IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ON ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED SOLUTIONS

With the construction sector experiencing a resurgence in growth, it’s bound to have a detrimental impact on the environment.

Pakistan in the current day faces many adversities due to environmental issues caused by construction and it is important to address them and try to find a way out of them. According to the U.K. Green Building Council, the construction sector uses more than 400 million tons of material a year, many of which has an adverse impact on the environment. Additional research by Construction Products says that the products used during a particular construction job can also have an impact on the surrounding environment, due to the “extraction of raw materials”. Similarly, in the U.S., a number of tools and resources regularly used by contract workers and construction firms, such as chemicals on-site and even the Diesel used by diggers and trucks, can significantly “harm public health and the environment,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Furthermore, the U.S. construction industry accounts for 160 million tons, or 25 percent, of non-industrial waste generation a year, according to the agency. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the impact in more detail, and investigate the possible solutions.

According to new research by construction blog Bimhow, the construction sector contributes to 23% of air pollution, 50% of climatic change, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes. In separate research, the construction industry accounts for 40% of worldwide energy usage, with estimations that by 2030 emissions from commercial buildings will grow by 1.8%.

Limit the Environmental Impact of Construction:

Construction contributes to environmental damage both on a global scale, as well as locally. It is important to learn what impact construction causes in order to scale back damage. Here are five ways to help limit environmental impact during your construction project.

1)   Limit Fuel Usage:

Construction firms’ biggest negative impact on the environment is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, like gas and diesel. Every construction project results in these gas emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other waste products that pollute the air and are believed to contribute to global warming. In order to limit fuel usage.

2) Reduce Noise:

Construction noise is a major source of noise pollution. Most of this noise is produced by machinery in site preparation, demolition, and landscaping. Many construction sites are located near homes and businesses and can noise complaints might be likely. Be sure, when beginning a construction project, to be considerate and adhere to any local construction time restrictions. Many people might not appreciate work and loud construction noises beginning at six A.M. on a Saturday. Another good idea is to send a letter to neighbors before beginning work to alert them to how long the project will last and what to expect.

3) Properly Dispose of Waste:

In 2014, there were over 534 million tons of construction material waste in the United States. Demolition waste makes up 90% of total debris, and much of this waste is disposed of in landfills or through incineration. Both these methods harm the environment. By salvaging, reusing, and recycling existing materials, you can cut down on materials harming our precious earth. Hardware, appliances, and fixtures can be recycled or reused. These can be used on future projects or donated to those who need them. Brick and concrete can be recycled and used as fill or driveway bedding, and metals and wood are valuable commodities that can be recycled.

4) Make Use Of Reusable Technology:

There are numerous green building choices available to assist you in reducing your negative environmental effect. Inflatable water dams, for example, can help with erosion, water runoff, and sedimentation. Sandbags and other traditional dewatering methods are expensive and time-consuming, while inflatable water dams are reusable and take up little space. They're easier to set up and use existing water on your job site, so they're also good for the environment.

5) Expedite Your Project:

By accelerating your construction project, you reduce traffic disturbances and also reduce associated emissions and fuel costs. Establish firm completion goals and implement these measures to stay on track. Expediting the construction process helps reduce noise pollution, as well as cutting back on traffic duration and improves safety zones.

Summing up  Construction projects have a huge environmental impact around the world. Every facet of construction, from the mining procedures utilized for materials to the waste produced by the project and how it is disposed of, has a measurable impact. Understanding and taking action to reduce the environmental impact of building projects that impair the water, earth, and the air we breathe is critical and real estate builders should take these factors into account and give them due consideration.