Small UK construction firms lead sustainability push in 2026

Small construction businesses across the UK are emerging as unlikely leaders in the push for sustainability in 2026, with new research showing that customer expectations are now the single biggest influence shaping greener practices.

A nationwide survey of 1,000 SME owners by Novuna Business Finance reveals that more than a quarter (27%) of construction firms say their customers are the primary force behind their sustainability efforts, outpacing even internal leadership and regulatory pressure.

The findings come at a time when some governments and large corporations have scaled back commitments to Net Zero targets, suggesting that smaller firms are stepping in to maintain momentum.

Despite ongoing cost pressures and market uncertainty, the appetite for sustainability among small construction firms remains high. According to the research, 88% of business owners in the sector say committing to sustainability is personally important to them in 2026.

Nearly a quarter (24%) are actively embedding sustainability into their company culture and long-term strategy, while a further 25% are focused on making practical, day-to-day improvements to reduce environmental impact.

This shift is happening alongside renewed optimism in the sector. Novuna’s Business Barometer shows that growth expectations among construction SMEs have risen from 17% at the end of 2025 to 24% at the start of this year.

When asked which areas of sustainability matter most, construction SMEs highlighted a mix of environmental and social priorities:

• 38% are focusing on reducing waste and improving recycling practices
• 37% are prioritising positive social impact in their local communities
• 17% are increasing investment in local suppliers and contractors
• 13% are committed to creating more local jobs

The data suggests that sustainability for small builders is not just about emissions, but also about strengthening local economies and communities.

Beyond customers, internal and personal influences are also shaping business decisions. Around 26% of respondents said their employees play a key role in driving sustainability initiatives.

Interestingly, business owners’ personal lives are also having an impact – 18% cited their partner as an influence, while 17% pointed to their children, highlighting how consumer attitudes at home are feeding into business strategy.

Industry voices featured in series 10 of Novuna Business Finance’s Sustainable Business Podcast say sustainability is increasingly being built into everyday operations rather than treated as a separate initiative.

Sara Hallman, Managing Director of BuyMetalOnline, said her company has reduced waste by selling metal offcuts directly to consumers rather than scrapping them. “It’s practical, it saves resources and reduces waste,” she said. “These small steps make a real difference to our carbon footprint.”

Tony Sheppard, Director of En Tout Casa, highlighted cost-saving benefits alongside environmental gains. “Using artificial grass instead of resurfacing hard courts reduces CO2 emissions and extends lifespan,” he said. “All small businesses are operating in challenging market conditions at the moment – but by making practical, day-to-day decisions, we can manage costs, improve efficiency, and still make a positive impact on the environment.”

Meanwhile, Omer Robbins of Robbins Construction said sustainability is becoming part of routine decision-making. “We’ve started looking at sustainability not as an extra task, but as part of how we work better to reuse materials where we can, planning deliveries to reduce fuel use, and making smarter choices that save money on every project,” he said. “It’s not always easy, but we’ve found that these small, practical steps help us stay efficient, cut costs, and know that we are doing what we can to be a greener thinking business.”

Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance, said the findings point to a broader shift in the business landscape.

“From our podcast interviews and the new research, a strong picture emerges of construction small businesses investing in sustainable practices,” she said. “Many business owners believe sustainability makes business sense and it’s often driven by their customers. Small business owners are typically closer to their customers and see first-hand the value in supporting the communities where they operate or do business. Underpinning clear signs of small business resilience in the sector, there is a commitment to innovate, and a willingness to modernise and adapt. Sustainability is important to many small business owners for 2026 – whether this is focusing on green issues, local employment, community investment or boosting their financial resilience.”

She added that while many SMEs want to do more, barriers such as cost, complexity and uncertainty still exist. “The key is breaking sustainability down into achievable steps and giving businesses the confidence to act.”