The construction industry does not have the best reputation when it comes to sustainability. In fact, The Guardian has recently reported that building works are also responsible for 18% of air pollution which is harmful to the people in the area and the environment. Climate change is becoming a more serious problem every day. Therefore, it is vital that construction sites do their bit to ensure minimal environmental repercussions. Here are steps you can take to reduce the environmental impact of your construction site.
Use Sustainable Building Materials
Building materials are one of the reasons why the construction industry has such a bad reputation when it comes to being environmentally friendly. Even the simplest and most common materials can leave a significant carbon footprint. However, there are many sustainable materials that can help you to move your projects closer to Net Zero which can be more cost-effective and are biodegradable. You might consider bamboo, recycled plastics or rammed earth. No matter what materials you need, you should always take time to look for more sustainable options.
Bring Paperwork To The Digital Realm
Printing documents related to the construction project might seem like a small thing. Even though you might only get a couple of pages, the impact on the environment still adds up. To lower your dependency on paper documents, embrace software that can make your work on the site easier. You will be able to share the documents with people involved in the project. Keeping things digital will lower the risk of your employees losing a copy of some important documents. Additionally, it will help you to reduce the amount of waste the construction site produces and thus the environmental impact.
Keep Learning About The Climate Change
Suppose you would like your construction projects to impact the environment positively. In that case, you must keep up with all the new information and be willing to learn more. Read more about the findings of scientists who study the issue and review your country’s sustainability goals. You can also access resources such as the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course to upskill. Then, you will be able to look at sustainability and climate change from the business point of view and make more informed decisions.
Take Advantage Of The Benefits Of Sustainability In Business
Making your construction business more sustainable is crucial to combating climate change. While it can help you to do your part in improving the environment, it can also significantly help your business. Nowadays, people care about the environment more than ever, and they expect the companies they work with to do the same. So, if you make it clear that you are taking steps to make your construction project more sustainable and inorder to reduce the environmental impact, you might be able to see more potential customers enquiring about your services.
Work With The Right Equipment
Construction projects can demand a significant amount of energy, and you might need to pay more for electricity or gas. With the soaring energy prices, that might prove to be an issue for your budget. However, you can take steps to reduce your energy usage. One of the things you should consider is getting efficient equipment. For instance, getting an on-site generator can help you to stop wasting your fuel. You need to keep in mind that energy-efficient equipment might be different from what your workers know. Therefore, ensure that they have proper training and are aware of safety rules.
Reduce The Amount Of Waste The Construction Process Produces
The construction process naturally comes with plenty of waste. Before you renovate or build something up, there might be something to tear down. Then, there will also be plenty of materials you will not fully use. Waste can be dangerous. Therefore, it is essential that you dispose of waste responsibly and recycle anything you can. After all, things like masonry, glass, metal, plywood or plastics could also be used in some of your future projects. Then, it might reduce your expenses and lower the carbon footprint of your project at the same time.
Consider Your Supply Chain
When you are trying to make your construction projects more sustainable, you need to take into account your supply chain. When you are working with several suppliers, it can be challenging to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum. However, there are simple steps to make the work of your company more environmentally friendly. Most significantly, you should focus on the practices of your suppliers. There are many companies who will be working towards the same goal as you. They will have policies that will help them make the journey of the material or equipment you ordered as sustainable as possible.
Make Your Transportation Efficient
There is a great deal of transportation involved in every construction project. Cars can have a negative impact on the environment and increase your carbon footprint. However, there are steps you can take to make transportation more sustainable. It will involve plenty of careful planning, and there are many factors you need to take into account. For example, consider how far the two places are from each other. Then, find the shortest route possible. It will save your workers time on the road, and you will lower the environmental impact your construction project has.
Try Working With Prefabricated Materials
Another way to move your projects closer to Net Zero is by working with prefabricated materials. Such materials are produced in a controlled environment. Some of these materials can be, for example, doors, windows, wall panels, stairs or floor panels. Exploring prefabricated materials can help you to lower your expenses and protect the environment at the same time. Integrating these materials into the project will reduce any soil or air pollution your construction site might cause. Your working process can become more efficient, and you will move closer to your sustainability goals.
Store Chemicals And Building Materials Responsibly
Construction workers work with various building materials and chemicals daily. However, if such materials got into the wrong hands or were not correctly stored, they might become very dangerous to the environment and people in and nearby the construction area. So, it is crucial that you store any chemicals and building materials responsibly. Ensure that all the packages and containers are closed tight and that there is no chance of the container tipping over. By handling the materials and substances well, you will be able to simultaneously lower the project’s impact on the local ecosystem and environment.
Conclusion: Work Towards Your Sustainability Goals
Finally, it is essential that you stay consistent with your efforts. Every small change that makes construction projects more environmentally friendly is good. However, it is consistency that will lead you to success and improve the reputation of the construction industry. Keep learning about any new developments in the field of sustainability, and think about how you could incorporate scientific recommendations into your projects. Then, you will be able to help your customers to live in a safer environment with an intact ecosystem. If you are ever not entirely sure about anything, try reaching out to people who specialise in sustainability and making the environment we live in cleaner.
