They consume energy in their operation and in the extraction and preparation of materials, and they generate waste and pollution. They have a significant impact on the use of non-renewable resources. Landscaping can add significantly to the quality of the built environment, benefit wildlife and provide an opportunity to use plants of biodiversity interest and local provenance. The construction industry in the United Kingdom consumes around 6 tonnes of material per person per year. The potential savings from reducing consumption and increasing the re-use and recycling of materials are on a scale which could contribute significantly to national objectives for sustainable development.
Construction is also a major sector of the national economy.
It provides employment for some 1.4 million people. All sectors of the construction industry therefore can make an important contribution to achieving progress on all the key strands of sustainable development. Everyone associated with these sectors has a part to play in making a reality of the Government's aim to modernise Britain. Clients, financiers, developers and planners are key players in determining what is built, where and when, and which buildings are re-used and which are redeveloped. More frequent demands could be made for construction solutions where consumption and the use of other resources can be minimised over their lifetime.