What Is Sustainable Construction?

Due to its very nature, the construction industry isn’t always the most energy and resource efficient. Building projects require a large quantity of natural resources, and not all of these are sustainably made or sourced. 

But if you own a construction business, there are things you can do to improve the sustainability of the projects you manage. This could mean changing your processes and the materials you use, as well as making buildings more sustainable. 

You can also make a difference as a customer, by choosing building companies with a commitment to more eco-friendly practices. 

Want to find out more? Read on, as we’ve put together a handy starter guide to sustainable construction.

There are a number of different ways that construction activities and processes can be made more sustainable. The ultimate goal is to reduce the impact of the industry on the environment. And it’s a very important challenge, as according to the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the sector accounts for a huge 38% of global carbon emissions.  

So, what is sustainability in construction? Here are just a few of the methods currently being used:

• Prioritising the use of renewable and recyclable materials
  For example, by replacing concrete (one of the most environmentally damaging materials to manufacture) with innovative sustainable materials. Manufacturers are currently looking into ways to produce concrete with recyclables, which can drastically reduce emissions. Another example is using straw bales for insulation, and replacing kiln-fired clay bricks with untreated mud and wool bricks. 
  
• Opting for locally sourced materials
  By sourcing building supplies locally, it’s possible to reduce the carbon emissions from transporting materials to site. Many building materials are currently sourced from abroad, resulting in many hundreds or even thousands of transport miles to get them to UK building sites. 
  
• Reducing the amount of on-site waste generated
  One key way this can be done is by salvaging and re-using old materials in the new building. 
  
• Aiming to make finished buildings more energy efficient
  Measures such as extra insulation, double and triple glazing, and the installation of green heating systems can help to reduce energy consumption throughout the life of the building.
  
• Building ultra-durable structures
  This involves making certain design decisions and maintaining high quality standards across every aspect of the build, in order to prolong the lifespan of the new building.The longer a building lasts, the less likely it is that it’ll need to be replaced. 
  
• Using innovative tools and equipment on site
  For example, building teams can use solar-powered lighting and tool charging pods to reduce their energy consumption on site. 
  
• Taking measures to protect natural habitats during and after construction
  For example, trying to save and build around trees instead of automatically cutting them down. 

Climate change and its potentially catastrophic consequences is an ever-growing concern. This is why it’s more important than ever to take steps to reduce the environmental impact of high-emissions sectors like construction. 

But there are more than just environmental benefits to be gained by improving sustainability in construction. Greener buildings are good for us all. The more we can reduce energy consumption in heating and powering our homes and businesses, the lower our bills will be. 

There are other financial benefits on offer too. Admittedly, the initial costs of using sustainable materials can be higher, as can adopting more sustainable building processes. These can potentially slow projects down, and time is money in the construction game. 

But the end result is often a more valuable property, one that is built to last. In fact, information on the Go Construct website reveals that green buildings can achieve a 7% increase in value compared to traditionally built ones. 

And of course, a sustainable building is likely to have much lower operating costs across its whole lifespan. 

Initiating change across a whole global sector is a major challenge, and change won’t happen overnight. But there are things that small construction businesses and contractors can do to promote sustainability in their day-to-day activities. This includes:

• Encouraging clients to consider using more sustainable materials, thinking about every aspect of the project from improving insulation to reducing noise pollution. 
• Undergoing training to use more sustainable materials and building practices.
• Disposing of waste responsibly, including going the extra mile to make sure that waste materials are recycled wherever possible.
• Reusing old materials where it’s feasible to do so (such as reusing bricks, for example).
• Developing a network of trusted local suppliers, to cut down on transport mileage.
• Supporting local environmental initiatives, planting forests and protecting woodlands. 
• Joining industry campaigns to improve sustainable improvements (e.g. new legislation) across the sector.

The more building firms and contractors that become champions for sustainability, the faster change will happen across the whole sector.