In Spain, the construction sector has had a significant impact on the environment, largely due to the real estate boom that occurred between 1997 and 2008. During these years, housing estates, terraced buildings and flats were built, generating tonnes of construction and demolition waste (CDW). This waste presents a major challenge when it comes to its management and treatment.
Over time, the construction sector has been classified as one of the most polluting. However, in recent decades, many construction companies have begun to take serious measures to change this perception. The most competitive and efficient companies have understood the importance of integrating sustainability into their processes, not only to preserve the environment, but also to optimize the use of materials and resources, reducing costs and increasing its reputation.
Sustainability in construction is not just a matter of reducing waste. These companies are adopting new technologies, more environmentally friendly construction methods and environmental certifications that demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices. Below, we review some of the companies in the sector in Spain that have stood out for their commitment to the environment.
Becsa
Becsa, whose headquarters are in Castellón, is a clear reference in sustainability within the construction sector. This company is not only dedicated to construction in the traditional sense, but also offers consultancy in energy services for other companies and public bodies. Instead of concentrating solely on new constructions, Becsa focuses on improving and optimizing existing infrastructures, increasing its performance and energy efficiency.
This innovative approach allows Becsa to not only reduce the footprint of new constructions, but also to ensure that existing buildings use resources more efficiently, facilitating savings in energy costs. The company's commitment to sustainability is not only reflected in the energy field, but in all phases of the life cycle of its projects. More information about Becsa.
dorseran
Based in Barcelona and founded in 1994, Dorseran is a construction company with a strong commitment to sustainability. Its motto, “We are a construction company with a spirit of improvement, innovation and rigor to always offer the highest quality,” reflects its focus on balancing the traditional aspects of construction with environmental responsibility.
Dorseran has a positive impact on the environment through its ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. These certificates confirm that the company complies with international standards in terms of quality and environmental management. The activities carried out by Dorseran include waste reduction, recycling and rational use of natural resources., prioritizing projects that minimize environmental degradation.
In addition to its residential construction initiatives, Dorseran is also involved in building renovation and refurbishment projects, as well as public works. In each of these projects, the company applies sustainability principles, integrating modern technologies and practices to optimise the use of resources and minimise their environmental impact.
Grupo ACS
The ACS Group is another important player in the construction sector in Spain that has incorporated sustainability into its DNA. This group is specialized in large-scale projects, such as civil, railway, maritime and airport infrastructure works. However, one of the most notable factors of ACS is its area dedicated exclusively to caring for the environment: Urbaser.
Urbaser is responsible for the group's environmental services, and its main activity focuses on the comprehensive management of urban solid waste and street cleaning. In addition, Urbaser develops selective collection programs, beach and indoor space cleaning, gardening, and management of demolition and construction waste. ACS's environmental division, through Urbaser, is also involved in the management of the entire water cycle., promoting the efficient use of this essential resource.
ACS Group's commitment to the environment goes beyond simple waste management. The company is committed to integrating innovative technologies that improve energy efficiency and minimise carbon emissions in all its projects. As a result, ACS has gained recognition both nationally and internationally for its environmental responsibility and its focus on sustainability in the construction sector.
Seranco and the path towards sustainability
Seranco, with more than 30 years of experience in the construction sector, is another company that has stood out for its approach to sustainability. It has embarked on a path in which it increasingly implements practices that respect the environment in all its projectsOne of the key reasons for this change is the growing demand from consumers for responsible construction methods.
In this new phase, Seranco has chosen to use recyclable and sustainable materials, with a focus on energy efficiency. From the company's perspective, these practices not only benefit the environment, but also result in significant savings in costs and construction times.
In addition, Seranco has worked to comply with stricter regulations in terms of sustainability. As part of the Spanish Network of the United Nations Global Compact, the company makes long-term commitments to reduce its carbon footprint and develop more efficient and environmentally friendly projects. This includes, for example, pollution prevention, responsible use of natural resources and innovation in architectural designs that optimize resources.
Garcia Riera: beyond construction
Garcia RieraGarcia Riera, a company that is part of the Spanish Initiative for Business and Biodiversity (IEEB), has made sustainability its flagship. Through this commitment, the company seeks to promote the conservation of biodiversity in its construction activities. This commitment means that Garcia Riera's activities are not only focused on construction, but on reducing the environmental impact through sustainable practices that protect the environment.
Participation in the IEEB has also led the company to collaborate with other organisations and share knowledge on innovative and environmentally friendly construction solutions. The implementation of these practices not only reinforces the company's commitment to the planet, but also allows them to offer added value to their customers, who are increasingly demanding more sustainable products and services.
Today, environmental protection is an unavoidable priority for any construction company that aspires to be among the most innovative and competitive in the market. Incorporating sustainability policies not only benefits the planet, but also boosts project efficiency, reduces operating costs and maximizes the reputation of companies in the global market.