By its very nature, the construction sector uses a lot of natural resources. However, pressure to lessen their environmental impact is mounting on construction companies due to growing worries about climate change and the limited availability of these resources.
The limits of what is now considered to be the minimum expected for construction are being altered by changes to the building laws. Technological developments are also opening up new options for embodied energy consumption and building energy requirements. Adopting eco friendly construction practices has many advantages, but there are drawbacks as well.
As more people become aware of the value of sustainable living, there has been a noticeable movement in construction practices in recent years toward eco-friendly methods. Throughout the building process, resource efficiency and environmental responsibility are given top priority in eco friendly construction, sometimes referred to as green building. Eco friendly construction is becoming the way of the future for several reasons, including cost savings and energy efficiency.
The days of building only to fulfill utilitarian needs are long gone from construction. Buildings alone are no longer the focus of conversation; instead, durable, effective, and ecologically beneficial structures are being built. By utilizing eco-friendly materials, creative construction methods, and energy-efficient designs, the sector must now accept a duty that extends beyond financial margins.
Table of Contents
Understanding Eco Friendly Construction
Beyond traditional building methods, eco friendly construction is used. Its main focus is on creating, managing, and renovating buildings with the least possible negative impact on the environment while keeping maximum functionality. This method takes into account the economic, social, and ecological aspects of construction.
Important ideas and phrases in this field include:
- LEED Certification: The United States Green Building Council developed the widely accepted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) grading system, which assesses a building’s environmental performance. Obtaining LEED certification is an indication of one’s dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Life cycle evaluation (LCE): An LCA assesses a building’s or product’s environmental impact at every stage of its lifecycle, from the extraction of raw materials to production, usage, and disposal. This method directs decision-makers toward more sustainable options and aids in identifying areas that require improvement.
The idea that using eco friendly construction practices will cost more than using conventional ones is frequently held false. While it’s true that investing in eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies might result in greater upfront expenditures, these costs are frequently much outweighed in the long run.
Energy-efficient architecture lowers operating expenses for lighting, cooling, and heating in sustainable buildings. Furthermore, the increasing marketability of environmentally conscious buildings is boosted by the growing demand for them, which could result in faster sales and greater rental values. In the long run, sustainability standards compliance is a wise investment because it can also avert fines and legal issues in the future.
Why is Eco Friendly Construction Important?
Environmental effects of the building industry are significant, ranging from energy use to pollutants. In addition to the destruction of natural habitats caused by the development of green field sites, energy is consumed on the job site while the building is underway. Fossil fuels are still a major source of energy for heavy plants used in construction. The legacy of the structures’ energy requirements during their use as well as the embodied energy in the building materials are also the responsibility of the construction industry.
Undoubtedly, thoughtful decisions have an effect on the environment at every stage of a new construction project. In actuality, the construction sector is responsible for an astounding 36% of global energy consumption and 40% of CO2 emissions.
Carbon emissions can be significantly impacted by the production and transportation of goods. Water streams may get contaminated as a result of mining for raw materials. Currently, the production of cement generates 2.8 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions every year worldwide; if present urbanization rates persist, this amount might surpass 4 billion tonnes annually. That’s why to reduce carbon emissions in construction is important.
8 Advantages of Eco Friendly Construction
Using environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques at every stage of a building’s life cycle is known as eco friendly construction. Green buildings, once written off as expensive, are becoming more and more popular due to their numerous benefits over non-green construction, which include social, economic, and environmental benefits. Here are eight benefits of using environmentally conscious builders while constructing your establishment.
1. Low Maintenance and Operation Cost
Eco friendly construction is constructed with special elements that guarantee the economical use of resources like electricity and water. Green buildings, for instance, significantly lower the amount of electricity needed in lighting systems by utilizing task lighting strategies and lots of natural light.
This enables customers to save up to a third on their water and energy expenses. Reducing these expenses greatly boosts the profits of building owners who get rent from their properties, since running and maintenance expenditures can make up as much as 80% of a structure’s lifespan costs. In the long run, green buildings are significantly less expensive to construct than their non-green counterparts due to lower operating and maintenance expenses. This is true even though the initial cost of construction may be slightly higher.
2. Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Eco friendly construction designers make every effort to lessen reliance on energy derived from non-renewable sources, such as coal. To do this, they install solar panels to harness the energy of the sun and create windows that let in as much natural light as possible while using less artificial light; this, together with other measures, guarantees that the building uses energy effectively. Because non-renewable energy sources are costly and harmful to the environment, energy efficiency is crucial for everyone on the planet, not just the consumer.
3. Enhances Indoor Environment Quality
The circumstances inside a structure and how they impact its occupants determine the quality of the indoor environment. Air quality in Construction, illumination, ergonomics, and temperature are some of these conditions. A building’s occupants’ health is safeguarded, stress is decreased, and their quality of life is enhanced by an indoor environment of high quality. This is accomplished by installing movable windows that let in as much natural light as possible and by using fewer materials that could release harmful substances into the air.
4. Water Efficiency
Utilizing water resources in a way that conserves water and guarantees a steady supply of clean water for present and future generations is known as water efficiency. Using rainwater and other alternative water sources is made possible by eco friendly construction. Water waste is also minimized by installing efficient plumbing fixtures and establishing systems that permit recycling and purifying water, all of which lessen the demand for common water resources.
5. Better Health
The safety of the materials used in the construction of eco friendly constructions confers numerous health benefits to their occupants. Eco-friendly building firms, for example, steer clear of plastic by-products, which have been shown to produce hazardous substances. In addition to causing severe respiratory problems, carcinogens and other toxic substances raise the risk of developing cancer.
6. Material Efficiency
Material efficiency is using physical processes and materials in a way that minimizes material use without sacrificing the quality of the result; the processes should also produce the least amount of trash possible. Eco friendly construction firms use durable materials, recycle and reuse some products, design structures to use fewer materials, and use less water, raw materials, and energy in their processes to achieve material efficiency. Each of these contributes to material efficiency.
7. Better Environment
Eco friendly constructions help maintain a clean environment by using less energy from sources that pollute the air, including coal. Additionally, they contribute to slowing down the rate of climate change by lowering the amounts of carbon (IV) oxide released into the atmosphere.
8. Reduces Strain on Local Resources
Local shared resources like energy and water are under a lot of strain as the population grows. Eco friendly constructions can lessen this burden by utilizing water and energy-efficient technology and procedures.
Integrating Eco Friendly Technologies Into the Construction Process
Adopting a mindset that is consistent with responsible building practices is the first step toward integrating sustainability. You can design buildings that have a major positive influence on people, communities, and the environment by carefully evaluating the design, construction techniques, energy systems, materials, and waste management. Here are a few examples of how to integrate sustainability into your building process.
1. Design Phase
The design stage is where the road to an eco friendly construction starts. Here, decisions about systems, materials, orientation, and layout set the stage for a building’s overall sustainability.
Think about things like making the most of natural light, choosing low-impact materials, and improving insulation for energy efficiency. Working together with engineers, architects, and sustainability specialists guarantees that every project can incorporate a variety of sustainable factors.
2. Building Techniques
While maintaining high standards of quality, off-site manufacturing and modular construction save on waste, energy consumption, and building time. Prefabricated parts can reduce disturbance on the job site, resulting in a more productive and eco friendly construction process. By using these techniques, you can improve project predictability and control costs while using fewer resources.
3. Energy-Sparing Mechanisms
Beyond just the walls and floors, eco friendly construction includes the systems that power and control the atmosphere of a structure. Long-term energy savings are ensured by integrating renewable energy sources, lighting controls, and energy-efficient construction HVAC systems. Utilizing automation and sensors, smart building solutions maximize energy use according to occupancy, cutting down on waste and boosting productivity.
4. Contents
In eco friendly construction, choosing the right building materials is essential. Whenever feasible, choose materials that are easily renewable, repurposed, or acquired locally. These decisions encourage resource conservation and lower carbon emissions linked to transportation. Furthermore, give preference to materials with minimal environmental effects and those made to be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their useful lives.
5. Recycling and Waste Management
Eco friendly construction places a strong emphasis on minimizing construction waste. Put in place effective recycling and waste management initiatives to keep items out of landfills. Reuse and salvage materials from construction and demolition projects to cut down on the demand for new resources. You may minimize the project’s environmental impact while promoting the circular economy by completing the waste management loop.
6. LEED Certification Requirements
A building’s dedication to efficiency and environmental responsibility is demonstrated by its LEED accreditation. Globally recognized, LEED certification provides a benchmark for eco friendly construction methods and a guide for architects, designers, and project managers to develop buildings that benefit the local communities and the environment.
This accreditation assesses a building’s environmental performance and promotes the use of eco friendly construction materials and methods. Based on how many points a project receives for fulfilling certain sustainable criteria, it can be certified, silver, gold, or platinum LEED certified.
Projects must address certain categories, each with unique standards, to receive LEED certification. These categories cover a range of topics related to the layout, functionality, and construction of a building:
- Sustainable Sites: This category focuses on minimizing the impact of construction on the surrounding environment. Requirements include selecting the site, controlling erosion, minimizing heat island effects, and promoting alternative transportation options.
- Water Efficiency: Water conservation is central to LEED certification. Projects must incorporate strategies to reduce water consumption, such as efficient plumbing fixtures, water-efficient landscaping, and rainwater harvesting systems.
- Energy and Atmosphere: Energy efficiency is a significant aspect of LEED certification. Requirements include optimizing building energy performance, using renewable energy sources, and implementing advanced HVAC systems.
- Materials and Resources: This category encourages using sustainable and responsibly sourced materials. Projects must prioritize recycling, waste reduction, and material reuse, as well as using eco friendly construction products.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Focusing on occupant health and well-being, this category mandates strategies to improve indoor air quality, provide access to daylight and views, and use low-VOC materials.
- Innovation: Projects can earn additional points by implementing innovative solutions that go beyond standard requirements. This category rewards creativity and originality in eco friendly construction practices.
- Regional Priority Credits: The USGBC tailors certain LEED requirements to address regional environmental priorities, ensuring projects align with local sustainability goals.
Collaboration amongst a variety of stakeholders, like as designers, contractors, project managers, and sustainability consultants, is necessary for LEED certification. Sustainable factors are guaranteed to be taken into account at every stage of the project, from design and construction to operation and maintenance, when an integrated approach is used.
Top 25 Eco Friendly Technologies in Construction
Numerous eco friendly construction systems are becoming more and more popular. Here are a few of the most recent top 25 environmentally friendly building technologies:
Suggested article to read: Top 24 Sustainable Construction Technologies in 2024
1. Green Roofs
Green roofs, sometimes referred to as vegetated or living roofs, are an eco friendly construction technique that is being utilized more frequently. To help collect and filter rainfall, a green roof is covered in vegetation, soil, and a waterproof membrane. There are several advantages to this roofing system for the building’s residents as well as the environment.
2. Recycled Materials
Reclaimed wood, recycled plastic, and recycled steel are examples of recycled resources that can help cut down on landfill waste and the carbon footprint of buildings.
3. Solar Panels
A well-liked and practical green option for the building sector is solar panels. By using solar energy to create electricity, carbon emissions are reduced and dependency on conventional fossil fuels is lessened.
Solar panels are a dependable renewable energy source for buildings that can be mounted on roofs or as standalone units. For a more efficient and visually appealing option, solar panels can also be incorporated into building materials like facades and roofing tiles.
4. Geothermal Heating and Cooling
This eco friendly construction technology eliminates the need for fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems by using the earth’s inherent heat to control a building’s temperature.
5. Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater from roofs and other surfaces is gathered by this system and stored for use in irrigation, toilet flushing, and other non-potable applications.
Suggested article to read: Sustainable Construction; Comprehensive Guide 2024
6. Energy-Efficient Windows
Another environmentally friendly option for the building sector that can lower energy use and encourage sustainability is energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows are made with less heat transfer in mind, which helps keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Double-paned windows are among the most widely used styles of energy-efficient windows. Heat transfer through double-pane windows is lessened by the layer of insulating gas that sits between the two layers of glass. This can save a lot of energy and cut down on carbon emissions by lowering the amount of energy required to heat or cool a building.
7. High-Efficiency HVAC Systems
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems with high efficiency are yet another eco friendly construction technology that can aid in lowering energy usage and advancing sustainability. These technologies are intended to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions by heating and cooling buildings more effectively and efficiently.
Programmable thermostats, which offer more exact control over temperature settings and can minimize energy waste by preventing heating and cooling systems from operating when not needed, are among the features that high-efficiency HVAC systems may be equipped with.
8. Eco Friendly Concrete
Green concrete, sometimes referred to as sustainable or eco friendly concrete, is a type of building material made to lessen the effects of concrete use and manufacture on the environment. The traditional method of producing concrete can use a lot of energy and produce a lot of carbon emissions. Conversely, green concrete lessens its environmental impact by using more environmentally friendly ingredients and production techniques.
Using supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash, slag, or silica fume is one instance of green or green cement. By substituting some of the cement used in conventional concrete, these materials can lower the energy and carbon emissions related to cement production.
9. Smart Lighting Systems
For the building industry, smart lighting solutions are a creative and environmentally responsible solution that can lower energy use and encourage sustainability. Sensors and cutting-edge control technology are used by smart lighting systems to optimize illumination levels and minimize energy waste.
Occupancy sensors are one type of smart lighting system that can recognize when a room is inhabited and change the lighting in response. As a result, less energy is wasted because lights aren’t left on in vacant rooms.
Suggested article to read: Sustainable Development Goals in Construction Industry; Guide 2024
10. Electric Vehicles
To cut emissions and enhance air quality, a few construction companies are adding electric cars to their fleets.
11. Passive Solar Design
By using the sun’s natural energy to heat and cool eco friendly constructions, this design approach eliminates the need for conventional heating and cooling equipment.
12. Cool Roofs
Cool roofs are eco friendly construction techniques that reflect more light and hold onto less heat than conventional roofing materials. Reflective materials, used to make cool roofs, reflect more solar radiation, keeping buildings colder and using less energy to cool.
Conventional roofing materials like tar or asphalt absorb a lot of solar heat, raising interior building temperatures and necessitating the use of air conditioning equipment. Conversely, cool roofs reflect more solar radiation, which lowers the amount of heat the structure absorbs and maintains a colder interior.
13. Living Walls
Green or living walls are a creative and environmentally responsible option for the building sector. Plants and other vegetation grown vertically on the exterior or interior walls of buildings are known as living walls.
Various advantages living walls offer to both the environment and building occupants. By eliminating pollutants and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen, they first aid in enhancing air quality. The atmosphere for building occupants may become healthier and more productive as a result.
14. Energy-Neutral Structures
These structures produce as much energy as they consume, frequently using renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy.
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15. Prefabricated Building
A structure can be built using prefabricated or modular construction, which involves building the structure off-site in sections or modules and then bringing it to its final position for assembly. This eco friendly construction technique is gaining popularity because it has several benefits over conventional on-site construction, including faster construction, lower waste and expense, and more design flexibility.
16. Water-Saving Fixtures
Water-efficient fixtures are an environmentally responsible way for the building sector to cut down on water use and encourage sustainability. Low-flow toilets, faucets, showerheads, and urinals are examples of water-efficient fixtures that consume less water without sacrificing functionality.
The low-flow toilet is one of the most widely used water-efficient fixtures. Low-flow toilets consume as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush, compared to 1.6 gallons for traditional toilets. This can help preserve water resources by drastically lowering the amount of water used in buildings.
17. Permeable Pavement
By letting rainwater seep through and replenish the groundwater, this pavement lowers runoff and enhances the quality of the water.
18. Wind Turbines
To produce sustainable energy on-site, several construction companies are integrating wind turbines into their projects.
19. Biodegradable Materials
The construction industry can lessen the harmful effects of conventional building materials on the environment by using biodegradable materials. Natural resources that can break down and reintegrate into the environment without harming it are used to make biodegradable materials.
Bamboo is one type of biodegradable material. Bamboo is a lightweight, robust, and long-lasting resource that grows quickly and is renewable. It can be utilized for scaffolding, wall panels, flooring, and other construction-related purposes. Since bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide than most plants, using it as a building material can help lower the carbon footprint of construction projects.
20. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Using this software to model energy use and environmental impact, architects and engineers may better design eco friendly constructions.
21. Mass Timber
In some architectural applications, mass timber, an eco friendly construction material consisting of wood, can be utilized in place of concrete and steel.
22. Eco Friendly Insulation
Green insulation is an eco friendly construction material that minimizes its influence on the environment while providing insulation for buildings. Conventional insulation materials can emit pollutants into the air and damage the environment, such as fiberglass or foam insulation.
Sustainable and ecologically friendly, green insulating materials are manufactured from natural or recycled resources. Cellulose insulation, which is created from recycled newspapers and treated with chemicals to prevent fires to comply with safety regulations, is one type of green insulation.
23. Micro wind Turbines
Rooftop installations of micro wind turbines can provide green energy locally and lessen the need for electricity from the grid.
Suggested article to read: Discovering the World’s Top 29 Sustainable Buildings
24. Smart Home Technology
By monitoring and modifying lighting, HVAC, heating, and other systems, smart home technology can assist homeowners in controlling their energy consumption.
25. Rain gardens
To lessen erosion and pollution in neighboring bodies of water, landscaped areas are made to catch and absorb rainfall runoff. To control stormwater runoff and encourage sustainable drainage, rain gardens can be designed into parking lots and buildings.
How to Limit Construction Waste
One of the industries that generates the most garbage is construction. Contractors, designers, and project managers may greatly minimize construction waste, boosting project efficiency and cost-effectiveness while also making a positive impact on a more eco friendly construction, with a concentrated effort and careful planning. Here are a few strategies to cut down on construction waste in your projects:
- Meticulous Planning and Design: Planning and design are the first steps in the waste reduction process. Make sure you determine how much material is required before placing an excessive order. To reduce trash on-site, use modular building methods like off-site manufacturing or ecologically friendly temporary barriers. Utilize building information modeling tools to expedite the eco friendly construction process and make precise material quantity predictions.
- Make the Best Choice Possible when Selecting Materials: Go for eco friendly construction substitutes for drywall or other sustainable materials that produce less trash. Sort products according to the least amount of packing, and take into account options that are recycled or recovered.
- Effective Inventory Control: To lessen the likelihood of extra materials being wasted, use just-in-time inventory control. Align delivery schedules with building schedules to guarantee materials are utilized on time, reducing the need for storage and any damage.
- Reuse and Salvage: Before tearing down existing buildings, find materials that can be used again in your project. Reusing doors, windows, fittings, and even structural components can help cut down on waste production and the demand for new materials.
- Separation and Recycling On-site: Create a waste management strategy that accounts for appropriate material separation on the job site. Establish special disposal zones for various waste materials, including plastics, metal, concrete, and wood. Collaborate with nearby recycling centers to guarantee that recyclables are appropriately handled and kept out of the trash.
- Lean Building Techniques: Adopt lean eco friendly construction principles, which emphasize cutting waste through resource efficiency and streamlined procedures.
- Monitoring and Assessment: To find opportunities for improvement, evaluate your waste management procedures regularly. Examine statistics on trash generation and modify your plans as necessary. Take what you’ve learned from each project and apply best practices to your next projects.
The Challenges of Eco Friendly Construction
Using eco friendly construction practices takes time to get used to. The main enabling or constraining aspect will be the clients’ attitudes and the available funds. The project’s architects will determine how all other trades will work on it in the future. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) requirement for Continuous Professional Development is a major factor in raising industry standards for architecture. Your architect must be up to date on the most recent developments regarding the following:
- Net zero operational carbon
- Net-zero embodied carbon
- Sustainable water cycle
- Sustainable connectivity and transport
- Sustainable land use and biodiversity
- Good health and wellbeing
- Sustainable communities and social value
- Sustainable life cycle cost.
Although contractors will always be under pressure to cut costs wherever possible, some worries using eco friendly construction methods may increase an organization’s costs.
According to the World eco friendly construction Trends 2018 Smart Market Report, the biggest obstacle to implementing sustainable construction techniques, according to nearly 40% of UK businesses, is affordability. Nearly half of the businesses said they anticipated greater initial expenses for green construction.
You can see that many construction companies worry that they will be caught amid high costs and demand when you consider that 34% of businesses say that they deal with customer demand for greener structures.
However, there is hope for a sustainable future due to the increasing recognition of eco friendly construction. Because of the lower running costs that come with creating energy-efficient buildings, owners of green buildings believe their properties are worth 7% more than those of regular buildings. This higher perceived value can be used as justification in bids and to somewhat offset any higher expenses that may arise from using sustainable building methods.
Companies Championing Eco-Friendly Construction
Become more energy efficient with these companies that are committed to eco friendly construction:
1. Mace
As a participant in the global RE100 pledge, Mace supports the goal of encouraging businesses to adopt only renewable energy sources. As one of the greenest construction firms, Mace aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions this year and has tested over 20 fuel substitutes and energy-saving digital solutions. Outstanding emissions will be offset by the Gold Standard, an independent carbon offset criterion.
A “Steps without footprints” approach has been put in place by Mace to assist staff members in achieving the “Reduce, Transform, Investigate, and Influence” disciplines.
2. Lendlease
Three key aspects are highlighted in Lendlease’s sustainability framework: robust and vibrant cities and communities, sustainable economic growth, and a healthy planet and people. It seeks to employ renewable energy sources, acquire carbon offsets, obtain sustainable materials, save water, and save waste.
In terms of 2050 scenario planning, Lendlease is the sole real estate and construction corporation included in the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) advisory group. For the planning, a variety of environmental, social, technological, economic, and policy indicators are used.
3. Canary Wharf Group
Since 2012, Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has acquired all renewable electricity for the Canary Wharf Estate; as a result, no trash from controlled activities is dumped in landfills.
Additionally, it’s building a foundation for the development of future technologies and locations that integrate climate change mitigation.
In appreciation of CWG’s efforts to decrease single-use plastic, the nonprofit organization Surfers Against Sewage granted it the Plastic Free Communities Approved designation last summer.
4. Laing O’Rourke
As the business strives to maximize performance across the board, sustainability initiatives are arranged around four EPIC themes: environment, people, industry, and community.
Laing O’Rourke meets the economic, social, and environmental concerns by implementing a sustainability strategy using the “Engineering enterprise” paradigm.
By integrating data about a structure using digital engineering tools, Virtual construction” lowers waste throughout the project lifespan.
Conclusion
Global awareness of environmental issues is growing. As a result, numerous industries have modified their procedures and approaches. Businesses are attempting to become more environmentally friendly by altering the materials they use and the procedures they follow. Building companies will be ahead of the curve if they try to follow suit. If eco friendly construction work is valued by developers and other decision-makers, they might even have an advantage when bidding on projects.
On a site, numerous easy steps may be taken to reduce emissions and save energy. For instance, it’s crucial to ensure that no equipment is ever left running when not in use. Because you’re using less fuel, this is not just economical but also eco friendly construction.
Making use of electric machinery and transportation is a more proactive strategy. Even if there would be an initial cost, the trend is moving in the direction of electric vehicles becoming more commonplace. Your company will be ahead of the curve because, in a few years, they will probably make up the majority of machines on the road. Gaining a competitive edge and lowering your carbon impact are mutually beneficial.
The building of the future will be eco friendly, with many advantages for the environment and society. There are many good reasons to use sustainable building principles, from cost and energy savings to environmental protection and health advantages.
Suggested article for reading:
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Resources:
MichaelPage | Linkedin | Acre | SwiftWall | British-Assessment | ConstructionPlacements | NationWideConstruction | Elemental Green | ModernHB
For all the pictures: Freepik
