In a world where the construction industry is still debating the ‘cost’ of sustainability, the reality is simple: sustainability isn’t about innovation—it’s about setting a higher standard for quality building. This is the key message from my latest podcast conversation with Ann-Marie Fallon of Architype, an award-winning architect and leader in Passivhaus design.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
📺 Prefer to watch? Check out the full conversation below:
The Myth That Sustainability is ‘Extra’
Too often, sustainability is framed as an added cost or an innovation that only ‘forward-thinking’ businesses should embrace. But as Ann-Marie Fallon explains, sustainability should be the baseline for any modern construction project.
“Delivering buildings that are high quality… shouldn’t be innovation.” – Ann-Marie Fallon
When we build a house, an office, or a commercial space, we expect it to function well, last for generations, and provide a comfortable, energy-efficient environment. Yet, poor design, lack of regulation enforcement, and outdated mindsets have normalised low-quality, inefficient buildings. We need to flip this thinking. The industry must recognise that better buildings aren’t ‘premium’—they’re just well-executed construction.
Breaking the Cycle of Bad Design
One of the biggest barriers to true sustainability is the acceptance of low-quality construction as the norm. The industry has been conditioned to prioritise short-term cost savings over long-term efficiency, leading to:
🔹 Buildings that require excessive heating and cooling due to poor insulation
🔹 Projects that face costly repairs and performance issues down the line
🔹 Clients who assume sustainable choices are luxuries rather than necessities
But here’s the truth: Sustainable construction methods, like Passive House design, significantly reduce energy demand, lower operational costs, and create better-performing buildings. When businesses and developers understand that sustainability reduces long-term expenses, the outdated ‘high cost’ argument disappears.
Retention, Leadership, and the Talent Pipeline
Sustainability isn’t just about materials and energy efficiency—it’s about the people who shape the industry. One of the most striking insights from my conversation with Ann-Marie was the issue of retention in architecture and construction. While nearly half of all architecture graduates are women, only 14% of the construction industry remains female. Why?
🚧 Lack of leadership opportunities🚧 Rigid working structures that don’t support career progression🚧 Outdated mindsets around who ‘belongs’ in construction
SME construction firms need to take action to ensure the next generation of architects and construction leaders see a future in this industry. That means embracing diversity of thought, implementing retention strategies, and supporting leaders at all levels, not just those who follow traditional career paths.
The Role of SME Construction Firms
For SME directors, the sustainability conversation needs to shift from compliance to competitive advantage. If you’re leading a growing construction firm, consider these questions:
✅ Are you designing and delivering projects that are future-proof and meet evolving client demands?
✅ Is your business attracting top talent, or are you struggling to retain skilled architects and engineers?
✅ Do you see sustainability as a cost burden, or as a profit-driving opportunity?
The most successful SME firms are already leading the way by:
Prioritising energy-efficient designs that lower lifetime costs for clients
Building diverse teams that bring fresh, innovative perspectives
Adapting to regulatory changes early, rather than reacting when it’s too late
The Future of Construction: Doing What’s Right, Not What’s Easy
The biggest takeaway from my conversation with Ann-Marie Fallon? Sustainability is not a buzzword—it’s the new minimum standard. If we continue to separate ‘standard construction’ from ‘sustainable construction,’ we’re already losing the race.
For SME directors, business leaders, and construction professionals, the time to shift thinking is now. The firms that embrace sustainability not as a niche but as the default approach will be the ones securing the best contracts, attracting the best talent, and leading the industry forward.
🎧 Want to dive deeper into this conversation? Listen to my full interview with Ann-Marie Fallon here
📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube.
💬 What’s your biggest challenge in making sustainability the standard in your business? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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