Research and development (R&D) projects are all about innovation, helping industries move forward through the discovery and implementation of new processes, technologies and materials to name just a few.

When it comes to the construction industry, one of the driving forces behind research and development is green construction - the process of reducing the environmental impact of building projects through more sustainable practices.

And with a UK government backed Clean Growth Grand Challenge that aims to at least halve the energy use of new buildings by 2030, this development may never have been more relevant than right now.

If your construction business has been asked to deliver a project with greater energy efficiency, your project may qualify for R&D tax subsidies. So, today, we’re taking a look at some of the ways research and development has spurred green construction to date, and what it all means for the construction of the future.

Cleaner technologies

The integration of cleaner technologies in new builds is perhaps the most significant and commonly utilised green development in recent years.

These technologies can (and do) take many different forms, but all work together towards one united goal: to improve energy efficiency through more sustainable generation and distribution of energy around the home.

Development has progressed at a rapid rate in recent years, with many of these innovative technologies already becoming common features of new builds. From optimal glazing on your windows to passive solar paneling on your roof, cleaner technologies have helped drive the construction industry forward in pursuit of a greener tomorrow.

More efficient builds

Green construction projects require an efficient build - one that’s completed more quickly and using fewer materials.

Perhaps the most significant evidence of research and development in the hunt for more efficient builds comes from the advances in optimal value engineering (OVE). This involves the implementation of advanced home framing techniques that look to reduce the material use and energy use of a building’s structure.

Of course, the challenge here was overcoming any potential weakening of structural integrity as a result of the reduction in material use. One approach is to replace typical structural materials such as lumber with insulation material. Maintaining the structural integrity of the build, the development of this method increases energy efficiency through thermal bridging, while simultaneously reducing labour and material costs in the process - a real win-win.

Greater insight

Research and development surrounding energy tracking technologies is another great example of R&D in action within contemporary construction.

Improvements in these technologies, and their successful integration into both domestic and commercial new builds, have helped to provide a better idea of how energy efficient any given build is. With more accurate and meaningful real-time data on energy use and distribution, construction methods can become more adaptable and versatile. This results in more effective sustainable builds in the long term.

Research and development is integral to the construction industry, especially in our collective pursuit of a greener future. If your construction business is delivering projects with an innovative focus on sustainable practices and energy-efficient implementations, you might qualify for R&D tax credits.

To find out more about your eligibility, and to get a helping hand with your application, why not get in touch with the experts at Lumo today?