The Role of Construction Managers in Sustainable Construction
Sustainable building represents the future of the construction industry. Influenced by increased public commitment to eco-friendly practices, green building aims to reduce resource usage, prevent emissions, and generally limit the negative impact of construction on the environment and public health at large.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this area of the construction industry is seeing unprecedented growth, with the World Green Building Trends report revealing owners’ and investors’ intentions to integrate green building best practices in more than 60% of projects.
Triggers for expanding green building include client demands and the potential for lower operating costs, although many respondents add that this is simply the “right thing to do.” No matter the reason, it is ever-evident that construction managers will need to develop a nuanced understanding of sustainable building practices, which will soon play into the majority of construction projects.
Interested in leveraging today’s most exciting green building opportunities? Keep reading to learn what sustainable construction involves, how far it has come, and what is possible in the future.

What Is Sustainable Construction?
Sometimes referred to as green building, sustainable construction aims to address — and minimize — the environmental impact of the construction industry. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the numerous sources of environmental damage that construction can prompt, including everything from harmful emissions to excessive water usage and noise pollution.
Manufacturing leader Saint-Gobain provides a comprehensive definition of sustainable construction, stating that this encompasses the “desire and commitment to respond positively to the challenges posed by climate change and diminishing natural resources, at the same time as promoting the health and wellbeing of building occupants and ensuring the health and safety of construction site workers.”
Saint-Gobain’s Director of Sustainable Development Pascal Eveillard adds that this practice calls for a foundation of sustainable thinking, which “means wanting to take care of the planet and its inhabitants.”
Sustainable Construction Management From Start to Finish
As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out, true sustainability in construction demands a long-term outlook that addresses a wide range of possible environmental issues that can arise throughout the construction lifecycle.
This begins with planning and design but also extends to pre-construction initiatives, procurement, and execution. Throughout these processes, careful monitoring along with a focus on continuous improvement are musts.
Planning and Design Integration
Green building is not possible without a strategic planning process, during which environmental concerns should be revealed and addressed. This begins with site selection; some locations are simply not conducive to green building practices.
EPA resources highlight the value of planning green structures in walkable areas that are also well-served by public transportation. Ideally, these locations will already have strong infrastructure in place, thereby reducing the need for new water pipes or utility lines.
In addition, other sustainability goals should be considered from the outset of any green building project. Engineers, architects, and sustainability consultants can provide valuable insight into the practicality of implementing various eco-friendly solutions, delivering a holistic approach to sustainability while striving to optimize long-term building performance.
Sustainable Material Sourcing
Renewable materials are preferable, with everything from bamboo to cork and even hempcrete promising to limit the industry’s reliance on finite resources. Increasingly, recycled aggregates and reclaimed wood are also used to prevent waste from ending up in landfills.
Lifecycle assessments can reveal the full environmental impact of various materials and help organizations choose and procure the best options. With this in mind, it is crucial to engage with eco-conscious suppliers that emphasize transparency. Insights from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can drive responsible material sourcing and selection.
Waste Management and Reduction
Traditional construction projects can produce shocking amounts of waste. Responsible material selection offers the first step to limiting this, but onsite practices also matter. The goal is to limit waste through meticulous planning and ensure that only required materials are obtained. Accurate estimation practices play heavily into this, as do just-in-time delivery and nuanced inventory management.
Cutting-edge prefabrication strategies may also contribute to waste reduction efforts by optimizing usage and avoiding cut-offs. With modular construction, components can be used across a variety of projects. Other essentials include precision cutting and waste tracking.
Green Construction Practices on the Job Site
Construction site practices have the potential to produce considerable waste, but this is by no means a necessary byproduct of the building process. Sustainability practices worth implementing include:
Energy Efficiency
When selecting tools and equipment, energy efficiency should be top of mind. Many tasks can be completed with the help of hybrid or electric vehicles, which can dramatically limit fuel consumption. Optimized route planning and other sustainable supply chain initiatives may further expand on these efforts.
Simple scheduling often makes the biggest difference; less idle time translates to less waste, so workflows must be optimized to ensure equipment is available and used exactly when required. Similarly, maintenance schedules can keep equipment running at peak efficiency. Energy monitoring is also a must, as this can provide insight into key sources of waste while promoting continuous improvements.
Water Conservation
Dust control is one of the biggest sources of water waste, but thankfully, water is not the only mechanism available to deal with construction-generated dust. Vacuum systems are effective and may even minimize runoff or other sustainability concerns.
Concrete mixing and curing can influence water usage, too, so care must be taken during these processes to limit water requirements. Often, this involves reducing the water-cement ratio, potentially through the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). These can dramatically improve concrete mix workability while also optimizing slump retention so that concrete mixes remain workable for longer.
Also helpful: automated mixing systems, which provide precise control while limiting the potential for overwatering. Site runoff and other forms of reclaimed water can be used for concrete mixing and other construction processes, so long as filtration and treatment strategies allow this water to meet stringent quality standards.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is currently a major source of concern, with a growing body of research indicating that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can contribute to air pollution and harmful emissions plus have a negative impact on human health and well-being. Green construction aims to reduce reliance on materials that contain high levels of VOCs while boosting filtration and natural ventilation.

Some of the most impactful IAQ initiatives involve moisture control measures, such as high-level drainage systems and envelope design. Meanwhile, low-toxicity construction practices limit the use of formaldehyde and other toxic products.
Green Project Management
Green project management brings a structured approach to promoting sustainability while ensuring that green practices align with cost-saving measures and deadlines. This is an emerging practice but already shows considerable promise.
As a layered, comprehensive approach to sustainability, green project management builds eco-friendly strategies into every aspect of construction projects, emphasizing environmental practices in planning, execution, and monitoring.
Environmental Impact Monitoring
Environmental impact monitoring helps construction managers determine how various processes or materials affect the environment as well as reveals opportunities for improvement. This may begin with performing a baseline assessment to determine the project site’s current environmental conditions and concerns.
From there, environmental management plans can be developed in addition to strategies for monitoring key environmental indicators. These monitoring efforts may examine air quality, water quality, or even noise levels throughout the construction project lifecycle, with regular audits performed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Green Certifications
Green certification programs provide powerful guidance for sustainability-oriented construction projects. These programs often function as a framework for green project management, offering valuable insight into sustainable goal-setting, along with practical strategies and resources that construction managers can leverage every step of the way. Important certifications are available through:
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in hopes of promoting sustainable construction practices, LEED certifications form the basis of many modern sustainable projects. As a marker of distinction, LEED certification can enhance building values.
- BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment) – One of the world’s most trusted resources for guiding the assessment and certification of green buildings, BREEAM has a long history of success. Ideal for project masterplans, BREEAM resources encourage innovation, with certified developments quickly becoming “attractive property investments.”
Stakeholder Education and Communication
From clients to construction workers to executives, a variety of stakeholders can help promote and advance green building practices. However, many may not yet be aware of the need for green solutions, nor do most recognize how many eco-friendly opportunities are already well within reach.
Therein lies the need for strong stakeholder education to help ensure all those involved in construction projects recognize why green solutions are so valuable and how they can be easily and effectively integrated into construction practices.
Additionally, communication can drive much-needed buy-in and engagement. Construction managers need to be fully transparent about the environmental impact of various projects or practices while also revealing the reasons for selecting specific materials, technologies, or workflows.
The Benefits of Sustainable Construction for Construction Managers
The environmental advantages of green building practices are clear, but there are a number of other compelling benefits that make sustainable construction worth pursuing. From cost to compliance and, of course, ethical considerations, these benefits can help shape leaders’ approach to sustainable construction management. Advantages worth examining include:
Cost Savings
By limiting waste and energy consumption, green building practices can reduce operational expenses. As mentioned previously, this is a top reason cited by industry leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable construction management. These savings often are most notable in day-to-day operations, with estimates from LEED suggesting “almost 20% lower maintenance costs than typical commercial buildings.”
Reduced Risk
Many green building strategies address seemingly unrelated areas of risk. For example, green practices can make projects more resilient to issues with the supply chain due to reduced dependence on natural resources. Just as importantly, sustainable practices reduce compliance-related risks, as green building strategies are often closely aligned with environmental protection requirements and zoning laws or building codes.
Reputation and Market Advantage
Increasingly, consumers and business leaders cite a strong preference for eco-friendly solutions. Organizations that show a commitment to environmentally responsible building are likely to attract clients who value sustainability as well. These organizations could also make a strong impression through several of the advantages cited above, such as cost savings or resilience during supply chain challenges.
Furthermore, eco-conscious organizations enjoy expanded access to green markets and are more likely to score contracts for projects that prioritize sustainable practices. This can also form a powerful source of differentiation in a competitive field, driving significant marketing opportunities that allow eco-minded organizations to position their brand in a positive light.
From a recruitment standpoint, eco-friendly practices are especially impactful. The industry is currently suffering significant labor shortages, and while the promise of high wages and opportunities for advancement are certainly compelling to potential employees, many professionals cite a preference for employers that share their core values.
Prepare for the Future of Sustainable Building With a Construction Management Degree
Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to incorporate green building into your future work in construction management? Consider enrolling in Texas A&M’s Master of Science in Construction Management.
Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), our online MS in Construction Management provides a thorough overview of green building practices as they relate to the evolving construction industry. Get in touch to learn more about this program and how our curriculum emphasizes sustainable construction management.