{"id":1004748757,"date":"2025-03-17T04:14:14","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T12:14:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/?p=1004748757"},"modified":"2025-04-02T09:00:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T17:00:48","slug":"skanska-evp-on-sustainability-trends-in-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/skanska-evp-on-sustainability-trends-in-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability Trends in Construction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In addition to the usual challenges brought on by the need to stay competitive in an evolving market while staying committed to innovation, new points of concern arise for green building in 2025, driven by multiple factors, including changes implemented by the new administration<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How could shifts in building codes, policies and legislation impact the real estate industry\u2019s decarbonization efforts? To what extent will sustainability trends be impacted by the newly imposed tariffs on basic construction materials? Steve Stouthamer, executive vice president of project planning services at Skanska, answers these questions and others in the interview below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has the real estate industry learned in 2024 about green building and decarbonization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Headshot<\/a>
While the U.S. could meet much of the industry\u2019s demand, the tariffs will create cost impacts, said Stouthamer. Image courtesy of Skanska<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Stouthamer:<\/strong> In 2024, it became increasingly evident that sustainability is no longer a choice, but a fundamental requirement. The growing adoption of low-carbon materials and net-zero buildings has demonstrated that green construction is both technically feasible and economically viable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One major takeaway is that carbon reduction strategies must be addressed early in the planning phase. This can be seamlessly incorporated into a more holistic design approach that does not necessarily increase costs but can provide healthier spaces and a more resilient product. Owners and developers are prioritizing whole-life carbon analysis to understand a project\u2019s emissions throughout its lifecycle, from construction to delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also growing demand for third-party certifications like LEED<\/a>, WELL and Living Building Challenge, not only for environmental impact but also as a competitive advantage in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which trends will shape construction in 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stouthamer:<\/strong> Several trends will define construction in 2025. Cost and supply chain pressures remain a focus, as tariffs and inflation continue to impact material sourcing. The shortfall in construction labor, exacerbated by immigration policies, is also an important factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sustainability trends in construction include growth in modular and prefabrication, as more projects are utilizing offsite construction to reduce costs and improve timelines. There is a heightened focus on building resilient infrastructure, with climate-driven design a priority, as flood-resistant and energy-resilient materials see increased demand. Sustainability trends are evolving in response to compliance with low-carbon materials, net-zero buildings and stricter ESG reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you expect the current administration\u2019s decisions to impact these efforts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stouthamer:<\/strong> The administration\u2019s new policies could affect federal incentives for clean energy projects, potentially slow the adoption of building codes, and weaken mandates related to embodied carbon<\/a> in construction materials. However, many markets and clients continue to push forward with their respective climate goals, meaning sustainability will remain a priority regardless of federal policy shifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also see many local municipalities and insurance underwriters grappling with the risks and opportunities of the expanding commercial mass timber market<\/a>. Organizations like Skanska, with a presence in the E.U., will continue to push forward to meet their global legislation requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n