For decades, sustainability has been a major concern for mankind. With rising population and global warming, the Green Planet is facing a lot of issues.
It has a crucial role to play in the construction industry also. Therefore, sustainable technology in construction ensures that the builders create marvels without hampering the environment.
Sustainable technology is essential as it reduces carbon blueprints and the emission of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, an eco-friendly construction will guarantee better longevity of the building.
It is a great way of conserving our Natural Resources and protecting Mother Nature.
I believe that the protection of Nature is one of our biggest responsibilities. However, we are deviating from the safe path and polluting the environment every now and then.
The construction industry has been creating a menace for many years. The scientists became worried about their activities and thus developed some incredible methods to reduce pollution.
You take help of the solar power and other convenient energy alternatives to develop great methods. Solar Power Integration, Passive Design Principles, Recycled Materials, HVAC Systems, Green Roofing, or Efficient Waste Management,
You will have plenty of options for sustainable technology in construction. I will share such 10 top methods for promoting sustainable construction methods.
The Current State of Construction
Recently, Bold Business stated in one of its articles on CO2 emissions how the construction industry is damaging natural resources. Moreover, the harmful chemicals generated by the factories are one of the primary causes of the increased state of air and water pollution.
More than 25% of the world’s total carbon emissions come from building and construction sites. Therefore, we should take immediate measures to curb the black hands of the construction industry and protect the environment.
Sustainable Technology in Construction
Sustainable technology in construction implies applying some eco-friendly mechanisms to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, the buildings should bring changes in the building materials, too, for the sake of the environment.
Excessive emission of carbon footprints and other harmful substances is hampering the environment greatly. Therefore, the builders should pay immediate attention to this alarming situation.
It is essential to apply the best methods to transform construction into an environment-friendly phenomenon. If we do nothing now to conserve natural resources, the whole world will be in great danger in the near future.
10 Ways to Incorporate Sustainable Technology
Learn about the ten best sustainable technology mechanisms for ensuring a greener and cleaner environment.
Solar Power Integration
The benefits of this method are;-
- Renewable energy resources, available all the time
- A pollution-free solution without any remission of greenhouse gases
- High return on investments
- No requirement to depend on fossil fuels
A few examples can be;-
- Glass facade with solar panels
- Integrated solar panels with roofing tiles
- Inverter run on solar power
- Passive Solar Technology
- Solar Photovoltaic Technology, and similar others
Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
The HVAC systems are highly energy-efficient and convert solar energy into the required power. Thus, it diminishes carbon emissions significantly and saves energy. Moreover, it optimizes the airflow and adjusts the ductwork on the basis of solar power.
I would mention here a real-life example to make the matter clearer.
- You can upgrade your cooling system and transform it into the supercooling method by using solar power. This technology will manage the electricity consumption of the HVAC resources and reduce it greatly.
- Programmable Thermostat is another real-life method for utilizing the HVAC systems
- HVAC helps maintain the ventilation for appropriate indoor air quality. Thus, most households prefer to use HVAC ACs nowadays to go eco-friendly. The commercial houses also walk on the same path.
Green Roofing
A green roof is a specially designed roof covered with green vegetation. Furthermore, it also contains great irrigation systems and root barriers for an extensive green patch over the building. Commercial projects often include such a method for reducing the impact of harmful emissions.
This method is extremely sustainable due to;-
- Regulating the temperature during construction
- Better air quality (both indoors and outdoors)
- Lowering the heat flux while spreading throughout the building
- Lasts for a long time (say for 40 years)
- A way to attract more birds and other wildlife, thus maintaining the ecological balance
Recycled Building Materials
Recycled building materials are another brilliant way of conserving nature while applying construction methods. It ensures flexibility in different building projects and transforms waste products into reusable materials. Some benefits include:-
- Preserving the natural habitats
- Improved Innovation
- Creating ecological balance
- Saving energy emissions
- Lowering the building material costs
Some sources can be:-
- Plastic
- Tires
- Electronics
- Glass
- Paper
- Textiles
- Batteries, etc.
Smart Building Management Systems
Building operations will see a new era with the application of smart systems. The new connectivities involve more automation and efficient usage of data analytics. Therefore, it reduces stress during the overall project and eliminates high energy consumption.
Recently, I came across such a project in our locality in the UK. I saw that the builders were incorporating start technologies to construct an environment-friendly interior. This saved a lot of money on the projects and lowered energy consumption. Improved flexibility and low operations costs ensured greater profits.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater Harvesting is an effortless method of conserving the rainwater for future use. However, it ensures that this water is free from any contamination. Besides, the ground should not be fully soaked with the water.
Some benefits include:-
- Reduces harmful impacts
- Promotes efficient water supply and reduces them to 40 to 50%
- Easy installation
- Reduced run-offs
- Helps in water conservation
Sustainable Insulation
This aids in minimizing heat transfer and establishes a more energy-efficient environment. Thus, the buildings do not absorb the excessive heat and provide a cooling effect due to the sustainable insulation.
A few techniques of such environment-friendly insulation are;-
- Cellulose- Resistant to air leaks
- Earthwool insulation: Inorganic glass fibers make the walls effective insulators
Passive Design Principles
Passive design principles are excellent sustainable mediums for construction. Some are;-
- Airtight construction
- High-performance glazing
- Heat recovery ventilation, etc.
One of my friends, a real estate developer, applied a thermal envelope to reduce heat loss, especially during the chilly winters of London. Moreover, it also plays an active role in consuming less energy.
Efficient Waste Management
This involves accumulating the waste objects of the construction process and using them in making new concretes.
The builders often segregate the waste materials to make the road base. Recycled materials are subject to application after proper crushing.
Eco-Friendly Lighting
No toxic materials in lighting is also a solution for sustainable technology in construction. It is better to use light-emitting diodes as a long-lasting and energy-efficient method for illumination.
A few examples are;-
- Track luminaires
- Recessed luminaires
- Indoor LED lights
- suspended luminaries
- Freestanding, etc.
Challenges and Solutions
The challenge is mainly the global effort. Every industry around the world should be alert to the increasing need for sustainable construction.
Solutions are using more eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient alternatives for building and construction.
Future Trends
The future trends include increased usage of materials like bamboo, wood, hemp, mycelium, etc, to reduce the carbon footprints.
FAQs
How do eco-friendly materials benefit construction?
They protect the environment from harmful emissions and conserve nature with more energy-efficient methods.
What are the benefits of green energy solutions in construction?
Green energy attracts wildlife and lowers heat absorption.
How can smart building management systems contribute to sustainability?
It contributes to society by ensuring low heat loss during winters, lowering energy consumption, and saving operations costs.
What is sustainable design in construction?
It is designed to suit the environment like indoor air quality, conserving water, appropriate building size, renewable energy sources, etc.
Why is modular construction considered sustainable?
Modular construction is better for eliminating building waste and protecting against weather damage.
Conclusion
Sustainable technology in construction is an essential method now to help society grow in a greener environment. We should take it seriously and promote the usage of energy-efficient materials.
