Many builders are meeting consumer expectations on sustainability, but the work is not yet done.
COGNITION Smart Data shows that many builders are actively taking steps to minimize their environmental impact, with the most commonly adopted initiatives being constructing energy efficient homes, implementing adaptive reuse and right sizing practices, reducing emissions, and minimizing landfill waste.
Consumers are increasingly frustrated by companies that only take a stance on environmental or social issues without tangible action. COGNITION Smart Data shows that “talk without action” is the least important environmental initiative a company can take, an expectation that applies equally to builders.
When we compare consumer expectations of manufacturers with the actions builders are already taking, the alignment is clear. For example, initiatives such as minimizing waste and using low embodied carbon materials, including recycled or locally sourced products, are precisely what consumers value.
Many builders are clearly on the right path, but to keep up with evolving consumer expectations they will need to bolster their sustainable building practices. This includes designing all electric, connected, healthy, high performance homes that incorporate sustainably manufactured products with low embodied carbon backed by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
EPDs are increasingly capturing consumer attention. COGNITION Smart Data shows that 64% of builders report increased consumer demand for EPD-backed products. Among these builders, 41% consider EPDs a must-have when selecting products.
EPDs provide a common language across the value chain, allowing manufacturers, builders, and homeowners to move beyond high-level sustainability claims and engage in more substantive, data-driven discussions about embodied carbon and material performance.
By integrating these practices, builders not only meet consumer expectations but can position themselves as leaders in the next generation of green building.
Like this COGNITION Hot Take? We have more! Unlock the data driving the industry’s sustainability transformation to build smarter and sell faster. Subscribe to COGNITION Smart Data.
Victoria Muharsky is an ESG specialist at Green Builder Media, where she leads the ESG for Building Working Group. Under her guidance, the group has successfully overseen the release of the groundbreaking ESG Defining Principles. Crafted collaboratively by industry experts, these guidelines are revolutionizing the homebuilding sector's approach to ESG and sustainability.
Builders Get Sustainability Right, For Now
Many builders are meeting consumer expectations on sustainability, but the work is not yet done.
Consumers are increasingly frustrated by companies that only take a stance on environmental or social issues without tangible action. COGNITION Smart Data shows that “talk without action” is the least important environmental initiative a company can take, an expectation that applies equally to builders.
When we compare consumer expectations of manufacturers with the actions builders are already taking, the alignment is clear. For example, initiatives such as minimizing waste and using low embodied carbon materials, including recycled or locally sourced products, are precisely what consumers value.
Many builders are clearly on the right path, but to keep up with evolving consumer expectations they will need to bolster their sustainable building practices. This includes designing all electric, connected, healthy, high performance homes that incorporate sustainably manufactured products with low embodied carbon backed by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
EPDs are increasingly capturing consumer attention. COGNITION Smart Data shows that 64% of builders report increased consumer demand for EPD-backed products. Among these builders, 41% consider EPDs a must-have when selecting products.
EPDs provide a common language across the value chain, allowing manufacturers, builders, and homeowners to move beyond high-level sustainability claims and engage in more substantive, data-driven discussions about embodied carbon and material performance.
By integrating these practices, builders not only meet consumer expectations but can position themselves as leaders in the next generation of green building.
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Like this COGNITION Hot Take? We have more! Unlock the data driving the industry’s sustainability transformation to build smarter and sell faster. Subscribe to COGNITION Smart Data.
By Victoria Muharsky
Victoria Muharsky is an ESG specialist at Green Builder Media, where she leads the ESG for Building Working Group. Under her guidance, the group has successfully overseen the release of the groundbreaking ESG Defining Principles. Crafted collaboratively by industry experts, these guidelines are revolutionizing the homebuilding sector's approach to ESG and sustainability.Also Read