The Environmental Impact of Construction and How We Can Make a Change
The Environmental Impact of Construction
Some of the ways that the construction industry negatively impacts the environment:
Carbon Emissions: The construction industry is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. According to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, buildings and construction together account for 36% of global final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Resource Depletion: The industry is a significant consumer of natural resources. It is estimated that construction accounts for about 50% of global resource consumption. This includes materials like sand, gravel, limestone, and other minerals, leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Waste Generation: Construction activities generate substantial amounts of waste. In the UK alone, construction and demolition waste accounts for more than one-third of all waste generated, which is about 120 million tonnes per year. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, contributing to pollution and land degradation.
Water Usage: Construction processes are water-intensive. The industry uses vast amounts of water for concrete mixing, dust suppression, and other activities, often leading to the depletion of local water resources.
Making a Change: Sustainable Construction Practice
To reduce its environmental impact, the construction industry must adopt more sustainable practices.
Here are some key strategies:
Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient designs and construction techniques can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This includes the use of advanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy sources like solar panels.
Sustainable Materials: Using sustainable and recycled materials can help reduce resource depletion. Materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and eco-friendly concrete alternatives are becoming more popular and viable.
Waste Reduction: Adopting waste reduction practices is crucial. This can be achieved through better planning and design, on-site recycling, and the use of modular construction techniques that minimise waste.
Water Conservation: Implementing water-saving measures, such as rainwater harvesting systems and water-efficient equipment, can help reduce the industry’s water footprint.
How H. E. Services is Tackling Environmental Issues
At H. E. Services, we are proactively tackling environmental issues in the construction industry through a variety of sustainable practices. We have installed solar panels across our sites to harness renewable energy, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, we have transitioned to using electric vehicles for our management and staff, and provide free electric charging on site to encourage eco-friendly commuting. Our buildings are fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting, further minimising our energy consumption. We also prioritise recycling, ensuring that as much waste as possible is repurposed or reused, rather than sent to landfill.
We are also now offering a demo of the cutting-edge battery electric 22-tonne Komatsu excavator. This remarkable machine is designed to work an 8-hour shift on a single charge and can be conveniently recharged overnight or during the day in about 12 hours. The shift to electric construction machinery not only represents a technological advancement but also a significant economic benefit, with savings of approximately £10 per hour by eliminating diesel fuel costs. This highlights our desire to make more sustainable choices and provide more environmentally friendly options for customers. We are constantly adapting and expanding our fleet to fit industry and customers’ needs.
Escort Vehicle
Fully Electric BMW i3
Electric Digger
Komatsu PC210 excavator
Solar Panels
H. E. Services National Hire Centre
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