds it important to share her knowledge and expertise with others. For instance, she also collaborates with one of the UK universities, participating in the industrial board and taking part in evaluating the work of undergraduate students, helping them on their way to becoming better professionals. Her approach was also presented at several conferences, namely with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a professional body uniting over 130 000 members in the development, management of land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure, as well as with the above-mentioned industrial advisory board.
“I find sharing my knowledge and expertise with others especially important in the period when the industry is undergoing a massive change,” concludes Jaspreet Kaur Lall. “In all aspects of my work, from judging the works of graduate students to managing large-scale construction projects, I aim not only to apply my best skills but also create an environment that will support professional development and teamwork.”
She adds that supporting such an environment is necessary for companies that want to adapt quickly and get a significant competitive advantage through mastering new approaches. Sustainable solutions are beneficial both for construction companies and their clients, but to apply them efficiently, professionals need to constantly develop their skills and possess an integral understanding of the industry.
