While the construction sector remains one of the hardest hit by the UK recession, a business and financial advice firm has claimed the industry remains the most effective at embedding sustainability goals into its Operations and Risk functions.

The claim comes from a new report published by business and financial advisers Grant Thornton.

The firm says a total of 45% of property companies and 43% of construction businesses said their sustainability goals were "fully" embedded.

This, according to Grant Thornton, proves firms in the construction sector view sustainability credentials as a way to differentiate in the market place.

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The study, 'Sustainable Businesses: Navigating Towards A More Sustainable Future' included surveying senior executives in public and private sector organisations which manage a turnover of £250m to £1bn.

It found environmental regulations were most frequently identified as the major risk factor within the sector.

Mike Reid, associate director of Grant Thornton Scotland and one of the authors of the study, said: "We have seen following a review of over 200 companies that sustainability is central to the business model of many UK mid-tier organisations. As financial, social and environmental resources become more constrained and regulations increase, organisations that are able to innovate and adopt sustainable business practices will gain an advantage in the marketplace.

"Within the Property and Construction sector sustainability is increasing in importance because of the need to make cost savings and to meet Government policy standards linked to the likes of sustainable homes."

(IT)