How Construction can be More Environmentally Sustainable

According to this article the construction industry accounts for a third of the world's waste and 40% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. That's a huge number. How can the average contractor make a difference? 

Clients or owners can reduce some of the waste and emmissions by repurposing buildings instead of demolishing and building from scratch. Like this shopping centre transformed into a school. 

Of course clients can also lead the way in ensuring their buildings are sustainable during the building's life, like these schools.

Architects could lead the way in green construction by encouraging clients to recycle and repurpose buildings, use more sustainable building materials and construct buildings which are sustainable through the life span of the building.

"We can reduce waste and emissions, while designing better places to live, which can be cheaper to manage, and often at little extra expense - a win all round"

Image by Interculture01 from Pixabay

In this theoretical design of a school it was calculated that with the right decisions at the design stage it was demonstrated that the whole life carbon of the building could be cut by 67%, a large portion of this upfront. Plus there were energy saving costs - that is lower energy bills. And all of this at no additional cost.

New buildings can have green roofs and green walls. Even a roof top garden to grow food.
​#greenconstruction #sustainableconstruction

"Contractors can do their part to reduce waste and emissions"

How Contractors can Reduce Waste and Emissions

 I'm sure you have all seen the piles of waste carted from construction projects. How can we reduce this waste? After all it cost money o get the materials to the project in the first place. Now these heaps of broken and discarded materials must be carted to a dump site at additional costs. You can Increase profits - reduce material wastage on construction projects.

Here are 7 ways contractors can make a difference.
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It often starts in the procurement process. Ordering the correct quantity of construction materials. But you can also look at using alternative products like using low carbon concrete.

"Do it right first time makes good economic sense and saves the environment"

​Of course poor quality work results in a huge amount of waste on every construction project. Breaking down defective work and rebuilding or patching it. The true costs of poor quality construction. Do it right first time.

Of course using construction equipment unproductively not only costs money but it results in additional emissions. This article has some great tips on improving productivity Construction Equipment Productivity. Using equipment that is too small or too large for the task can also be unproductive and expensive while adding unnecessary emissions. ​What Size Equipment Is Right for Your Construction Project?

You could even consider using electric equipment.

This project has ambitious goals to reduce waste. You should also aim to reduce waste on your project.
​#constructionwaste #constructionco2 #constructionquality

Doing our part to reduce construction waste and emissions

​We can all do our bit to reduce waste and emissions in construction. It's the right thing to do and it often reduces costs as well. And of course good environmental practices are good for your company's reputation. The economic benefits of being environmentally friendly

"We can all make a difference"

Of course take care not to green wash or get sucked in by companies greenwashing their products and services.
#constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement

​© 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

Other useful articles
​Why construction projects go wrong before they even start – what should owners do?
How designers can make construction projects more successful
Life & Death Planning Decisions Designers, Owners and Contractors Forget When In a Rush

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