What Is Sustainability In Construction?

Sustainability in construction is an approach that uses renewable and recyclable materials throughout the design and build of a construction project. This is to reduce energy and water consumption, while limiting waste and creating durable, future-ready buildings with a healthy lifecycle.

The whole goal of sustainability in construction is to reduce the impact on our environment.

Keep reading to discover why sustainability in the construction industry is so important, and how the construction industry aims to meet sustainability goals.

 

What is Sustainability in The Construction Industry?

As the construction industry is one of the top industries that relies on using natural resources, sustainability has become an important approach. In an attempt to alter the impact that construction has on the environment, renewable and recyclable materials are prioritised during projects. However, the sustainability does not stop after the building has been completed. The design of the building needs to continue to have minimal impact on the environment throughout its lifecycle. This is done by:

• Including energy-efficient elements and materials in the build
• Utilising low-carbon materials like timber or recycled steel
• Incorporating insulation where appropriate
• Minimising the need for fossil fuels in both the materials used and the energy consumption after the building is completed
• Including nature in the build, such as green roofs
• Limiting the waste produced before and after completion

For a building to be truly sustainable, the environmental impact must be considered throughout every step of the project – from planning right down to the aftercare.

Why is Sustainability in Construction Important?

By its nature, the construction industry contributes a significant environmental impact due to the need for fossil fuels and natural resources. 36% of energy usage and 40% of CO2 emissions are caused worldwide by the construction industry. To lessen this impact, sustainability has been brought to the forefront.

When sustainability is not a focus, construction projects can cause a significant negative impact on the environment by:

• Mining raw materials: This can cause water pollution and decrease the number of raw materials available.
• Carbon emissions: When materials need to be shipped or fabricated, the machines used can impact carbon emissions.
• Producing hazardous waste: Improper disposal of materials or bad management practices can produce hazardous waste that affects the environment.
• Increased CO2: Manufacturers such as cement plants contribute to the rising CO2 emissions.

The construction industry has the opportunity to become a leader in climate change by implementing low-carbon, nature-focused buildings and spaces that are not only good for the environment but that benefit the residents, too.

 

Ways To Be More Sustainable in Construction

When sustainability is a focus, and it is implemented successfully, construction projects can have a lesser impact on the environment.

Renewable Energy (Decarbonisation)

First and foremost, using renewable energy rather than natural resources should be one of the main priorities of a construction company. Solar panels, wind turbines, and electric-power machinery can reduce CO2 emissions and the need for petrol to power machines, resulting in a positive impact on the environment. Although wind turbines will require more planning permission than solar panels, the renewable energy they provide can sometimes positively outweigh the planning and costs.

Decarbonisation is the process of choosing low-carbon and renewable energy sources over fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, in an attempt to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Sustainable Construction Materials

The production of bricks, concrete, and other materials used in construction can not only drain the earth’s natural resources but also cause high carbon emissions. To combat this, sustainable materials should be prioritised where possible in the build.

• Sustainably source wood: Although not all buildings can implement wood in their design, when managed properly, wood can be an alternative solution. The key is to ensure that the wood you take is replaced to keep the habitat in place for wildlife.
• Recycled concrete, brick, and stone: Reclaiming bricks and stone from older buildings reduces the need to create new materials, which in turn lessens the carbon impact. The same can be said for crushed and recycled concrete.
• Recycled steel: Steel is a great material that can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality. This reduces the need to produce new steel, meaning less energy is needed in the production process.
• Ashcrete: AshCrete is an alternative to traditional concrete. It is made from fly ash, which is a byproduct of coal combustion. As making traditional concrete creates high levels of emissions, using AshCrete eliminates this.

Recycled plastic: Plastic can be recycled and transformed into multiple building materials, such as fencing and tiles.

Long Lifespan Building and Plastic

Although plastic has a rather negative impact on the environment, when used correctly (recycled), it can be a strong asset to buildings. For buildings to be truly sustainable, they need to have a long lifecycle. Plastic can help this happen. Lactic materials take a very long time to degrade, meaning that when used in construction projects, the material shouldn’t require as much maintenance or replacement as other materials might. This can drastically extend the lifespan of the building.

 

Understanding The Importance Of Quality Materials In Building Construction

Quality materials in buildings are extremely important. They ensure that little to no maintenance is needed, and that throughout the years the building remains intact and future-proof. The lack of need for repairs/maintenance on already erected buildings helps keep carbon emissions low and enhances the sustainability of the building.

When it comes to sustainability in construction, it isn’t just about how the building is produced and the process it takes; it’s about the lifecycle of the finished product, too. Focusing on decarbonisation throughout the build and using recycled materials is a huge step in the right direction for sustainability, but the building needs to be able to last and withstand years of use for it to be truly sustainable.

 

Jarvale and Sustainability in Construction

Jarvale have over 50 years of experience in delivering high-quality construction projects to the public and private sector clients. We have a strong focus on decarbonisation in all of the contracts we undertake, as our goal is to create sustainable buildings that are good for the environment.

Not only do we focus on decarbonisation throughout all our projects, but we also have an Integrated Sustainability Plan to target and achieve Net Zero Carbon, Biodiversity enhancements, and deliver our sustainability commitments. Alongside this, we have put together a Carbon Reduction Plan so we are able to reach the above goals.

No matter the industry you are in, whether it be commercial, industrial, or healthcare, every single one of our builds will benefit from our decarbonisation methods. Take a look at our previous projects or contact us with any questions you may have.