The construction industry is a massive net contributor to global carbon emissions and pollution.
According to the UN, global emissions from buildings and the construction industry reached new highs in 2022, accounting for 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
However, construction’s negative effect on the environment is not just limited to carbon. Further studies have shown that construction is responsible for 40% of water and 25% of air pollution nationwide. Construction sites are also responsible for significant noise pollution and landfill waste, as we’ll see in this article.
Reducing environmental pollution is a massive concern among stakeholders, from end-users to municipalities and government agencies. Learning how to limit the environmental impact of construction can help companies attract more customers, accrue higher savings, and comply with environmental regulations.
Let’s explore the impact of the construction industry on the environment and how contractors and managers can reduce their footprint.
How Does Construction Impact the Environment
Construction profoundly impacts the environment throughout each stage of its development, from land excavation and resource extraction to demolition and the final product.
Here are a few key ways that construction negatively impacts the environment:
- Resource Depletion: The construction industry heavily relies on natural resources like wood, heavy metals, and fossil fuels that all need to be extracted from the earth. In turn, this leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and depletion of non-renewable materials.
- Energy Consumption: The amount of fuel needed to power machinery and transport materials is massive and contributes greatly to the carbon footprint of many construction zones.
- Waste Generation: Building projects produce a significant amount of waste, including valuable materials like concrete, wood, metal, and plastic. According to some estimates, up to 23% of total landfill waste comes from construction and demolition.
- Air and Water Pollution: Nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff and agriculture is the number one source of water pollution in the US. Much of this originates from the dust, chemicals, metals, and pollutants found and washed away on construction sites.
- Land Degradation: Clearing land for construction disrupts soil composition, affects biodiversity, and can lead to erosion and increased stormwater runoff.
- Noise Pollution: Finally, the use of heavy machinery and equipment creates noise pollution, which can disturb local wildlife and negatively impact nearby communities.
Understanding the deleterious effects of construction on the environment can help suite managers and consultants devise a plan to reverse this impact.
11 Ways to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Construction
1. Implement Green Building Materials
Using eco-friendly materials is a foundational step toward sustainable construction. Green and recycled building materials, such as recycled metal, reclaimed wood, and low-carbon concrete, can reduce the strain on natural resources and embodied carbon.
Many of these materials can also be purchased locally, reducing the need to transport these materials from far away.
Likewise, energy-efficient building materials, such as low-E windows, spray foam insulation, and composite shingles, can significantly impact carbon emissions.
2. Optimize Energy Efficiency
One of the longest-lasting impacts builders can make is investing in energy-efficient construction, which reduces the emissions generated from buildings over their use. We have provided several resources on how to build an energy-efficient home, including the use of LED lights, double-pane windows, solar panels, and improved insulation to reduce energy usage.
3. Reduce and Reuse Construction Waste
Construction generates enormous waste, with unused materials and scrap often ending up in landfills. However, many of these materials are valuable and can be reused or recycled. Efficient waste management starts with sorting materials on-site to ensure items like metals, concrete, and wood are recycled correctly. Leftover materials can often be repurposed for landscaping or additional construction projects.
4. Implement Erosion Control Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Local water pollution is one of the most dangerous effects of construction on local communities, and a massive contributor to this is local erosion, which leads to sedimentation. While most companies will require a stormwater management plan to obtain a Construction General Permit, it still pays to develop a plan to combat erosion using various best management practices, such as silt fencing, wattles, riparian barriers, and more.
5. Focus on Water Conservation
On the flip side, construction sites often require large amounts of water, leading to wastage and excessive consumption that strains local communities. Implementing water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting systems and grey water recycling can help mitigate consumption.
6. Practice Sustainable Site Management
When planning a construction project, there are several things managers can do to reduce land disturbance and resource consumption. For example, phasing construction to reduce land disturbance can help preserve natural landscapes.
Likewise, creating buffer zones around construction sites can prevent runoff from polluting local water bodies. Thoughtful site management protects local wildlife, reduces the risk of pollution, and maintains a healthier ecosystem for nearby communities.
7. Adopt Green Certifications and Standards
Buildings certified through programs like LEED are proven to have lower operational costs and a higher market value. Likewise, several programs are designed to assist builders in implementing higher energy efficiency standards, such as RESNET for HVAC and EnergyStar for overall building standards and appliances.
8. Reduce Transportation Emissions
As previously mentioned, transporting materials and personnel to and from construction sites adds significantly to a project’s carbon footprint. Sourcing materials locally is a simple yet effective way to reduce transportation emissions.
Additionally, bulk ordering materials can also lower transport frequency. These strategies cut emissions and contribute to operational efficiency and cost savings.
9. Hire an Environmental Consultant
An environmental consultant can help your project reduce emissions and save money. From project planning and SWPPP drafting to quality assurance and control, an environmental consultant will advise you on the best tools, methods, and materials that make the biggest difference to your bottom line and carbon footprint.
FAQs
How does green building certification help the environment?
Green building certifications like LEED encourage the adoption of sustainable practices that lower emissions, conserve resources, and reduce waste. Certified buildings are more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and often more cost-effective in the long run.
Are there any government incentives for eco-friendly construction?
Many governments provide tax credits (such as 45L), grants, or rebates for projects that meet environmental standards or achieve certifications like LEED. These incentives help offset the costs of sustainable building practices, making green construction more accessible.