BMF sustainability report highlights need for greater engagement

The third annual BMF State of Sustainability research report, conducted by strategic agency CMDi, has highlighted that the top three barriers to adopting sustainable building materials are all customer-related.

The report states that many trade customers have a low awareness of the need for sustainable materials, expressing scepticism about sustainability or being unwilling to pay more for sustainable products.

The research suggests the best action the BMF could take to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable building materials is to support smaller merchants in shifting trade customer conversations away from lowest price and towards sustainability as a core value driver.

In response, the BMF is stepping up support with practical guidance through Working Group 1, which focuses on sustainability and environmental issues.

CMDi managing director, Dianne Lucas, says: “This sector has made real progress, but now we must protect it. Sustainability cannot become optional because market conditions are tough. Momentum is fragile and we cannot afford to lose the wins we’ve fought for.”