Building the Future
Going green on construction sites
By Jenn Miller, Occupational Safety Group
Construction is, for the most part, an unavoidable part
of life. Construction sites are not known for having
small carbon footprints. The material waste, fuel consumption,
emissions and impact to the environment are often a
secondary consideration to the goal of construction. Aside from the
immediate impact at the site, the carbon footprint of a construction
project is far-reaching. Consider the original manufacturing process
required to curate or refine raw materials, such as lumber or metal
alloys, and the emissions and fuel consumption associated with the
worldwide shipping market that’s responsible for transporting specialized
construction materials to sites all over the world.
As consumers, constructors and organizations move toward
more socially and environmentally friendly business models, the
switch to more sustainable, eco-friendly or “green” construction
methods and materials is inevitable.
ENVIRONMENT
What is eco-friendly construction?
In order to meet the demands of consumers looking for eco-friendly
construction solutions and green alternatives, many constructors
are investigating ways to go green. An eco-friendly construction
process is one that aims to reduce waste and environmental
impact through more ecologically minded processes. A green building
is one that aims to create a positive impact on the environment
through the design and/or operation of the building. Most green
buildings are constructed using eco-friendly (or as eco-friendly as
possible) construction methods.
Eco-friendly construction practices
There are several construction practices that can be implemented
to mitigate the negative effects that construction may have on the
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