What is sustainable construction and why is it important?

Although there are challenges in adopting sustainable construction methods, there are also great benefits.

What is sustainable construction?

Sustainable construction means using renewable and recyclable materials when constructing new structures, as well as reducing energy consumption and waste. The main goal of sustainable construction is to reduce the industry's environmental impact.

Sustainable construction does not end when the building is completed; the building itself should reduce its environmental impact during its life. This means that architectural design should include elements that have a continuous positive impact on the environmental impact of the building. These measures can include proper insulation to prevent heat loss, solar panels to reduce energy consumption, and long-life building materials.

Why is sustainable building important?

From energy use to emissions, the construction industry has a huge impact on the environment.

In addition to the potential for construction in wild habitats, the energy use of the construction industry is also high. The heavy machinery used in buildings still relies heavily on fossil fuels. Even if the power usage is inefficient, it will cause unnecessary burning of fossil fuels downstream of the energy supply line. In fact, the construction industry accounts for 36% of global energy use and 40% of carbon dioxide emissions, which is incredible.

The manufacturing and transportation of materials can have a significant impact on carbon emissions. The extraction of raw materials can cause pollution of the local groundwater table. The manufacture of concrete has already produced more than 2.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide, and this number will only continue to increase as 4 billion tons of concrete are poured each year.

Construction may also produce hazardous wastes. Improper handling of these wastes can cause pollution, which not only affects the environment, but also affects the health of people living in the area.

How to make buildings sustainable

There are many ways to make construction projects more sustainable.

Renewable Energy

Great progress has been made in the introduction of renewable energy into construction sites. A popular solution is a modular battery system that can be deployed in the field and charged via the included solar panel. These batteries can power electric tools and vehicles, as well as safety equipment. Some of these systems can offset 1 ton of carbon dioxide and 400 liters of diesel per week, which can have a significant impact when they are used in large construction projects.

Built with sustainable materials

• Wood; properly managed forests can provide not only building materials, but also habitats for wild animals

• Sustainable concrete; alternatives to plastic and recyclable materials can reduce carbon dioxide production by nearly 50%

• Alternative brick materials; mud, wool, and even cigarette butts can be used to make equally strong bricks without the need for kiln fires to cause harmful emissions

plastic

The fact that plastic does not degrade means that when it is used in construction, its greatest hazard to the environment becomes its greatest strength. One of the main goals of sustainable construction is to build longer-lasting buildings, and the fact that plastic does not degrade means that it does not require as much maintenance or replacement as degradable materials.

As long as plastic is used responsibly, it can play an important role in sustainable construction.

The challenge of sustainable construction

Adopting sustainable construction methods is not an overnight process; challenges need to be faced, the biggest of which is cost. When possible, construction organizations will always face pressure to reduce costs, but there are still concerns that sustainable construction methods will cost the organization more.

According to the World Green Building Trends Smart Market Report 2018, nearly 40% of British companies said that affordability is the biggest challenge posed by adopting sustainable building practices. Nearly 50% of companies stated that they expect green buildings to incur higher initial costs.

Coupled with 34% of companies reporting that they are facing customer demand for green buildings, you can see that many construction companies worry that they will fall into the middle of demand and high costs.

The benefits of sustainable construction

Of course, adopting sustainable construction methods will reduce your organization's environmental impact. But there are more tangible benefits that can help you demonstrate the value of sustainable buildings beyond environmental issues.

More valuable building

We have already talked about the potentially higher upfront costs involved in sustainable construction, but the results can be rewarding. Data show that compared with traditional buildings, the value of so-called green buildings has increased by 7%.

Construction companies can quote this data in tenders and help offset any additional costs that sustainable construction may incur. And building owners can expect their real estate investment portfolio to be more valuable and the honor that green buildings will bring.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

As people's awareness and interest in corporate social responsibility (companies should support good causes) continue to increase, this potential honor is greater than ever. There is no doubt that CSR will bring positive PR, but it will also affect the behavior of buyers; when prices are similar, 91% of consumers may switch to another company for legitimate reasons.

Sustainable buildings can improve everyone's corporate social responsibility. The owner is operating a green building. People or companies living in buildings can point out that their impact on the environment has decreased.

Sustainable construction methods can also prove the CSR of construction companies and can be shared between supply chains. For example, if your organization only contracts with suppliers that promise to reduce their carbon footprint, this is a positive PR for your organization.

reduce costs

The fact is that the operating costs of green buildings are indeed lower. In fact, studies have shown that the use of the latest sustainable technologies in the construction process may save 410 billion euros in global energy expenditure each year.

Your organization can also save directly; for example, by reducing waste, you will reduce the fees charged by waste management companies. By adopting more efficient vehicles, you will save on fuel costs.

How to ensure a sustainable construction business

With increasing attention to the environmental impact of each industry, more and more construction projects will require sustainable construction practices. The sooner your construction company adopts such methods, the more likely you are to bid for these projects. But your competitors will do the same; how can you stand out from the crowd and ensure that you win the business?

"We have more opportunities and can now apply for larger tenders and projects, which we may not have been able to do before."

Lynsey McClelland, Administrative Manager of Hi-Tec Building Services

ISO 14001 sets standards for an environmental management system that can be used to prove that you are measuring and minimizing the impact of your organization on the environment. ISO 14001 enjoys an excellent international reputation, which means it will outperform any evidence provided by your competitors and give you an advantage when bidding for new business.

To learn more about environmental management standards and how it can help your organization ensure the safety of these sustainable construction contracts, check out our ISO 14001 Beginner's Guide, which will tell you everything you need to know.

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