On the occasion of World Water Day on 22 March, which this year bears the significant title 'Water for Peace', we would like to share the encouraging results of a survey that offers a revealing perspective on the architecture and design sector. Water Day is a time for global reflection on the vital importance of this resource and its role in conflicts and cooperation between communities and nations. In this context, architects and designers assume a crucial responsibility in promoting sustainable practices and choosing materials that not only respect the environment but also promote human well-being. Here then, in this spirit of progress and collective commitment, are the results of a survey carried out during a recent webinar dedicated to sustainability in which Idral participated as a sponsor.
Survey results
In recent years, the call for sustainable development has been echoed in every sector of society, and the world of architecture and design is no exception. A recent webinar on sustainability in the construction sector revealed the current views of architects and designers regarding environmental issues. Through a series of questions, participants were asked to comment on issues related to lead content in building materials, the importance of products meeting minimum environmental criteria, and the value of sustainability in business ethics. This was based on a sample of 87 participants.
CAM, which stands for Minimum Environmental Criteria, are standards and requirements defined to promote sustainable practices and steer the market towards greener supply. 92% of the participants consider it essential that products meet or exceed these criteria. Such a strong consensus indicates an industry shift towards near-unanimous agreement on the importance of environmental compliance. In the construction sector, CAM compliance in construction or renovation projects encourages the use of materials and processes that minimise the use of non-renewable resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and limit waste generation. Furthermore, CAM encourages innovation and can improve the quality and durability of buildings. Also for this reason, Idral's products contribute to reducing the waste of water, a precious resource that is becoming increasingly scarce, promoting a more responsible and conscious development of construction.
The weight given to sustainability in the choice of products is also high. 89% of the architects and planners surveyed consider the sustainability of a company to be an important or very important factor. This is a clear signal for companies to not only conform to producing environmentally friendly products, but to follow sustainability practices in their processes as well, operating in accordance with principles that respect and promote ecological balance, social equity and a sustainable economy. This implies the adoption of policies ranging from carbon footprint reduction and efficient use of resources to employee welfare and corporate social responsibility. Being in line with these criteria is not limited to compliance with minimum environmental regulations, but extends the company's commitment to greener operations, transparency and product traceability, and in Idral's case also implies continuous innovation towards processes and products that anticipate future sustainability standards.
This graph shows that an impressive 86% of participants are interested, to varying degrees, in low-lead or lead-free drinking water products. This is not just a preference but a priority, as clean drinking water has become a global concern and professionals are recognising their role in promoting and using safer materials. Indeed, the presence of lead in products that come into contact with drinking water poses a serious threat to public health. Lead is a toxic metal that, even at low concentrations, can accumulate in the human body causing damage to the nervous system, disorders in the cognitive development of children and other serious health conditions.
Moreover, an overwhelming majority, almost 80%, of respondents would be willing to pay a higher price for products with low or no lead content. This is a clear sign that health and environmental safety are taking precedence over cost, a significant shift in an industry where budgets often dictate decisions.
It is therefore crucial that products intended for use with drinking water, such as pipes, taps and fittings and conduit systems, are made from materials with low lead content or are completely lead-free. Reducing or eliminating lead in these products not only protects the health of individuals but also contributes to preserving the integrity of water resources. Water is a vector that can carry contaminants from one source to another, so ensuring water purity at source means protecting health on a broader scale by preventing the spread of toxins into the environment.
Adopting strict standards for products in contact with drinking water is a key step towards promoting a healthy and sustainable environment that we at Idral are actively working on. Being conscious and responsible in our choice of materials reflects a long-term commitment to public health and environmental protection, in line with the principles expressed on World Water Day "Water for Peace", which link the purity of water resources to peace and collective well-being.
An encouraging future towards more sustainable construction
These results reveal an important trend: the industry is not only open but actively expects higher standards of environmental responsibility. Architects and planners are willing to invest more not only financially but also in terms of research and development to align with sustainable practices.
The implications of these findings are vast. They suggest that manufacturers and companies must adapt to meet evolving market demands. Those who invest in sustainability not only in their products but also in their production processes and business practices are likely to find favour in a market increasingly driven by environmental considerations.
In conclusion, the survey conducted during the sustainability webinar paints an encouraging picture of a field in transition. Architects and planners are actively shaping a future in which the built environment can coexist harmoniously with the natural one. Business and government must pay attention to these trends and work together to ensure that sustainability principles become deeply embedded in every layer of the construction industry.