The construction industry is one of the major contributors to global warming and it is essential that construction business owners are taking steps to reduce their impact. In 2019, construction contributed to 38% of CO2 emissions with 11% of these coming from construction processes.
Creating Issues for the Environment & The Industry
CO2 emissions are a major issue in construction and not just from an environmental standpoint. It is a well-known fact that CO2 plays a major part in the greenhouse effect and is one of the primary causes of climate change. It can also create issues for businesses as companies must pay a carbon tax when they pollute – this is designed to encourage businesses to reduce their impact so that net-zero can be achieved by 2050.
In construction, there are a handful of environmental concerns. These include land clearing, the use of diesel engines, burning, demolition and the use of toxic materials. This is why it is so important for construction business owners to find ways to reduce their impact and there are many ways that this can be done.
What is Being Done?
It is important for all those that work in construction to know what needs to be done to achieve net-zero targets. The World Council for Sustainable Development recommends an “embodies carbon reduction strategy”. These are the main steps involved in this strategy.
Build Nothing/Build Less
First, it is recommended that buildings are reported or refurbished as a way to prevent the construction of entirely new buildings. Build less involves only building to meet the needs of the local community and ensuring that all buildings are utilised to their potential.
Build Smartly & Efficiently
When construction projects are essential, it is important to be intelligent to reduce environmental impact. This will involve reusing materials, using low carbon materials and products and finding ways to reduce overall impact, such as avoiding fossil fuel-powered tools and opting for greener alternatives like a battery-powered chainsaw. Building efficiently involves minimising design loads, using efficient forms and grids and maximising material usage.
Minimise Waste
Finally, it is important to minimise waste at every stage of a project. This will involve being strategic by only ordering what you need (also a smart way to save money), recycling waste where possible and the correct and safe removal of harmful waste, such as hazardous substances.
This post should be helpful in terms of identifying ways to reduce your environmental impact and showcase the importance of doing this. Now is the time for action and construction is an industry that is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, but the good news is that there are lots of positive steps that you can take at each stage of a construction project to reduce your impact and save the planet.
