The construction industry is one of the top industries that is consuming most of the natural resources in our world. Especially with the growing concern of finite natural resources and climate change, there has been increasing pressure on the construction industry to minimize the environmental impact. While there are a lot of challenges to implementing this, a lot of the contractors are now turning to sustainable construction. If you are unaware of what sustainable construction is and the importance of sustainable construction, then here is a detailed guide.
What is sustainable construction?
Well, the first question when you hear sustainable construction is what is sustainable construction. Well in simple terms sustainable construction means using renewable and recyclable materials in building projects while minimizing energy consumption and waste production. The basic goal of sustainable construction is to reduce the large negative impact on the environment.
Sustainable construction does not end once the project is completed; the design of the building itself should have a lower impact on the environment throughout the structure’s lifespan. It also means that the design of the building must include the elements and materials that have a continuous positive effect on the environment. These can include energy-efficient roof hatches on the rooftop, appropriate insulation to lower energy loss, solar panels, and minimizing the energy consumption from the grid that mostly comes from natural resources such as fossil fuels.
Importance of sustainable construction
Right from consumption to emission of energy, the construction industry has a huge impact on the environment which is why there is now more focus on the importance of sustainable construction. Here are a few of the important points that highlight why sustainable construction is the need of the hour.
Waste reduction
Global warming has become one of the most concerning problems worldwide, especially over the past few decades. As a result, pollution has become widespread, and natural resources are facing rapid decline. The construction industry can now, however, use sustainable building materials to help slow down the effects of climate change while reducing waste.
Reduction of carbon footprint
Buildings are considered to be a huge contributor to all greenhouse gases. This is exactly why large construction industries are now adopting eco-friendly construction ideas. Property owners are trying to find more innovative ways to indulge in sustainable construction that will reduce their carbon footprint.
Cost efficiency
Sustainable buildings usually have lower maintenance charges and have quite low operational costs. These buildings are well-fitted with specially engineered sustainable building materials to reduce energy and water bills. While the initial investment in sustainable construction could be quite expensive however, in the long run, they are one of the most cost-efficient options.
Durability
The structures that are being built right now should take inspiration from buildings that have already been built using sustainable materials. These structures are mainly built with durability in mind. Using a durable material could help improve the lifespan of the structure while also providing environmental benefits.
Improved Air Quality
Air quality degradation is mainly seen due to the unsustainable development of structures which causes both indoor as well as outdoor pollution. Sustainable development mostly consists of provisions that help prevent air pollution while giving better structural designs.
Sustainable building materials
Buildings are a portrayal of culture. Imagine us taking up all of the natural resources just to create a few of the buildings while negatively impacting the environment. Well, now that would be bad. However, we can stop this by utilizing sustainable building materials which will give us the same result with much positive impact. If you are also wondering what are such sustainable building materials out there then here’s a list of the same.
1. Cork
Cork comes from the cork oak tree which is also one of the only trees where bark harvesting does not cause any harm to the tree. It also has a lot of applications right from cork boards to wine corks. It is also one of the construction materials which is both sustainable and recyclable. Not only is it lightweight but it is also great for water resistance and insulation purposes. This is exactly why it is used both for internal and external cladding in construction.
2. Bamboo
Due to its fast-growing properties and abundance, bamboo is next on the list of sustainable building materials. Bamboo grows on almost all continents except for Europe and Antarctica, which is why it is a great material. It also has a great strength-to-weight ratio, making it a usable product worldwide.
3. Mycelium
Mycelium is made up of thin fungal strands called hyphae. It is like the root of a plant but present in fungi. While mycelium can vary greatly in size, right from microscopic to giant, it is also an important part of green construction. When dried, they can also be used as a sustainable building material. This is not just water and mould-resistant but also fire-resistant.
4. Recycled glass
Glass is a difficult material to recycle, which is why it is often discarded in landfills. This gives us more than a reason to explore its possibilities in utilizing it in the construction industry. There are also innovative ways now available where glass is added to cement as an aggregate while replacing natural aggregates such as crushed stone, sand, and gravel.
5. Recycled plastic
Single-use plastic is one of the major threats to our environment, which is why its reusability should be considered a huge opportunity, especially in eco-friendly construction. Recycled plastic can be used to create bricks, roofs, floors, lumber, and concrete. Plastic usually has a low recycling rate; hence, its recycled form helps us to reduce the amount of waste that is clogging the landfill.
Green building certifications
For property managers, there are many ways in which you can increase revenue while decreasing costs and one of the many ways is to get green building certifications that may provide trust to your tenants. While obtaining a green certification may seem like a costly and timely project, they are something that most tenants are pushing forward to get. It is often easier than most people think, and even a few small modifications to your existing building could lead to getting a certification.
BREEAM
The BRE Environmental Assessment Method is a voluntary assessment method that helps describe both the presence and functioning of new and existing eco-friendly buildings. The method originated in the UK however other countries implement this assessment. The assessment works by giving a score against a series of set criteria. There are two assessment stages such as a design stage assessment which is followed by a post-construction assessment.
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED is a green building certification system that aims at improving the building’s environmental performance when factors such as carbon dioxide emissions, energy savings, and water efficiency are considered. Just like BREEAM, LEED is also available for all types of constructions. This is a point-based system where building projects tend to earn LEED points based on satisfaction with the specific green building criteria that are set.
Green Star
Green Star is a voluntary environmental rating system in which the buildings need to achieve a minimum score in nine environmental categories, such as
- indoor environmental quality
- transport
- management
- water
- materials
- energy
- land use and ecology
- emission
- innovation
These categories are divided into credits, followed by which points are awarded, and a score is lastly calculated.
Innovative Sustainable Construction Techniques
With climate change and high energy costs the importance of sustainable construction has been on an ever high. Green building however tends to give a great solution that helps reduce carbon footprint and cut down energy expenses. Here are a few sustainable construction techniques that can help curb negative impacts on the environment.
1. Green Roofs
Green roofs are roofs filled with vegetation. These are considered to be the hallmarks of an urban green building method. They serve as an additional insulation layer that tends to reduce the need for artificial cooling and heating. When grown they could also be a delicious food source too.
2. Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater harvesting systems tend to collect and store rainwater for later use and reduce the dependency on municipal water supply. This method not only helps us conserve water but also controls stormwater runoff.
3. Passive Solar Design
Sunlight is considered to be one of the best sources of light and energy inside the home, especially if it is incorporated correctly. While solar panels actively use the sun’s energy, passive solar design tends to capitalize on natural light and warmth to light up the buildings.
4. Low VOC and Nontoxic materials
Employing low VOC or volatile organic compounds and nontoxic materials in construction will help protect both human health and the environment. These materials can promote a healthier living environment by reducing indoor pollution.
5. Living walls
Living walls, just like green roofs, consist of vegetation being introduced to the building design for natural insulation along with enhanced visual aesthetics and improved air quality.
Conclusion
Even if you start now with sustainable construction techniques you are already making a significant impact on the environment. Sustainability is hence very important especially considering the future of our environment and our industry. But sustainability does not necessarily need to be groundbreaking projects they could also include simple techniques and still make a great change. Propchk is one such place where you can fulfil all your sustainable construction requirements while taking a big step toward a better future.
FAQ
What are the main goals of sustainable construction?
The main goals of sustainable construction can be provided as follows:
- Affordable and clean energy
- Better indoor air quality
- Health and well-being
- Sustainable design
- Conserving energy
How does sustainable construction impact the environment?
The main aim of sustainable construction is to minimize the depletion of natural resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting not just the well-being of occupants but also the surrounding environment.
What are the 3 pillars of sustainability in construction?
The 3 pillars of sustainability in construction are as follows:
- Environmental sustainability
- Economic sustainability
- Social sustainability
What is the green rating?
Green ratings help assess a building based on its predicted performance over its entire life span right from its conception to operation.
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