The Latest Trends in Green Construction

05/06/2022

With the construction industry accounting for around 38% of carbon dioxide emissions, it is easy to see why there is great urgency to introduce more environmentally friendly construction solutions. Construction is an essential industry providing homes, hospitals and schools, so there is no simple solution such as reducing the amount of construction projects delivered, so greener processes are required.

The Green Construction Board was established in 2011 to drive sustainability initiatives in the construction industry. The group is now focused on accelerating the transition to net zero carbon and increasing awareness of sustainable solutions that are available.
 
5th June is World Environment Day and environmental organisations will be using the day to drive initiatives that encourage construction companies to put more focus onto green processes and solutions.

World Environment Day


What is green construction?

Green construction involves incorporating environmentally friendly processes into all stages of construction, from the choice of materials to the transportation methods. Using recyclable or natural materials is a more eco-friendly option than using materials that are heavily processed.

Modular construction has been helping to make the construction industry greener. Many of the processes involved in this type of construction can be greener than standard construction projects, as modular construction uses large components that have been prefabricated in an environment that is more controlled than on-site. This means that the construction work should have less wasted materials, uses less energy and produces better quality results.

Energy efficient fixtures

Another important element of green construction is developing buildings that have energy efficient fittings that will reduce the future energy consumption. Items such as motion sensor taps can significantly reduce water usage, while windows that are energy efficient reduce heat transfer to minimise heat loss and consumption.

 

Energy efficient lightbulbs and automatic sensors for lights can also make a big difference in terms of reducing energy consumption. Property developers are choosing more energy efficient fixtures in their projects, which is vital to meet carbon net zero targets by the required deadlines.

More fuel-efficient equipment

The heavy equipment that is used in the construction industry is one of the biggest problems for producing emissions. However, manufacturers have been developing more fuel-efficient equipment and with the increase in fuel prices, many construction sites are looking at ways to operate machinery more efficiently to reduce costs as well as emissions.

For example, only allowing skilled operators to use equipment can minimise energy consumption and ensuring that the right equipment is chosen for each job will also help to maximise energy efficiency. Many companies are switching from old machinery models for newer models, improving energy efficiency and reducing the amount of maintenance required.

At FixFirm, we are passionate about providing sustainable solutions and our modular construction products are helping construction companies to deliver greener construction projects. Our expert technical support is pivotal in identifying the most suitable products for our clients’ needs and project requirements.

Read more about our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment here.

 

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