Reducing the Environmental Impact of Construction | Gallagher Bassett Technical Services (2024)

Construction can negatively impact the environment. As the construction industry grows, it is important to take steps towards reducing the impact that construction has on the environment.

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Construction | Gallagher Bassett Technical Services (1)

How Does Construction Impact the Environment?

The construction of a new building can cause harm to the environment in many ways. Some things that negatively impact the environment include:

  1. CO2 emissions – According to an article published in Bold Business, the construction sector contributes to 25% – 40% of the world’s carbon emissions.
  2. Pollution – Construction causes both air and water pollution. Harmful chemicals used during construction can be harmful to both workers and the environment.
  3. Waste – The process of constructing new infrastructure produces a lot of waste that ends up in landfills.
  4. Burning of fossil fuels – The construction process requires the burning of fossil fuels which produces greenhouse gases and harms the environment.
  5. Energy use – The newly constructed buildings use energy which can add to the negative impact on the environment.
  6. Harming wildlife – During construction, clearing vegetation and excavating can destroy wildlife and habitats.
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How Can the Impact of Construction on the Environment be Reduced?

There are many things that can be done to help reduce the environmental impact of construction. Some of these things include:

  1. Designing sustainable construction projects
  2. Increasing the energy efficiency of buildings
  3. Using sustainable building materials
  4. Setting emission reduction targets
  5. Minimizing the discharge of pollutants

It is extremely important to protect the environment from harm. Taking steps towards building green and reducing carbon emissions in construction will go a long way in protecting the world we live in.

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Construction | Gallagher Bassett Technical Services (3)

How Can TSC Help?

Total Safety Consulting can help with the reduction of environmental impact of construction projects. Some of the site safety services we can provide at TSC address hazards that go beyond the site and negatively impact the environment. These services include:

  • Fire safety managers who can prevent fire hazards
  • Keeping chemicals and electrical work from being compromised and causing an accident
  • Preventing stop work orders that keep the site closed, causing work to drag on and affect the environment

If you are interested in learning more about the services TSC provides, contact us today!

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Construction | Gallagher Bassett Technical Services (2024)

FAQs

What procedures would Minimise the impact on the environment of a construction site? ›

Reducing Waste Generation

Construction businesses can cut down on the consumption of new materials by buying used, salvaged or recycled materials. And they can reduce the waste they generate by sending their construction and demolition debris to be recycled and used again in new projects.

What is the use of construction practices that seek to minimize environmental impact? ›

Planning out the proper disposal and recycling of construction materials is essential to minimize environmental harm. Waste reduction and recycling practices, as well as new ideas about waste management, can help to negate some of the impacts.

How can construction be more environmentally friendly? ›

Construction companies can use renewable energy sources as part of their green construction strategies. Harnessing renewable energy sources can help construction businesses reduce their fossil fuel consumption and make their buildings more energy-efficient. Harnessing renewable also offers several ancillary benefits.

What is the most likely environmental impact of the construction? ›

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 the climatic change, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes.

How can environmental impacts be reduced? ›

Try to collect the water used to wash vegetables and salad to water your houseplants. Lower your shades or close your curtains on hot days, to keep the house cool and reduce the use of electric fans or air-conditioning. Let clothes dry naturally. Keep lids on pans when cooking to conserve energy.

What are some negative impacts of construction technology? ›

Adverse Effects of Technology in Construction

Here are the most significant concerns to consider. Safety risks: Automation reduces accidents resulting from human error but brings other safety concerns, such as system failures, data breaches and malfunctioning hardware or software.

What is the environmental impact assessment for construction projects? ›

What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Construction Projects? Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) is a tool to properly anticipate and evaluate the likely impacts of a proposed construction project or development activity and propose measures and strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts.

What is eco-friendly in construction? ›

Eco-friendly construction prioritizes the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of environmental impact. By using sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and implementing efficient construction practices, these buildings help conserve resources such as water, wood, and energy.

What are the 7 principles of sustainable construction? ›

There are 7 principles of sustainable construction that feature in most sources:
  • Design.
  • Durability.
  • Energy efficiency.
  • Waste reduction.
  • Indoor air quality.
  • Water conservation.
  • Building materials.

How can we reduce carbon footprint in building construction? ›

The following are different ways you can minimize the carbon emissions from your upcoming construction projects:
  1. Monitor Water Usage. ...
  2. Utilize Sustainable Materials. ...
  3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. ...
  4. Implement New Technology. ...
  5. Work Sustainability Into Your Project.

What are sustainable construction practices? ›

Sustainable construction means using recyclable and renewable materials in building projects and minimizing energy consumption and waste production. The primary goal of the sustainable construction method is to reduce its impact on our environment.

What steps can be taken to minimize the environmental impact of industry? ›

Measuring and Reducing Your Environmental Impact
  • Use energy more efficiently. Producing electricity and natural gas and delivering it to your door generates greenhouse gas emissions. ...
  • Install renewables. ...
  • Conserve water. ...
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle. ...
  • Travel less. ...
  • Consider near sourcing. ...
  • Ship goods more efficiently.

How can we reduce environmental impact at work? ›

Put paper and other waste in separate waste bins (Put used napkins in black incineration bins, not blue paper recycling bins). Flatten cardboard boxes and put them in the paper waste bins/sacks. Deliver recyclable glass and plastic bottles to the canteen. Avoid using non-recyclable plastic bottles, cups, bags etc.

What is the construction process that focuses on minimizing environmental impact known as? ›

Sustainable construction is the use of renewable and recyclable materials in construction to reduce energy consumption and wastage. Sustainable construction primarily exists to minimize the impact of construction on the environment.

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