But a perceived lack of availability and cost of sustainable construction products is holding them back.
Newport-based Premier’s survey, which involved 100 builders and merchants, found that 80% of companies would make a commitment to being “greener” in 2007.
Some 96% said they would like to use sustainable products but don’t always seek them out because they think the products are hard to source. All those surveyed said they would prefer to use sustainable plywood in construction projects if the cost was reasonable.
Premier director Terry Edgell believes the survey results reflect a dramatic shift taking place throughout the construction industry.
“Central government is really pushing sustainable products like timber in construction, so its interesting to see that changes in attitudes are taking place on the ground as well as from above,” he said.
Mr Edgell said Premier was working hard to keep up with demand for its recently-launched Green Tree plywood, a Forest Stewardship Council-certified plywood made in South America.
The survey found that 49% of companies interviewed wanted to become greener because they believed it was the “right thing to do”, while 26% wanted to help save the planet for future generations.
