The software now being introduced into the housing industry is designed to not only improve efficiency and communication but is set to improve the carbon footprint of businesses up and down the country. 

The implementation of this software should reduce the need for housebuilders to be on the road as often, introduce a zero-paper policy, help use the correct mobile workforce software, improve basic KPIs and join-up the supply chain. These areas will have a massive impact on reducing the carbon production for businesses in the housing industry. 

According to technology website, VentureBeat, as researchers work to make carbon capture cheaper and more effective, it’s crucial to find ways to reduce emissions today. Software presents one such opportunity. Aided by software, processes can become as much as 10 percent more efficient, reducing the amount of carbon that continues to accumulate in the atmosphere.

Here are three ways businesses can implement software to reduce their environmental impact:

Eliminating waste

Software can transform this process. Using machine learning, a piece of software can learn the complicated production process of an item in a matter of minutes, across a wide range of sectors, from a steel beam to a pint of ice cream. Such software can then figure out how to produce the same item with the minimum necessary amount of waste — immediately reducing carbon emissions.

Optimising energy consumption

Traditional manufacturing relies on methods of production that cause high percentages of emissions, such as burning coal and fossil fuels. Software can be optimised for energy usage and facilitate exploring more energy-efficient ways of producing. Without software, this would be costly, requiring time and a significant amount of physical experimentation. 

Minimising resource dependence

Beyond direct emissions, many businesses rely on the addition of materials and resources that require emissions to produce. By using software to determine how to use those resources more effectively, they are helping minimise emissions throughout the supply chain.

Industrial Potential of decarbonising commercial real estate

Net-zero carbon planning for commercial real estate can significantly impact the industrial sector by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy efficiency. This can be achieved through various measures, such as using renewable energy sources, energy-efficient building design and construction, and incorporating smart building technology.

Software can be incorporated into smart building technology. These include: 

• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
• Building automation
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• Artificial Reality (AR)
• Virtual Reality
• Aerial drones

Implementing these strategies can help mitigate the effects of climate change and lead to cost savings for building owners and tenants.

The power of a SaaS platform on a business’ carbon output

As a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, clixifix® will help businesses within the housing industry deliver more efficient defect management and repair services. This will have a knock on effect on the carbon production of housing associations, housebuilders and subcontractors. Being able to deal with defects efficiently will result in defects being resolved at the first time of asking which will prevent vehicles travelling and polluting the atmosphere.  

Remote services will also allow housing businesses to deal with decisions online and without the need to print hundreds of reams of paper and travelling to all four corners of the country. 

A word from our CEO and co-founder, James Farrell

“Our software is intended to empower aftercare teams in the construction sector to deliver more efficient defect management and repair services. However, a significant benefit to implementing software is the positive impact it has on their carbon output. Our software results in less call outs for housebuilders which reduces the amount of pollution produced from travelling back and forth to properties. Our software also allows for more effective remote online communication which inevitably reduces the amount of paper used. As the software is further enhanced and developed, more areas of the housing industry will feel the carbon benefit.”

Conclusion

To conclude, software is clearly being integrated into the housing industry more and more. Software is interwoven into every aspect of the industry from simple communication tools to producing 3D models and AI integrated systems. Software will have an impact on the amount of carbon produced, it will give the businesses within the housing industry the knowledge on processes, products and applications that will reduce their carbon footprint. As software is continuously developing and the demand on companies to target net-zero emissions is ever present, software could play a crucial role in achieving those targets.