In a recent worldwide survey, it was revealed that 47% of respondents have sustainability as their top-of-mind concern. This includes reducing energy consumption during and after the construction process.

Nonetheless, sustainable construction is a complex issue. Some executives will have concrete sustainability goals, but they are less likely to take actionable steps. After all, the construction industry has to follow stringent regulations on health and safety

If you want your construction company to be a sustainable builder, you are in the right place. In this post, we will share eight tips that can help you achieve sustainability in your construction process.

1. Practice better waste disposal methods

Aside from using eco-friendly materials, one also has to eliminate construction waste efficiently. This is one of the small changes you can make to have a green home.

Typical construction and demolition waste comprise lumber, shingles, gravel, ductwork, drywall, concrete, glass, and metal parts. 

Recycle everything that you can. This includes plywood, lumber, masonry, cardboard, paper, glass, and plastic trash. For masonry, you can reuse this in your other construction projects while sending glass, plastic, and metal waste to recycling units.

Similarly, you can convert plywood and lumber into biomass fuel and mulch. You can also smelt metal items, transforming them into other products.

You also might consider setting up a silt fence to control sediment flow. Doing so can prevent you from contaminating nearby rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. 

It also allows you to avert 80% of water-borne particles from escaping while considerably reducing soil and water pollution. It also prevents soil erosion by acting as a water break.

2. Implement sustainable design practices

Consider shifting to green energy and high-energy equipment, which significantly reduces water consumption. You can do this by using green materials to reduce energy as much as possible substantially. 

You can opt for more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional HVAC systems and solutions. Doing so allows your construction company to do its part in saving the environment. 

Similarly, you can also tap wind or solar power to reduce energy usage. This is possible by installing seamlessly integrated turbines, photovoltaic windows, and roof panels. Using a highly efficient Construction QA Software significantly helps. 

3. Opt for natural construction materials

One of the most significant steps you need to take for sustainable construction is using sustainable materials. These materials include wood that you can use for external surfaces, hemp for cold and heat insulation. Another popular alternative to concrete is bamboo.

You can also upcycle and recycle materials to decrease costs in production, reduce waste and energy consumption. You can also seek out suppliers that have sustainable production methods. 

Aside from using recycled materials, you should also strive to reduce the amount of construction waste you send to the landfill. This rewards your company for doing its part in promoting sustainability. It also reduces the carbon footprint in the entire construction supply chain.

4. Use equipment efficiently

Using your construction equipment efficiently allows you to reduce energy costs. It also decreases your construction project's carbon footprint. After all, heavy machinery can release harmful and unnecessary emissions to the environment.

You can use Artificial Intelligence to transfigure your architecture, engineering, and construction process. Moreover, the construction team should also plan their workdays. That way, every piece of equipment or device that needs energy will be used only if needed.

In the long run, you also need alternative ways to reduce the need for heavy machinery and other power tools. You might also opt instead for electrically powered machines or vehicles. 

Reusing old equipment is also more cost-effective rather than constantly buying new equipment. It's also better for the environment since heavy machinery can be used in other construction projects. This helps reduce the carbon footprint, waste, and other environmental emissions in the long run. 

5. Prioritize locally-sourced supplies

It might be more accessible to source materials from big suppliers thousands of miles away. But the farther a supplier is, the cost for transportation will also rise. It also means more carbon emissions in the long run. 

That's why you should buy from a local supplier near you concrete, wood, and other materials that you'll need for construction. Using locally sourced materials can help boost the economy. Moreover, it reduces harmful emissions that might come with miles of transportation. 

6. Emphasizing water conservation

As a construction company, you should emphasize water conservation. You can do this by employing best practices and water-conserving features in the structures they're building.

Highly-efficient plumbing should also be employed to help promote water conservation. Some of the top features you can include in-home construction includes the following:

• Drip irrigation

• Low-flush toilets

• Tankless water heaters

• Tanks that gather rainwater

7. Reduce fuel consumption

Plenty of fuel is consumed throughout a construction project. This includes smoke-belching heavy machinery to diesel-powered trucks for material transportation.

Apart from that, burning fossil fuels such as gas and oil is one of the most significant contributors to climate change. That's why any reduction in the amount you're using can positively impact the environment. 

8. Get LEED certified

Getting LEED-certified is one of the essential credentials that you can get to become a sustainable construction company. It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, which provides a framework for cost-saving green buildings. It means that a project was constructed with sustainability in mind.

You can find a LEED certification stamp in major cities in most commercial buildings. It's also making its way into private housing.

Getting LEED-certified allows you to reap the following benefits:

• Gain a competitive edge. Sustainability can be a market differentiator, which impacts your revenue and performance.

• Attract tenants. LEED-certified buildings can command higher rent and lower vacancy rates.

• Create a healthier space. LEED-certified buildings have cleaner air, access to daylight, and are free from harmful chemicals.

• Reduced smog. Energy-efficient buildings reduce pollution and improve outdoor air quality. 

Over to You

In the long run, employing these sustainable tips can help save our environment. Thus, construction companies should always seek sustainable ways to build a project.

This includes using locally sourced materials, proper waste disposal, and making a conscious effort to leave less carbon footprint.

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