In recent years a lot of new construction projects have been commissioned globally. But along with the increase in construction projects, there is also an increase in talk about climate change recently. Due to the negative impact on the environment, a lot of construction industry leaders are now looking to make their practices more sustainable.
However, the increasing number of new infrastructure development projects will definitely impact the environment negatively. Reports indicate that the construction industry uses over 400 million tons of material within a year. The equipment and materials used for the extraction of raw materials can also have a negative impact on the surrounding environment of the work site.
The U.S Construction Industry
In the U.S., the construction crew members also use a number of different tools and resources often to carry out such tasks. The chemicals being used on site and even the diesel that the loaders and dozers consume are harmful for the public’s health and the environment as per the Environmental Protection Agency.
It should be noted that the U.S. construction industry generates 160 million tons, of non-industrial waste a year. And as per the Environmental Protection Agency the U.S. construction industry is responsible for 25 percent of non industrial waste globally.
So, with this in mind, it should be quite clear how the construction industry negatively impacts the environment and public health.
Statistics
New research shows that 23% of air pollution, 50% of climate change, 50% of landfill wastes, and 40% of fresh water pollution can be attributed to the construction industry. According to research by The US green building council, the construction industry is responsible for 40% of global energy consumption. The research also estimates a rise in emissions of 1.8% by 2030.
Land Clearing and Excavation
When considering construction’s environmental impact, one should not forget about the land clearing and excavation that is required before the construction of a new infrastructure can begin. Most construction projects require land clearing which impacts the surface of the land significantly. According to the environmental protection agency, clearing the land of vegetation for construction work results in the surrounding areas becoming heavily polluted.
There is also research that indicates then the materials used in construction such as concrete, aluminum, and steel contribute greatly to carbon dioxide emissions. The research by Kleiwerks suggests that the practices that the industry has adopted to reduce pollution are ineffective and possibly even contribute to the generation of high level greenhouse gases. That is not all, the research also points out that construction activities are responsible for the consumption of half of all the resources that are extracted from nature.
Protection of the Environment
Climate change is an unfortunate reality and since the construction industry has been a huge contributor to the issue it is important for industry leaders to take measures to protect the environment. Before the construction of any project begins it is important to emphasize the importance of protecting the environment and incorporating sustainable practices. Instead of refusing to admit how all building materials production has an environmental impact you should instead focus on preventative measures to reduce pollution. By minimizing the discharge of pollutants, you can combat pollution and reduce its impact on the environment.
Building green by using environmentally friendly materials is also going to protect the environment in the long term. Another benefit of building green is that not only are these projects sustainable but they also have low operating costs. The construction of projects that are both sustainable and energy efficient can improve the impact that construction has on the environment.