The construction industry is rapidly embracing sustainability as a core value, reshaping traditional practices to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. In a recent webinar, Qflow hosted Karl Clawley from The Momentum Group, who shared their inspiring journey towards sustainability. The session revealed invaluable lessons about addressing common industry challenges, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology for meaningful impact.
People, planet, place, and professionalism
The Momentum Group’s journey began with a straightforward yet vital question: What is our carbon footprint? This prompted an in-depth exploration of their operations and the identification of four key pillars: People, Planet, Place, and Professionalism. As Karl explained, these pillars helped the team structure their sustainability efforts while ensuring alignment with broader ESG goals.
4 Lessons Learned from The Momentum Groupʼs Sustainability Strategy
1. Start small and think big
The Momentum Groupʼs first step was determining its carbon footprint. This process involved combing through utility bills and conducting employee travel surveys—a labour-intensive task that provided essential baseline data. With these insights, the team prioritised areas such as reducing employee commuting emissions and managing waste effectively.
2. Collaborate and educate
Karl emphasised the importance of internal education. Initially, sustainability tasks were confined to a few key individuals. Over time, workshops and open discussions with the wider team helped integrate sustainability into the companyʼs culture. By engaging site managers and contractors, The Momentum Group ensured the message resonated across all levels.
3. Leverage technology
Tools like Qflow proved transformative. The Momentum Group saved countless hours by digitising processes such as waste tracking and material sourcing while improving data accuracy. Real-time tracking allowed for better project
Overcoming Sustainability Challenges in Construction: Insights from the Qflow Webinar with The Momentum Group 2
insights, reducing their reliance on inconsistent contractor reports. Karl noted that such innovations enabled his team to focus on higher-value tasks, fostering a more strategic approach to sustainability.
4. Engage the supply chain
Collaborating with suppliers was a challenging but critical aspect of the journey. The Momentum Group focused on engaging its Tier 1 suppliers first, setting clear expectations for sustainable practices. They found that most partners were willing to adapt, especially when the importance of data accuracy and sustainability was clearly communicated.
Qflowʼs Impact
Qflow allowed The Momentum Group to collect real-time, accurate data on materials and waste. This enabled better forecasting and the ability to set measurable sustainability targets. The Momentum Group demonstrated transparency and accountability by embedding sustainability into their operations and sharing their progress through annual reports. This proactive approach strengthened client trust and positioned the company as a leader in sustainable construction.
The Momentum Groupʼs story is a testament to how construction firms can integrate sustainability into their DNA. Their success underlines the value of starting with small, measurable actions while leveraging technology and fostering collaboration.
As Karl put it, the industry thrives when companies share knowledge and work together towards common goals. Whether youʼre at the start of your sustainability journey or refining your approach, this webinar offered a powerful reminder: the challenges may be complex, but the rewards—for your business, your clients, and the planet—are well worth it.
Read our full case study here: https://www.qualisflow.com/the-momentum- group-case-study/
