Towards Sustainability: Methods to Use in AEC Sector

 

Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics report that global construction output will grow by 85% by 2030 with a $15.5 trillion economy at a global level. China, the US, and India account for 57% of this global growth. When there is a large scope for construction, there is a high possibility for environmental consequences.

With environmental impact in mind, the AEC industry should move towards sustainable practices and prevent further damage to our already damaged environment. The industry needs to strike a balance between sustainability and cost-effective designs, which can improve construction productivity on the whole. The industry already moving towards sustainability. Here are a few insights on the effective sustainable methods:

 

Using BIM for Efficient Buildings

A revolution in a sustainable building is Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM though is not promoted as a sustainable technology; it delivers a wealth of boosts to efficient construction that can potentially reduce the construction project’s environmental footprint.

For example, a 4D BIM can schedule data precisely into a 3D BIM design file, enabling the contractors to develop step-by-step project plans and start building. Any design can be intertwined with the details regarding its lead-time, contraction, installation, curing and drying, and other processes.

Scheduling helps the AEC companies to eliminate hurried last-minute on-site coordination and re-work, which can reduce waste. The less time the construction team spends on the worksite, the less time high-emissions machinery, and power-hungry tools would be used. This could reduce energy consumption at the site.

Recycling Building Materials

The builders can use “circular construction”, i.e., using recycled and reoptimized construction materials. The AEC companies are turning to BIM to facilitate circular construction. Demolition of the old building before beginning new construction projects creates tons of landfills. Using recycled materials not only reduces construction costs but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions produced when manufacturing materials like construction-grade steel.

European countries are using “material banks”, a temporary storehouse of demolished materials that can be used when needed.

Using Sustainable Concrete

Concreate is a synthetic material widely used in any kind of construction which is environmentally damaging as well. The manufacture of concrete alone is responsible for nearly 5% of global CO₂ emissions. Contractors and many construction companies are exploring sustainable ways to reduce emissions with alternatives like plastic and other recyclables. This initiative could reduce the carbon-di-oxide emission by almost 50%

Challenges in Sustainable Construction

Adopting sustainable construction methods will not happen overnight. There are challenges like cost. There will be pressure on the AEC service companies to reduce the cost where possible.

Affordability was a greater concern in adopting sustainable methods. The clients are demanding a green building. But the construction companies fear that they might be caught in the middle of demand and high costs.

Benefits of Sustainable Buildings

·       Commands a 7% increase in assets value over the traditional building.

·       The sustainable building reduces or eliminates negative impacts on nature, by consuming less water and energy/natural resources.

·       They bring several economic and financial benefits, which include savings in utility bills and higher property value.

·       Sustainable building improves the health and well-being of the people who live in/ work in these buildings.

Moving towards sustainability is the need of the hour. The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry is moving to sustainable and green constructions which will hugely impact the environment positively. And everyone is considerate about nature and demands green space for themselves, which creates demand for the AEC services to move to the good option.