Sustainability: The Future of Construction

Sustainability: The Future of Construction

Waste in Australia is piling up! As reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the country generated 75.8 million tonnes of solid waste and 8 million tonnes of hazardous waste in 2018 and 2019—a 10% and 11% increase, respectively, from the waste generated in 2016 and 2017. Construction in Australia ranks second in the sectors generating the most solid waste (12.7 million tonnes) and hazardous waste (1.7 million tonnes).

Problem

Not all waste products are sent for recycling. Some end up in a landfill for disposal. Unfortunately, it takes years before they rot. In the process, they become smelly and produce methane gas; thus, they contribute to pollution and global warming.

Solution

Sustainability is the ability to live in harmony with the natural environment. It considers the social, environmental, and economic aspects when making decisions. In other words, the ultimate goal of sustainability is to lessen our carbon footprint.

Sustainability in Construction refers to the use of efficient methods and materials to reduce the ecological impact of building commercial and residential structures. It is applied in every stage of the construction process, from planning to site development to design and architecture to materials to building or renovation to waste management.

Importance of Sustainability in Construction

Some people look down on the concept of sustainable construction because of its added costs and requirements. However, it is not only about designing buildings that have a low environmental impact. More importantly, it is a building approach that seeks to innovate the modes of construction and how they will impact the day-to-day lives of individuals. Although many had adverse opinions on sustainable construction, it has numerous benefits. Here are some of them:

1. Cost Efficiency

Despite the claims of added costs, sustainable construction helps builders and developers make significant savings in the long run. According to a 2013 World Green Building Council report, buildings created through sustainable measures have higher property values. Further, these buildings can be more attractive to buyers because they would generate lower utility costs. Consumers could save about €280 to €410 billion worth of energy spending per year.

2. Waste Control

By 2025, the annual global construction waste would reach up to 2.2 billion tons. If this will not stop, the construction industry will continue to contribute a deadly amount of pollutants to the world. Through sustainable construction, builders, developers, and owners will be taught about conscious consumption. More so, sustainable construction pushes for reusing waste products like debris and burnt coal for other purposes.

3. Better Human Health

Conventional construction uses materials and processes that can harm human health. Through sustainable construction, builders and developers will utilize more sensitive and protective methods. For example, older building designs obstruct human health due to poor air quality and ventilation systems. High humidity and increasing carbon dioxide concentrations can trigger common respiratory conditions and fatigue. With sustainable construction, buildings will be designed to maximize the circulation of clean air.

4. Emerging Market

Sustainable construction is the up-and-coming wave of construction. According to Emergen Research, the sustainable construction industry will be valued at US$610.61 Billion by 2027. As of recent, the industry has been experiencing high growth of infrastructural development projects. More so, the consumers are getting more excited about upcoming new products. While pegged at low costs, developers promise that these products are of superior quality.

ZEGO Blocks

Builders in Sydney are now choosing ZEGO Blocks (also called ZEGO Insulated Concrete Forms or ICF) over Traditional Wood Frames to construct houses and buildings. For one, ZEGO Blocks offer a faster way of building the walls of a residential or commercial building because they already come with insulation and fastener strips. Besides this, Builders in Sydney can proceed with the construction even with wet or snowy weather.

ZEGO blocks are also good for the environment. A 2017 study found that ICF walls had 60% less energy loss than traditionally constructed wood frame walls. Meaning to say, it is good news for homeowners as they can save up to 60% per month in equivalent electrical consumption, especially during the most extreme cold conditions.

Now What?

Profit should not be the only priority of construction companies. Protecting the environment should also be on their list. After all, damage to the environment also affects us in the long run.

At Magico Constructions, we incorporate sustainability in our work. We use ZEGO Blocks for an energy-efficient, faster, and best way of getting things done. For more information, please feel free to get in touch with us here.