Construction is a big
business all over the world.
As people are looking for solutions to housing problems that are persisting in the world, there are concerted efforts by environmentalists to conserve the environment. In Kenya, the construction industry in 2019 employed 220,000 people and contributed about 5.6% to the GDP with the economic growth showing a 5% growth per annum in the past ten years, more and more people are finding it ideal to invest in properties or homes.
Construction, by definition, consumes a large number of natural resources. However, with growing concerns about climate change and the depleting nature of the resources used in construction, builders and construction experts are focusing on causing as little disruption to the environment as possible.
What is sustainable
construction?
Reasons why sustainable construction is important
One clear thing is that sustainable construction is not only beneficial to the environment but can also promote the quality of life. Numerous studies point to the fact that sustainable construction is well correlated to the quality of wellbeing. The following are some of the benefits that are worth noting:
Encourages healthy living
The surrounding environment greatly affects the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the occupants of a building. Therefore, over time, builders and designers are developing an architecture that to some extent affects the occupants of the building. It is reported that workers in green buildings report better decision-making and achieve their goals.
Boosting the economy
Sustainable construction can provide many job opportunities to a population. As the effects of climate change become more apparent, efforts to mitigate them are increasing. As a result, there is an increase in sustainable buildings, which leads to an increase in construction jobs.
Waste reduction
With the effects of global warming continuing to be felt all over the world, the natural resources are getting finished quickly. To counter this, contractors and building professionals are looking at ways to use renewable sources of building materials ways which are beneficial to the environment.
Reduces the cost of materials
Sustainable buildings use environmentally friendly materials which are good in terms of durability and remaining structurally sound. For green buildings, efficiency in energy use is a number one priority. Buildings that use less and renewable sources of energy are the priority in construction and design.
Ways of making construction sustainable
There are several ways of making a construction project more sustainable. They include the following
A. Using renewable energy
Materials used in the construction of these buildings are by far the greatest in achieving sustainable buildings. Technological advancements are such that, it is easier to come up with materials that are light, durably, easy to come by, and do not destroy the environment. The following are some materials that are worth considering:
Materials used in the construction of these buildings are by far the greatest in achieving sustainable buildings. Technological advancements are such that, it is easier to come up with materials that are light, durably, easy to come by, and do not destroy the environment. The following are some materials that are worth considering:
A. Using sustainable materials
The surrounding environment greatly affects the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the occupants of a building. Therefore, over time, builders and designers are developing an architecture that to some extent affects the occupants of the building. It is reported that workers in green buildings report better decision-making and achieve their goals.
- Wood is an important material in construction. Wood can be renewable if the forests are properly managed, not only for the supply of wood to construction companies but also for providing a habitat for the wildlife.
- Use of sustainable concrete. Altering the use of concrete with plastic and recyclables can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than half.
- Use of alternative brick materials, such as heated mud or maybe even cigarette buts, to make bricks.
C. Plastic
One of the greatest drawbacks of plastic is that they do not degrade. The drawback is also its greatest strength because one of the goals of sustainability is ensuring the materials used are durable. Plastic by very nature is durable and therefore won’t need to be replaced now and then. This is a great way to build sustainable buildings.
Challenges in sustainable construction
Implementing sustainable construction techniques is a time-consuming process with numerous challenges to overcome, the most notable of which is cost. Construction firms will always be under pressure to cut costs wherever possible, but there are still concerns that using sustainable construction methods will cost them more. According to the World Green Building Trends 2018 Smart Market Report, nearly 40% of businesses reported that the most difficult challenge posed by adopting sustainable construction practices was affordability. Almost half of the companies said they expected green buildings to be more expensive at first. Furthermore, some firms report client demand for greener buildings, indicating that many construction firms are concerned about being caught in the middle of demand and high costs