As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, contractors are seeking ways to evaluate and improve their environmental performance.

In response, AXA XL has introduced the Sustainable Building Practices Adoption Maturity Index (SAMI), a benchmarking service that measures how construction firms’ sustainability efforts compare to industry standards and selected peers.

The demand for sustainable building practices is driven by technological developments, economic incentives, and the need for greater resiliency in construction.

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Cheri Hanes, AXA XL’s head of construction innovation and sustainability, said that many contractors are looking for ways to meet these evolving demands while maintaining operational efficiency.

"This helps them stay competitive, enhance efficiency, and ultimately improve their overall performance in the industry," said Hanes.

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SAMI assesses contractors across five key areas under their direct control: carbon management, health and wellness, waste management, water management, and materials usage.

Firms that undergo the assessment receive a customized report that includes an overall SAMI score and individual scores for each category. The report also benchmarks their sustainable practices against current industry trends and a peer group.

Hanes explained that the year-over-year assessment offers a framework for firms to track their progress over time. By identifying areas for improvement and setting practical goals, contractors can use the benchmarking tool to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

SAMI is part of AXA XL’s Construction Risk Engineering services, which aim to address key areas of risk for contractors.

In addition to sustainable practice evaluations, the company provides benchmarking for technology adoption and contract review processes. Other services include driver and fleet safety programs, project consultations, and engineering risk surveys related to builders risk and subcontractor default insurance.

Will benchmarking tools like SAMI become a standard for measuring sustainability in construction? Share your thoughts in the comments.