In order to reduce energy consumption and toxic waste, sustainable construction makes use of recyclable and renewable materials in construction projects. The primary goal of sustainable construction is to decrease the industry’s adverse impact on the environment through sustainable construction procedures, practicing energy efficiency, and harnessing green technology. While several companies from different sectors are looking for ways to be more environmentally responsible, there is a specific focus of their attention on the construction industry as it is considered to be the largest user of global resources. The building industry alone is a substantial source of waste and accounts for around 50% of the world’s raw material usage. This makes the construction industry noteworthy because it can significantly lessen the effects of global warming by altering traditional methods.
Challenges of Sustainable Construction
Affordability is a serious issue in a move towards sustainable construction as using cleaner materials, utilizing green technology, etc. are all extremely costly practices and may present a challenge. Incorporating sustainable business practices in the construction sector is not a simple task and there are several variables that come into play when such major changes need to be made throughout the industry that are not included in traditional business practices.
A lack of visibility is also a major problem as monitoring sustainable practices after implementing them in the processes involving different parties such as subcontractors or third parties is quite difficult.
Benefits of Sustainable Construction
• Buildings that are constructed using sustainable methods and techniques often have lower operating costs than conventional buildings owing to the improved energy and water efficiency of sustainable building biocomposites often used in sustainable buildings as sustainable building materials have proven to be quite reliable and durable relative to their non-renewable counterpart.
• Sustainable construction practices can help alleviate social and economic conditions in construction-related industries as well as communities by creating jobs and providing accelerated training opportunities.
• Studies have proven that sustainable construction practices also drive improved health and well-being of the occupant. This is because of the improved indoor air quality and increased natural light in buildings built sustainably.
• The devastating effects of climate change can be reduced with sustainable technological advancements in the construction industry. Construction firms and industrial equipment suppliers move towards relying on renewable resources and methods that promise a better and cleaner environment.
• Not only does sustainable construction drive improved health for the people who make use of the buildings but it has been shown to improve the productivity of construction workers during construction owing to better surroundings, noise protection, heavy equipment usage, better working conditions, etc.
The potential contribution of the concrete industry to sustainable development
One of the most important things influencing people’s quality of life is the sustainable development of residential areas as well as the entire built environment.
Resilience
Changes in the natural environment and the socio-economic situation calls for new and technical solutions for construction, reconstruction, and even modernization of existing buildings and infrastructure. Keeping in mind the specific characteristics of concrete, designing and building robust structures with high resilience is quite easy. Due to the reliability of concrete structures and high fire resistance, concrete structures can endure extreme conditions during natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. as well as man-made events.
Social Performance
A structure should be constructed to provide a high quality of life and safe life for society. Therefore, the performance of concrete structure needs to make sure that the structure functions properly throughout its life without causing a bad impact on society. Also, the structure should promote changes that are beneficial to society for current and future generations. High performance and quality of buildings with improved infrastructure can improve people’s health and well-being.
Environmental Performance
A structure should be constructed and managed in such a way that during the life cycle of the building, the harmful impacts to the environment can be minimized and the positive effects of the design can be enhanced to provide benefits to the environment. Key aspects which should be considered in environmental performance include the use of natural resources, the use of non-renewable energy, waste generation, and the impact on biodiversity to ensure it is providing the benefits it is supposed to.