You’ve probably seen and heard that sustainability in construction is becoming increasingly important. As the world looks to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change, you might be wondering ‘how can a survey make my build more sustainable.’

Construction companies have a major role to play in this effort, and one way they can make their builds more sustainable is by conducting an ecological survey.

construction workers looking over plans

What is an ecological survey?

An ecological survey is an assessment of the environmental impact of a proposed construction project. 

The survey will identify any potential risks to wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems in the area where the build will take place. It will also identify opportunities to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.

Benefits of an ecological survey

There are many benefits to conducting an ecological survey, including:

  • Identifying risks and opportunities: The survey will help construction companies to identify potential risks and opportunities associated with the build, such as the impact on local habitats and wildlife, and opportunities to incorporate sustainable practices.
  • Compliance: An ecological survey is often a requirement for obtaining planning permission for a construction project. Conducting a survey demonstrates a commitment to compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
  • Reputation: Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the construction industry. Conducting an ecological survey and incorporating sustainable practices into a build can enhance a construction company’s reputation and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

How to conduct an ecological survey

Unsurprisingly, conducting an ecological survey is an important process in understanding the health and status of the environment. If you’re planning on conducting an ecological survey, there are several steps you should follow to ensure that the survey is accurate and informative.

First, you need to determine the scope of your survey. This includes identifying the area that you want to survey and the species that you want to study. Once you have determined the scope of your survey, you need to select the appropriate survey techniques. These techniques will depend on the species that you are studying and the environment in which you are conducting the survey.

How can a survey make a build more sustainable? 

When conducting the survey, it is important to record all of your observations and data accurately. This can be done using a variety of tools, such as field notebooks, cameras, and GPS devices. After you have collected your data, you should analyse it to identify any patterns or trends.

Get in touch with Midlands Survey today 

Encouragingly, our surveys at Midland Surveys can identify areas where your building can be improved to reduce its impact on the environment. By implementing the recommended changes, you can reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and save money on bills.

Get in touch with our highly experienced team today and explore your survey options. We are happy to answer any of your questions.