Why We Should Be Keeping the Environment in Mind During Construction Works 

As the world’s population creeps closer to 10 billion people, the demand for housing, roads, and new buildings will only rise. It probably doesn’t surprise you to hear that this construction has a considerable impact on the environment, but what can we do about it?

As we gain a better understanding of how human development affects the world around us, building companies such as Eaglewood Homes are making sure to think of the environment when they construct new homes. Here a few of the most environmental problems with construction and how new technology can help us solve them.

To Save Our Natural Resources

Maybe the most obvious problem that arises with construction projects is the fact that they deplete natural resources. The biggest culprits are the cutting down of forests for wood and drilling for oil. Homes that are built of wood are going to require dozens of trees worth of lumber erect the frame alone. Trees take so long to mature to a point where they can be used for lumber that it is becoming increasingly difficult for supply to meet the demand.

Furthermore, whenever a building is erected, the first step is clearing the land the building will sit on which can lead to erosion issues.  

The best way construction companies can do better by Mother Nature is to only use lumber that comes from legal and sustainable sources. Wood certified by the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) is a safe bet.

To Reduce Emissions 

An overlooked aspect of construction is getting the materials to the place they are needed.  This usually requires shipping the materials via train, ship or truck.  All three modes of travel require using thousands of gallons of gas every hour.   

Luckily, the future of transportation looks promising. Advances have been made in electric vehicles and the use of biodiesel fuels. Hopefully, these clean energy alternatives will one day replace pollutants. 

 

To Protect Our Health 

The pollution produced by heavy construction zones can reduce air quality and lead to respiratory problems. There’s noise pollution to worry about, too – the loud sounds can affect both humans and animals living around these sites.  

Oil, gas, and chemicals used in construction projects can easily make their way into the ground.  These toxic substances can then seep into the groundwater, affecting animals and humans who drink it.  This can lead to all sorts of health issues that might not be seen for decades. 

There is also the issue of sewage leaking out from old pipes and draining into the water table. This can create problems for food that is grown, making it inedible. That’s why it’s so important to carefully monitor these substances during construction. 

What Can Be Done? 

Thankfully, much work has been done on ways to counter the damage that has been done to the environment. Newer construction companies are embracing green technologies to reduce the impact they have on local habitats.  

Some builders try to recycle materials whenever possible.  One example is how some builders take old barns apart for their lumber and then reuse it in new projects to give wooden accents a beautiful aged look. Other companies insist on only installing energy efficient appliances into their new homes to help cut down on the use of fossil fuels. 

The EPA has enacted guidelines that are aimed at helping the environment. Some of these are bans on certain substances like oil, gas and chemicals from being discharged. They also have made a push to get contractors to implement erosion and sediment controls so that the amount of soil exposed to toxic materials is limited. 

Clearly, the population is going to continue to grow, which means that there will always be a need for new buildings. If care isn’t taken, these new construction project will cause all sorts of environmental issues. However, with advances in science and diligent attention to the potential problems that can arise, it is possible to keep up with the pace of progress while keeping the Earth safe from pollution and protecting the available natural resources.

Check out this infographic which is really helpful.

Courtesy Of Yak Mat