The construction sector is one of the primary industries of the country. It accounts for 2.53% of the country’s economy, significantly contributing to its economic growth and socio-economic development. It is also the major exploiter of non-renewable natural resources and polluters of the environment. It contributes to environmental crises through resource depletion, energy consumption, air pollution and the generation of waste material. Hence, the sector directly contributes to the degradation of the environment. The construction sector is energy and carbon-intensive, producing between 25% and 40% of global carbon emissions, thus creating an imbalance in the ecological order and further disturbing the climate equilibrium.
To make the sector sustainable and less harmful to the environment, the concerned authorities need to implement environment-friendly strategies and methods. Sustainable construction is the method of creating a healthy environment based on ecological principles. According to Professor Charles J. Kibert, sustainable construction is based on six principles: conserve, reuse, recycle, protect nature, and create non-toxic and high quality. To make the construction process less harmful and more effective, there is a need to adopt sustainable development practices, employ energy efficiency, and take advantage of green technology.
Over the years, new construction methods, techniques, resources, and building practices have evolved to promote sustainability and energy conservation. To do so, two things must be transformed; the materials and methods used in the construction process.
Materials
Building stronger, lighter and more sustainable materials can help solve many problems in the industry, like the dependency on costly construction inputs and climate-vulnerable materials, as well as push current practices to be more sustainable. Such materials have the additional benefit of protecting the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of the buildings that use these materials. They promote a cleaner and more sustainable future while being aesthetically appealing and efficient.
Methods
Along with sustainable materials, there is a need to implement renewable and environment-friendly methods to promote sustainability. Some of these methods include:
Cutting materials precisely to reduce waste
Controlling waste management, like separating and recycling waste
Construction of green buildings
Adaptive reuse projects to transform old buildings
Managing construction sites to improve the environment
Selecting sustainable and recycled materials.
Sustainability is crucial for various aspects, including better life and environmental quality. To have thriving and healthy communities, there is a need to have a sustainable construction industry that can promote clean air, natural resources, and a non-toxic environment.
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