Best Practices to Implement Sustainable Construction
The construction industry makes substantial contributions to Canadian infrastructure and employment. However, the combination of fossil fuels to run transportation and buildings in Toronto leads to localized pollution that affects workers and surrounding communities. Fortunately, the construction industry can significantly impact environmental sustainability by embracing the right practices.
By adopting green building policies, the construction sector can reduce pollution, which will positively impact the environment. If your company is looking for ways to implement sustainable construction, you need to educate yourself about the best practices that can help you in the process.
Work with a Multi-Trade Service Provider
A multi-trade service provider with deep knowledge about sustainable practices can help you figure out effective strategies to implement sustainable construction. When looking for a Toronto construction company with a breadth of experience, you can determine its capabilities by asking about the resources it can provide. A reputable company with extensive experience will have the right tools, knowledge, and resources to oversee complete projects and asset lifecycles. They can assist you in the planning, execution, and maintenance process by delivering turnkey solutions for a wide range of applications.
When selecting a multi-trade service provider, ask the company if they use green energy sources, such as wind, hydro, solar, and cogeneration. This information helps you determine the company’s value in your project when attempting to implement sustainable construction practices.
Educate Staff About Sustainable Practices
Your staff members play a crucial role in every construction project, so it’s essential to educate them about sustainable practices when you want to make changes to processes. The correct information will help them make informed decisions during work.
To optimize green building processes, educate your staff about sustainability standards they need to maintain, steps to reduce waste and conserve energy, which materials to use, and how to utilize tools and resources effectively. An adequately educated team will contribute significantly to sustainable practices as they’ll be more alert and able to make conscientious decisions.
Use Alternative Construction Materials
Utilizing alternative construction materials can help you achieve sustainable construction and reduce environmental impact. The standard material most widely used in Canadian construction is concrete, with an annual production rate of 60 million tonnes. Contractors rely on concrete as it is the most robust and convenient material to form. However, concrete contributes to waste generated from demolitions which leads to waste. Replacing concrete with sustainable materials such as bamboo and recycled plastic can reduce the negative environmental impact.
Look for Different Ways to Go Green
You can make a more significant impact when you look for ways to go green in every construction phase, starting from designing to building. Start by designing a sustainable building by strategizing ways to conserve water, ensuring that the interior is environmentally sound, and maximizing the use of renewable energy.
As the project commences, choose environmentally friendly building features such as LED lighting. During the building phase, encourage contractors to conserve energy and water. When designers and contractors work together to implement sustainable construction, you can prioritize sustainability at each stage of the construction project.
Leverage Technology
Using technology during the construction process can ensure the lifetime sustainability of the building. There are a few ways you can leverage technology to reduce the environmental impact of construction. Firstly, you can emphasize the installation of energy-saving and self-sufficient appliances. Second, you can use technology to create blueprints and communicate other essential elements of the design process, allowing you to save paper and other resources that may contribute to waste.
Focus on Waste Management
Production of construction waste and inefficient disposal can lead to adverse environmental impacts. According to a study about construction and demolition waste management, the Canadian construction industry accounts for 27 percent of the total municipal solid waste disposed of in landfills. The report also suggests that 75 percent of the waste generated by the construction industry has a residual value, so it could be salvaged or reused.
When attempting to manage waste effectively, your company should focus on storage and segregation, recycling and reuse, and proper disposal. Store items that can be recycled and reused separately to prevent them from ending up in landfills with waste. Managing waste ahead of time reduces the risk of pollution caused by waste, which will cut down your carbon footprint.
Although construction has a significant impact on the environment, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint by implementing sustainable construction practices. Take some time to educate yourself about your next steps and carefully integrate them into your project to contribute to a greener environment!
This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’ disclosure policy.
