Construction involves making something new. This may mean building on the land for the first time, adding to an already-constructed structure, or knocking down an old structure and starting fresh.
One thing is for sure, no matter how you look at it, the construction industry uses up a lot of resources and makes a huge – and lasting – impact on the environment. With some of these being finite, it has brought construction practices into the light and has become a hot topic amongst those trying to implement more sustainability in construction.
Slowly, more and more construction companies are making strides in becoming more environmentally friendly. Let’s take a look at how they are doing it and the benefits that come from it.
What is Sustainability All About?
In its most basic definition, sustainability is about working in ways that can continue to be maintained over time without depleting natural or physical resources. It is about finding ways to live in harmony with the environment, rather than damage it.
For everyday situations, this looks like implementing recycling programs, making an effort to conserve water, engaging in composting, and even buying products second-hand rather than new.
But how does this apply to sustainability in construction and business?
There are typically 3 principles of sustainability: social (humans), environmental (the planet), and economic (profits). And each of these needs to work with each other to successfully practice sustainability as a whole.
Applying these principles means that a sustainable business will adopt practices that support its workers while benefiting (and conserving) resources. It also means that they need to develop a strategy to do this that will keep the business up and running for years to come.
What is Sustainable Construction?
Sustainable construction works to implement programs and practices that will minimize the company’s impact on the environment. This can be done using renewable, recycled, and/or recyclable materials as a means of lowering their waste. Sustainability in construction can also be achieved by making processes energy-efficient and taking advantage of green technology.
Nearly all industries around the world are taking steps to initiate sustainable change in their daily practice. But none of these companies use up as many global resources – and raw materials – as the construction industry. Not to mention that they are a huge producer of toxic waste, too.
With a little time and attention, small steps can turn into huge impacts. Sustainable construction has the ability to greatly reduce the damage to the environment – and minimize its role in global warming.
Methods of Sustainable Construction
As more and more construction companies begin to understand the damage caused by their current practices, they start to find ways in which they can make positive changes to more sustainable methods.
Innovations have brought about many tools that can be used to implement these greener practices, such as new technology, new materials, and new ways of completing tasks.
Choosing the right materials plays a big role in construction today, as well as the lifespan of the structure once completed. Newer, more sustainable materials are replacing those that have contributed to environmental damage over the years. These materials are lighter and renewable. In turn, they result in a smaller carbon footprint for as long as the building stands.
The finished product will not be lacking in function, durability, or aesthetics. Rather, it will be more efficient while looking great, too.
Of course, methods of sustainable construction include more than just the materials used. The manner in which projects are completed by your crew is just as important. A few of the ways to get the job done are:
- Conserving energy whenever possible
- Conserving water whenever possible
- Using recycled or sustainable materials
- Focusing on the construction of green buildings
- Use as few materials as necessary
- Recycling materials whenever possible
- Reuse materials whenever possible
Having someone manage the construction site to ensure these efforts are being implemented is always a wise idea.
Benefits of Sustainability in Construction
Sustainability in construction has a lot of benefits, for the environment as well as for those involved in the construction process. Even the ones who will utilize the finished structure will benefit, too. Here are a few ways it does so:
- Minimizes waste. This lowers pollution and toxins, as well as uses up resources.
- Putting green initiatives in place stimulates the economy as efforts are made to go green.
- Lower cost of materials that are reused or recycled.
- Reducing energy and water consumption, as well as opting for sustainable materials, can lead to more cost-efficient projects.
- Reduced carbon footprint which means you would be adding to the positive change in the environment.
And finally, another benefit of sustainability in construction that is worth mentioning is the impact it has on those that will live or work in the building, as well as the construction workers and those in the surrounding community. When you feel good about something you do, something you create, or something that surrounds you every day, it improves your mood and your outlook on life. Simply put, you feel better.
Quality of life increases due to better lighting, power, and air quality – and ergonomic features, too.
It is safe to say that when construction companies decide to put out good, sustainable, and healthy finished products – good things come of it.
Temporary Tent Structures and Sustainability
Temporary tent structures, such as clearspan tents, play a huge role in the construction industry as they are often used on construction sites. They may be used for break rooms, storage, offices, or to cover the construction itself.
What you may not know is that these buildings are created with sustainability in mind.
- Reusable from site to site
- No need for daytime lighting inside
- Keep the temperature under the tent right where you want it as there are no leaks through the vinyl
- Made of recyclable materials
It is evident that choosing a clearspan structure over a permanent structure not only leaves the earth undamaged from its use but brings many more advantages, too.
Sustainable Construction: Going Forward
As your construction company continues to make changes to become more environmentally friendly in your practices, consider your options. Choose the materials and methods that will yield the greatest, sustainable results.
And, of course, always consider the use of a clearspan structure for your construction needs.