Construction workers across the UK have voiced demands for greater efforts to cut carbon emissions and energy use in the industry, according to new research.

UK hire equipment and services provider Speedy surveyed people working across the construction industry, finding that eight out 10 people believe the sector needs to boost efforts to cut carbon emissions over the next 12 months. The survey also discovered that 70% believe greater action is needed to cut energy use.

Despite these calls for action, 38% said the businesses they work for has plans in place to introduce a zero emissions target, with 70% of those expecting this to include their firm's supply chain.

Environmental sustainability (82%) was deemed the industry's biggest priority by the respondents, ahead of enhancing health and safety (67%), moderating how much water construction firms use (47%) and improving gender diversity (45%). 

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The survey found these concerns were mirrored by the respondents' clients. An 83% majority believe their customers will do more to cut their carbon footprints over the next 12 months, with 70 per cent saying that they anticipate clients to do more to reduce energy use.

Speaking on the recent survey, Russell Down, Chief Executive at Speedy, said: "The construction sector accounts for 10 per cent of the UK's carbon emissions and the industry will have a vital role to play in meeting future targets as we move towards carbon neutrality. People working across the sector clearly want to see more action and it's encouraging that many companies are taking positive steps to cut emissions.

"Employees, businesses and their customers should be positive about the prospects of the sector boosting its efforts to work more sustainably. We're seeing this have a significant impact on the demand for low-carbon products, from electric plant equipment to solar-powered lighting, and the hire industry is uniquely placed to help businesses across the sector access the sustainable solutions they need.

"Every company in the supply chain has a part to play in making construction more sustainable. We're acting on this with the launch of our new Responsibility programme ENERGISE. The new programme is designed to enhance Speedy's sustainability activities - from providing low-emission technology to our customers, to reducing our own environmental impact," he concluded.

(CM/JG)