As survey of construction professionals places rising material costs as the biggest issue they face at the moment.

The survey of 500 construction industry professionals reports that 27% of respondents see rising material costs as the number one problem faced by the industry. This was followed by poor site safety standards at 23% and environmental sustainability pressures at 22%.

However the survey, commissioned by SafeSite Facilities, also showed nearly a third of the biggest issues facing the construction industry were climate change-related.

Jack Lowdell, Manager at SafeSite Facilities, explained: “The evidence points to a sector facing a double threat from the soaring cost of materials and climate change.

“Analysts are currently predicting building costs will increase by 15% over the next five years, so this pressure is only going to get worse, adding to the difficult set of challenges the industry needs to overcome.  

“As a sector we must prepare for the impact of adverse weather on site safety and ensure we are ahead of the game in terms of our environmental practices, then we can take back some control over the clear and present dangers which are in store.”

The biggest issues facing the construction industry ranked were:

  1. Rising material costs 27% (up to 38% in residential construction)
  2. Poor site safety standards 23%
  3. Environmental sustainability pressures 22%
  4. Theft and vandalism 21%
  5. Supply chain disruption 21%
  6. Skills shortage 20%
  7. Labour shortages due to immigration policy changes 20%
  8. Regulatory complexity and red tape 19%
  9. Delays due to weather and climate events 19%
  10. Lack of adoption of innovation and technology 18%
  11. Mental health challenges 15%

Dr Lowellyne James, HSEQ Manager at SafeSite Facilities, added: “The findings reflect long-standing global research into systemic risks.

“As early as 2012, KPMG’s ‘Expect the Unexpected’ study identified climate change as the ultimate threat multiplier, exacerbating everything from supply chain disruptions to rising material costs.

“What’s concerning is that despite climate-related challenges dominating this list, the sector has yet to fully prepare for these realities.

“Sustainability must become a strategic imperative, not a side initiative. If the industry embraces sustainability as a core business strategy on a par with cost leadership or differentiation, it can begin to mitigate many of the risks it currently faces.”