The construction industry’s future is green. Understanding how environmental construction works is essential to reducing your projects’ carbon footprints.
With our planet facing ongoing environmental challenges, industries must take proactive steps towards sustainability.
At Coleman’s, we recognise our responsibility to drive change and inspire others to follow suit. By promoting environmentally friendly construction and deconstruction techniques and embracing emerging trends such as renewable energy, we want to set new standards for the industry.
Construction is traditionally known for its substantial environmental impact. It emits a staggering 30-40% of all global emissions. This alarming statistic underscores the need for a shift towards greener practices. We believe that by embracing environmental construction techniques, we can mitigate these harmful effects and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Environmental construction is not just a buzzword. Find out more about the steps we can take across the industry to promote a greener world.
Table of Contents
- What is Environmental Construction?
- What are the Environmental Impacts of the Construction Industry?
- What Challenges Does the Construction Industry Face When Aiming to Be Greener?
- What are the Benefits of Focussing on Environmental Construction?
- What Methods Are Being Utilised to Promote Sustainable Construction?
- How Will The Construction Industry Look in the Future?
- How Coleman’s Can Help
What is Environmental Construction?
Environmental construction prioritises renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials to minimise the industry’s impact on the planet.
The primary goal is to pave the way for a sustainable future, where buildings and habitats can coexist with the environment. This will lead to fewer greenhouse gases and will avoid harmful practices like deforestation.
Within environmental construction, this commitment extends not only to the construction phase but also to the ongoing operations of the completed structure.
Many conventional construction methods inadvertently contribute to environmental degradation. This affects air quality, water systems, and wildlife habitats. Shockingly, buildings alone are responsible for a staggering 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with building materials alone accounting for 11% of these emissions.
As we aim to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, reevaluating our building practices becomes a must.
What are the Environmental Impacts of the Construction Industry?
The construction industry is one of the world’s most polluting industries. Here are some of the largest contributing factors from the construction industry:
Waste Generation
One-third of all waste generated globally comes from the construction industry. This waste includes materials such as concrete, wood, and metal, which often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution and habitat destruction. This is really not acceptable as each of these materials can be re-used within the circular economy.
Resource Depletion
The extraction and utilisation of resources such as oil, steel, and concrete in construction contribute to resource depletion and environmental degradation. These activities can lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and disruption of ecosystems.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a serious issue in the construction industry. One particularly notable issue with the construction industry’s emissions is PM10, particulate matter that is smaller than 10 micrometres in diameter. The problem with this type of particulate is that it can be breathed into the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening health problems.
In terms of greenhouse gases, a significant proportion of CO2 emissions in the construction industry are the result of creating materials, such as glass, steel, concrete, cement, and aggregate production.
Noise Pollution
While not an issue for climate change, noise pollution from the construction industry can have a negative impact on those nearby. A certain level of noise is, sadly, unavoidable due to the work involved. But it is still possible to keep noise levels as low as possible by, for example, working more during certain hours of the day when there are fewer people nearby. Or when deconstructing, employ our environmentally friendly services.
Contaminated Discharge
Contaminants are a significant concern for the construction industry. Concrete can be washed into water tables and rivers, which can significantly affect the water’s pH level and, subsequently, its drinkability and habitability for animals.
Heavy metals, too, can contaminate the soil and water, as can oil products such as petroleum or kerosene. Discharging these into the soil or water should be avoided at all costs, and these contaminants need to be disposed of properly.
What Challenges Does the Construction Industry Face When Aiming to Be Greener?
Transitioning to greener practices in the construction industry presents several challenges that need to be addressed:
Accessibility of Sustainable Energy Sources
One significant challenge is the availability and accessibility of sustainable energy sources such as renewable electricity, hydrogen, and biofuels. Limited infrastructure and availability may hinder the widespread adoption of these alternatives.
Infrastructure Development
The construction industry requires robust infrastructure for the delivery and storage of sustainable energy sources. Building the necessary infrastructure, including charging stations for electric vehicles and hydrogen storage facilities, requires significant investment and planning.
Cost Considerations
While greener alternatives may offer long-term environmental benefits, they sometimes come with higher upfront costs compared to traditional fossil fuel-based options. Balancing cost considerations while prioritising sustainability poses a challenge for construction companies.
Competition from Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels remain dominant in the energy landscape due to their established infrastructure and lower initial costs. Competition from fossil fuels can hinder the uptake of greener energy sources in the construction industry.
Resource Depletion
The construction industry relies heavily on finite resources such as oil, steel, and concrete. Transitioning to greener practices requires careful consideration of resource availability and depletion, as well as the development of sustainable alternatives.
Early Adoption
Despite the challenges, many construction companies are early adopters of greener practices, recognising the importance of sustainability in the face of climate change. Overcoming inertia and resistance to change within the industry is crucial for the widespread adoption of greener technologies and practices.
What are the Benefits of Focussing on Environmental Construction?
Utilising environmental construction techniques offers numerous benefits, including:
- Saves Our Planet: By reducing or eliminating emissions associated with construction activities, environmental construction helps mitigate climate change and preserves the health of our planet.
- Investment Opportunities: Transitioning to sustainable energy sources presents lucrative investment opportunities. Grants and private investments are available to support the adoption of environmentally friendly construction practices, facilitating the transition to a greener future while generating economic returns.
- Reduced Nuisance: Environmental construction techniques often result in quieter and less disruptive construction processes.
- Enhanced Well-being: Prioritising environmental construction fosters a culture that values the well-being of individuals and communities. By reducing pollution and improving air quality, environmental construction contributes to healthier living environments. This helps attract our future talent to help us all to achieve the changes that we all need to drive.
- Competitive Advantage: Market-leading companies that embrace environmental construction practices position themselves as industry innovators and gain a competitive edge.
What Methods Are Being Utilised to Promote Sustainable Construction?
There are currently several trends leading the way in the environmental construction sector. From smaller and mindful techniques such as not letting machines idle and turning off computers, to techniques on a grander scale. Where it’s more efficient logistics using more environmentally friendly resources.
Centric Energy Hubs
Emphasising energy hubs that cater to local needs reduces reliance on centralised energy sources. This promotes energy efficiency and resilience.
Smart Buildings
Integrating smart technologies into building design and management enhances energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and overall performance
Nanotechnology
Leveraging nanotechnology to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, improves energy generation and utilisation.
Use of Algae and Mycelium
Incorporating algae and mycelium in construction materials offers sustainable alternatives with minimal environmental impact. This contributes to resource conservation and biodiversity preservation.
Wooden Frames
Increasing the use of wooden frames in buildings reduces reliance on energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel, promoting sustainable forestry practices and carbon sequestration.
Life Cycle Costing
Considering the carbon, energy, and waste implications throughout a building’s life cycle facilitates informed decision-making, optimising sustainability outcomes from design to decommissioning.
Using Bioconcrete
Bioconcrete is a fantastic alternative to concrete. These types of materials blend bacteria and calcium lactate into concrete, which allows the concrete to repair itself as holes or cracks form. All it requires is water, and it takes care of the rest.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Erosion and sediment control is a process focused on preventing erosion and keeping any sediment on the construction site, rather than allowing it to leak into the water table or rivers. This can reduce pollution generated by a construction site and keep the surrounding environment safe and vivacious.
How Will The Construction Industry Look in the Future?
The construction industry is set for a profound transformation. At the heart of this transformation lies a commitment to carbon reduction, making it the top priority on the industry’s agenda. This focus on reducing carbon emissions will drive a fundamental shift in the way construction projects are approached, from the methods employed to the energy sources utilised.
Currently, the industry is working towards innovation and sustainability, and we don’t expect this to change. Early engagement in the design phase will become the norm, allowing for the seamless integration of eco-friendly solutions that prioritise energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
As we strive to build a more sustainable world, construction sites will also evolve into urban mines, serving as valuable repositories of reusable materials. By repurposing and recycling resources, we’ll minimise waste generation and move closer to achieving a circular economy.
Moreover, the future workforce will boast diverse skill sets tailored to sustainable construction practices. With a focus on longevity and efficiency, there will be a noticeable shift towards less temporary works and more permanent solutions.
How Coleman’s Can Help
Coleman’s have many years of experience in deconstruction and remediation, and understand how to reduce the impact of our projects on the environment.
If you have a deconstruction or remediation project and would like to invite us to help, we will ensure that our project has the smallest possible impact on our environment, protecting our land, surroundings, and neighbours.
For more information, please contact us and find out more.
