Whose job is carbon counting anyway?
Watch the episode on YouTube right here!
Sustainability has now become a reality reshaping the Construction Industry. From regulatory changes to evolving client expectations, the demand for greener, smarter, and more ethical building practices is transforming how projects are designed, costed, and delivered.
But what does this shift mean for companies?
And more specifically, for quantity surveyors (QS)?
We created a podcast episode, ”Whose job is carbon counting anyway?,” featuring Andrew Langridge, director of Sterling DCS – Digital Construction Solutions. Join us when we explore the rise of sustainability and how it’s impacting the way we work.
Multiple forces are driving the sustainability movement:
- carbon regulation
- digital innovation
- climate change
- client pressure
What was once a niche concern is now a central strategic focus for many organizations. From boardroom discussions to on-site decisions, environmental performance has become part of the construction DNA.
Quantity Surveyors, traditionally seen as cost managers, are now being pulled into broader conversations around sustainability.
They’re no longer just asking: “How much does it cost?”
But also: “What impact does it have?”
In the following article, we’ll discuss:
- To Think Forward
- LCA: Challenge to Opportunity
- From Motivation to Momentum
To Think Forward
The traditional QS role is expanding.
Today’s QS must understand materials, supply chains, carbon impacts, and digital modelling. They’re expected to contribute not just to the financial bottom line but also to environmental and social performance.
This shift offers a huge opportunity.
QS professionals who embrace sustainability can redefine their value.
They can guide clients through regulatory complexity, align cost with carbon, and help future-proof projects. But it’s not without its pressures. The learning curve is steep, and not every company is forward-thinking.
An example of a company who has already taken the steep curve is Sterling. Andrew provides a clear window into how the company is adapting to this change:
- Rather than viewing sustainability as an external burden, Sterling integrates it into every phase of project delivery.
- They’ve built internal systems and workflows that allow QS professionals to account for sustainability from the outset.
- The result being: It’s not about adding sustainability at the end—it’s about embedding it at the beginning.
By doing this, Sterling is not only meeting regulatory requirements but also attracting clients who value forward-thinking delivery. This proactive approach positions QS professionals as key strategic advisors.
Unfortunately, Sterling’s strategy is not typical within the industry. Many QS professionals are still operating in environments, where sustainability is seen as a compliance headache rather than a value driver.
What if this headache is a product of misunderstandings?
Andrew explains in the following how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is increasingly required on projects, but also how it’s often misunderstood and misapplied.
Let’s dive into LCA.
LCA: Challenge to Opportunity
Many professionals feel unsure about when to apply LCA.
They’re not sure of how to interpret its outcomes, and what they should do with the data. The challenge lies in the complexity and the lack of practical training.
Many are left wondering: “Should LCA be done at concept stage or at delivery stage?”
And: “What does compliance actually mean in practice?”
Andrew has a clear advice: LCA must be demystified. It needs to be integrated into the everyday work of QS professionals. Instead of outsourcing it or ticking it off as a box, companies need to build internal capacity to understand and apply LCA in meaningful ways.
That includes linking it to:
- supply chain decisions
- cost plans
- materials
He also emphasizes that digital tools are essential for making LCA more accessible.
But software alone won’t fix the problem.
You need a cultural shift: from treating sustainability as an afterthought to making it a fundamental value.
From Motivation to Momentum
How do we move from talk to action?
Motivation is key.
Andrew points out that younger professionals are often more engaged in sustainability, but they lack the support and frameworks to make meaningful change.
That’s why companies must provide training, tools, and space for new voices to lead.
And QS professionals must be willing to challenge the status quo—to ask difficult questions and push for smarter, more sustainable ways of working.
Sustainability isn’t just changing buildings—it’s changing careers.
For QS professionals, this is a moment of reinvention. It’s a time to step beyond traditional boundaries and shape the future of the industry.
Whether it’s LCA, embodied carbon, or ethical procurement, the challenges are real but so are the opportunities. It’s about making sustainability practical, scalable, and embedded into daily workflows.
The question is:
“Are you ready?”