Sustainable Construction & Why It's Essential

The construction industry is the backbone of the Canadian economy as it maintains infrastructure for all regions while providing employment opportunities. When construction work is not done sustainably, however, it can negatively impact the environment and the people who work or live in it. According to a study, construction can influence resource consumption, material losses, ecological pollution, and the community.

Sustainable construction reduces the industry's environmental impact by incorporating elements that don't lead to adverse effects. These features can include specific building materials, solar panels to reduce energy consumption, or adequate insulation to reduce heat loss. Understanding the need for sustainable construction is the first step towards a cleaner environment.

Environmental Protection

Companies that perform sustainable construction services take environmental protection into concern very seriously. The primary goal of sustainable construction companies in Canada is to provide quality construction services while also reducing waste that adversely affects the Earth.  

A multi-trade contractor can use renewable energy sources to manage and execute their projects and ensure that any property's windows, ceilings, and walls are well-insulated to prevent energy waste. This reduces costs for businesses and contributes to sustainable economic development. 

Lower Expenditure

Green construction initiatives allow businesses to use natural resources efficiently while cutting costs.

According to the World Green Building Council, green buildings use less water, energy, and natural resources, resulting in lower construction costs and higher property value for building developers. When the costs associated with building a property are lower, building owners will likely see a higher Return on Investment (ROI).

Waste Reduction

The construction industry is responsible for a massive chunk of Canada's total waste. Sustainable construction uses renewable sources and materials to minimize waste and reduce negative environmental impacts. Many products used in the process can be utilized more efficiently when attempting to remain green, such as sand, burnt coal, and demolition debris.  

Improved Health

Creating structures and using environmentally responsible processes can contribute to better health for construction workers and the people living or working in the building, as the use of sustainable materials contributes to better air quality. 

According to a collaborative study between Harvard University and United Technologies, green buildings positively impact cognitive function. The study found that cognitive scores were 61 percent higher in green building conditions than in conventional buildings due to the CO2, VOCs, and ventilation rate.

Efficient Utilization of Materials

Sustainable buildings can efficiently utilize materials and systems designed to reduce environmental impact. When buildings are equipped with systems that recycle water, it decreases the number of pollutants entering other waterways and cuts down disposal costs while saving energy.

Another way sustainable construction companies use materials efficiently is by collecting and preserving natural energy, such as solar or wind energy. When stored and reused correctly, it scales down the adverse environmental impact. 

Sustainable construction sets new norms for the industry and allows it to operate with lower negative impacts. Learning more about its benefits can allow you to make an educated decision when selecting a company for your construction needs.