Everyone agrees we need to do better. But where do we start?

Everyone agrees we need to do better. But where do we start?

In our conversations with industry peers, we’re hearing the same thing again and again: “Yes, sustainability matters, but we don’t know where to begin.”
·      Is it the complexity of the issue?
·      A lack of clear guidance?
·      Or just not knowing if the effort will be worth it?

Too often, we see:
·      Buildings overdesigned just to secure approvals
·      Cost-cutting in construction without considering lifetime performance
·      Ambition stunted by immature supply chains

The truth is it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The key is to start somewhere. Better recycling. Smarter procurement. Less waste. One step better than last year. And if you’re not a sustainability expert, that’s OK.

We would suggest that you start with the basics, something like the CLF - Embodied Carbon 101, a six-page summary with links so you can chase down the rabbit hole if the mood takes you. https://carbonleadershipforum.org/embodied-carbon-101-v2/

Going further, the LETI - Embodied Carbon Primer runs to 100 pages but is packed with useful and digestible content, including actions mapped against the RIBA stages of work and great appendices that start with “how to talk to your client”!
https://www.leti.uk/ecp

We are familiar with these and many others, perhaps one is right for you.

At Gowan Projects we work with owners, clients, consultants, and designers. We don’t impose. We collaborate to understand your appetite and ability, and to map your current processes to identify practical, impactful ways to improve them.

Whether you're ready to go deep or just want to know where to start, we’re here to help. If you’re curious about what’s possible, let’s talk. Message me, comment below, or email for a no-obligation conversation.

Let’s make sustainability a little less overwhelming and a lot more actionable.