With the world becoming conscious of the ways that every aspect of our lives impacts carbon emissions, and the way it is increasing global warming, every industry is trying hard to reduce its carbon footprint. It has been reported by the UN Environment Programme that the construction and building sector is responsible for emitting the most greenhouse gases, with a staggering 37 percent.
One of the primary reasons for this kind of emission is the use of materials like steel, cement, and aluminum, which are well-known for leaving a substantial carbon footprint. As a result, the need for creating and designing sustainable construction is essential. Hence does the building and construction sector do anything to reduce its emissions?
It is unclear how well, the building and construction sector will be handling it with the materials they use. According to the same UN report, the sector has been focusing on decreasing carbon emissions from its operational section, i.e. release of harmful gases caused by lighting, heating, and cooling of the buildings. There is a projection that the operational section of the sector is responsible for 50 to 70 percent of the carbon footprint in the next few decades.
But just focusing on the operation section for sustainable construction is not enough according to the experts. Instead with the increase in demand for housing and other construction, sustainable construction methods must include designing, production and sourcing, and deployment of materials that ensure sustainable construction solutions. Adoption of such sustainable construction practices, where eco-friendly materials are used, minimize waste, and reduce the use of energy would warrant a sustainable, green, and habitable planet for the future.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions sustainable construction companies must rely on fewer resources, use renewable energy, low VOC-paints, and recycled materials that warrant controlling the CO2 transmission. Here are a few materials that can be used as part of sustainable construction:
• Use low Volatile Organic Paint (VOC)
• Solar Panels
• Permeable Pavers
• Newspaper Wood
• Reclaimed Wood
• Corkwood
• Cork
• Recycled Tires
• Straw Bales
• Sheep’s Wool
• Mycelium
• Recycled Steel
• Cob
• Stone
• Precast Concrete
• Modular construction
• Rigid foam made from plant-based polyurethane
• 3D-printed Concrete
• Recycled Plastic
• Adobe Bricks
• Hemp Bricks
• Bamboo
• Cross-laminated Timber
Are wondering if is it worth moving towards sustainable construction is worth the effort as a construction company even though it comes with challenges. For instance, the higher initial cost for construction compared to traditional materials and finding professionals that know how to use environment-friendly technology, materials, and where and how to source them. Let’s go through the following points on how sustainable construction can be beneficial.
Psychological Benefit
Apart from keeping the world a better and liveable place for the future, green buildings offer immense psychological benefits as shown by the studies conducted by SUNY Upstate Medical University and Harvard University. The study found that people residing in green buildings have higher cognitive scores and higher performances compared to people living in non-green buildings.
Economy Boost
When a company engages in sustainable construction practices it creates more jobs. This is the result of building owners looking for companies that offer construction that works with materials that are less harmful to them and the planet. The demand has resulted in the hiring of more construction workers, thus boosting the economy in the long run.
Improve Property Value
As mentioned earlier with more people opting for greener earth and looking for sustainable property, the use of sustainable materials improves the building’s value. Hence when selling the property the owner is to get a higher rate for the building.
When you think of constructing a new building or remodeling an existing one, it’s time to think of opting for sustainable construction. The best way to do that is to hire a general construction company that has in-depth knowledge in the field and is committed to making a sustainable future with their construction projects. Hire Evolve Contractors to get the job done. They offer obligation-free quotations with financing options to warrant that a building owner can have the best yet cost-efficient construction project that uses sustainable and green materials.