Do you need a sustainability certificate as a tradesperson?

The built environment accounts for one-quarter of the UK’s total carbon footprint. At the same time, we read a lot about the government’s plan for the UK to be net zero by 2025.

That puts a big emphasis on tradespeople working in building and construction to meet sustainability standards. But it’s not just tradespeople working in the building sector who can benefit from having a sustainability certificate.

Getting a sustainability certificate for how you run your business is also important. It shows you are committed to helping reduce carbon emissions and help save the planet.

So, where do you start? We can help with this quick guide on sustainability certification.

What is a sustainability certificate?

This article looks at two ways to make yourself sustainable as a tradesperson. You can:

• Demonstrate that building and related work you carry out meet sustainability standards
• Show that your business operates in a sustainable way

However, gaining a certificate in sustainability will rely on meeting certain criteria.

As you probably know, buildings nowadays must follow sustainability standards. That covers many aspects of construction projects.

So, many trades need to know about sustainability building certification.

Why? Because it can help you win more business. Plus, sustainability certification shows compliance with the latest rules on sustainable construction.

Why does a sustainability certificate cover?

As we’ve said, a sustainability certificate can cover your trade business operation. You can also go for sustainability building certification for your work.

Sustainability certificate cover for your trade business

A sustainability certificate for trade business typically covers areas like this:

• Sustainable ways of operating
• Fairness to employees
• Community support
• Protecting the planet

Sustainability building certification

In the construction sector, building standards sustainability certificate typically involves:

• Architects – the design of more sustainable buildings
• Carpenters – using sustainable building materials
• Contractors – sourcing sustainable materials and using sustainable construction methods
• Electricians – installing energy-efficient heating and lighting
• Energy specialists – installing insulating materials
• Engineers – ensuring the air quality in buildings is high
• Gardening and landscaping – maintaining gardens and landscapes that help nurture the environment
• Glazers – installing energy-efficient windows and doors
• Heating engineers – installing energy-efficient building heating and equipment
• Plumbers – installing water-efficient kitchens and bathrooms
• Roofers – installing solar panels

As a tradesperson working in at least one of these sectors, it is worth considering some form of accreditation in sustainability.

It helps demonstrate to potential customers that you are committed to providing a high service, desire to meet standards, and are keen to achieve a better future.

What are the rules for sustainability certification?

As you can imagine, rules and regulations govern the construction sector. Many cover sustainability. The government has set out rules on net zero and sustainability in construction.

It has also set targets for what it calls a green building revolution in energy efficiency. The energy efficiency standards apply to both homes and businesses.

Key points here include:

• New buildings must be highly energy-efficient
• New and existing buildings must meet the new standards
• Measures must be taken to tackle overheating in new residential buildings

Recognised industry trade bodies will also support their members in sustainability. For example, the Construction Leadership Council’s has a rules and standards initiative called ConstructZero.

Many legally binding building regulations that trade businesses follow reflect this drive for greater sustainability.

Other rules are voluntary, like the government’s Code for Sustainable Homes.

One of the key areas where tradespeople can be more sustainable is with the types of materials they use.

What sustainability certification schemes are available?

Choose from a wide range of sustainability certification programmes and sustainability certification schemes.

As well as a sustainability certificate, many offer certification courses in sustainability.

Once again, we’ve divided them into certification for your business or certification for your trade work.

Considering certification for your business practices

A sustainability certificate can cover lots of aspects of how you run your business. These are not legally binding.

But more and more businesses are thinking about them. Also, just as importantly, many customers expect businesses to follow sustainability principles.

Here’s just a selection of sustainability certification schemes available:

• B Corp

B Corp aims to help businesses deliver benefits for people, communities and the planet. Gain B Corp certification by showing high standards of social and environmental performance and accountability.

Cost: one-off £250 submission fee plus annual certification fee (based on your annual turnover).

• PlanetMark

Helps businesses to be more sustainable by producing carbon reporting for you.

Cost: Start by booking a consultation

• Good Business Charter

Aimed at businesses of all sizes. Covers areas like employee wellbeing, diversity and environmental responsibility.

Cost: one-off £150 sign-up fee with a £50 annual accreditation fee (for businesses with up to 50 employees)

• Future-Fit Business

Helps business set the right goals and targets to be more sustainable.

Cost: free guidance

Sustainability certification for your trade impact

A building standards sustainability certificate is evidence you understand the environmental requirements expected in construction work.

Here are some of the sustainability certification programmes available:

• BREAAM

A key way to ensure sustainability and gain a building standards sustainability certificate is through BREAAM. It stands for British Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Methodology.

If you are working on a construction project, check if it is registered to be BREAAM-rated. BREAAM assesses all the sustainability aspects of a building. Your work will probably need to be done in line with BREAAM standards.

• Green Building Council

Trade association the Green Building Council offers members a range of sustainability-focused sustainability building certifications.

Build your reputation for professionalism

Sustainability building certification is just one of the ways to build your business reputation and win more work. Joining a trade association is another way to demonstrate your professionalism. It will also help you find more work.

On top of that, you could also come on board with Checkatrade, as our members receive our help with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.

They include:

• Dedicated membership advice team
• Work guarantee up to £1,000
• Exclusive offers and discounts
• Up to 20% off Public Liability Insurance
• Reduced cost of workwear and branding
• Savings on other business essentials such as vans, fuel and materials

FAQs

What is a sustainability certificate?

Your trade business could obtain a sustainability certificate that shows you operate to high standards in areas like environmental issues, employee wellbeing and community support. A certificate can also show your trade business is on the road to net zero carbon emissions.

What is sustainability building certification?

Certification can cover the work you do in your trade business. Most trades in building and construction will need to know about working to sustainability standards. Providers include BREAAM and the Green Building Council.

What are the benefits of having a sustainability certificate?

First, it shows you take sustainability seriously and follow the highest standards possible in environmental areas, especially the drive by the UK to be net zero. Second, it demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to doing the right thing. Third, it can help you win more work from customers who recognise the importance of sustainability.

How long does a sustainability certificate last?

This varies depending on the type of sustainability certificate. Organisations that award certificates usually require regular renewals of the certification. Some charge an annual fee to update certification. Check with the individual provider.