Sustainable Construction Operations: The Six Principles That Matter

At CMT we understand the importance of sustainable construction operations. Above all, construction work is resource and energy-intensive. Planning resources are stretched, even more; project demands are high. We're aiming to make project manger's lives easier with this quick guide. For that reason, here's an introduction to sustainable operations for the construction industry:

The Six Principles That Matter for Sustainable Construction Operations

Sustainable construction starts with sustainable design. Sustainable materials matter (read Part III to find out why). However, the next step is critical: ensuring sustainable operations planning and execution. Therefore, we created this article where you’ll find out about the six principles for sustainable operations:

1. Optimise site potential

2. Optimise energy use

3. Protect and conserve water

4. Optimise building space & material use

5. Enhance 'Indoor Environmental Quality'

6. Optimise operational and maintenance practises

  And we’ll conclude our three-part series to review:

- Making Sustainable Construction the New Normal

 

Optimise Site Potential

Choosing the right site for a build is the first step in ensuring sustainable operation. The location, orientation and landscaping of the build will impact:

• Local ecosystems
• Transportation
• Energy usage

  We must carefully consider needs to ensure that a build works in harmony with all three. Likewise the placement of a build, whether new or a retrofit of an existing build, must take external factors into consideration so the completed project can tie nicely into its new location. Careful consideration of these factors will optimise the functionality of a build for when it's time to be used.  

Optimise Energy Use

Designing a build to use energy as efficiently as possible is perhaps the most obvious way a build can be made as sustainable an operation as possible.

Energy sources

Fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources are a major enemy of sustainable development and accordingly; good sustainable design will put into action a variety of tactics to avoid their use. A sustainable design will see the application of alternative energy generation, such as solar panels, as well as using the best insulation for the purpose of the build. These factors will change depending on the location of the build. Ensuring that your build, when in use, optimises energy use to ensure as little as possible gets wasted.

Existing builds

Retrofitting existing homes with energy-saving innovations and renewable energy sources is great for saving energy and money for existing homeowners. Sustainable operations in construction will lift the industry to a higher level, and therefore are not limited to new builds.  

Protect and Conserve Water

Water's not often the first thing people in developed countries think about when they ponder sustainable operations. However, new builds should be designed with water conservation in mind, it's as important as saving energy.

Treatment and transportation

The cost of treatment and transportation for drinking water alone has a notable impact on the environment. So intelligent, sustainable operations will look at ways water usage can be made as efficient as possible to reduce water waste.  

Optimise Building Space and Sustainable Material Use

This principle relates to building with ethically and sustainably sourced materials. A sustainable design will have sustainable materials as its core, and you can read more about them in Part II of or our series.  

Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) ties heavily with social sustainability. A building design that enhances IEQ will optimise a space to increase the comfort, health, and productivity of those who use it. Whilst IEQ isn’t primarily a consideration, sustainable operations often tie closely with environmental factors. For example, a space that enhances IEQ will ensure that the building works with the path of the sun to ensure the best amount of natural light throughout the day. Accordingly, this links with moisture control and ensuring the best air quality across the building.  

Optimise Maintenance Operations

An efficient and sustainable operation and designed building will be easy to manage and highly functional, so that maintenance work and repairs happen quickly and with ease. This is beneficial in all areas of sustainable operations (economic, environmental, and social - read all about them in our Intro to Sustainable Construction). Speedy rectification of issues will limit the loss of energy, money, and functional time for the users of the building. Working with maintenance staff on the design process is another to ensure the competed build is easy to manage and maintain.   [caption id="attachment_1669" align="alignnone" width="800"] For a more nuanced look at the importance of Sustainabilty in Construction, see The World Green Building Council's report.[/caption]  

Making Sustainable Operations in Construction the New Normal

The shift from traditional building attitudes and techniques is not one that will happen overnight, indeed even if we all want it. Because it’s a long and steady process. New innovative technologies are being created, understandably the industry is tentative to make shifts for new and less assured methods. But these changes are important if we, as a global community, want to make substantial change.

Small and frequent steps

The shift to alternative fuels, for example, are the best ways to get the wheels of change in motion and create more sustainable construction operation. Similarly, sustainable building design is no new idea, but it's important that it becomes normalised. Ultimately, the shift to a higher sustainable standard is one that requires time, money, and effort. However, the payoff is worth it. Not just for the sake of the environment, but also as a means of saving money on running costs.  

What difference does sustainability make?

In conclusion, we’ll see more efficient buildings become commonplace, with spaces optimised to benefit the well-being of the people who inhabit them. As well as the planet. Missed our Intro to Sustainability? How about our Guide to Sustainable Materials & Machines? You can view our range of Green-focussed supplies for your site now.