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.
