All across the globe, the importance of sustainable practices cannot be overstated, especially in the face of current environmental challenges. Emissions and climate change have become pressing global concerns, and the construction sector plays a substantial role in mitigating these issues. As announced at the COP26 summit, adhering to the ambitious national endeavour of achieving zero emissions by 2070 is now becoming more crucial than ever. So, let’s explore these industry-specific environmental problems and understand some strategies that can help reduce these emissions, ultimately contributing to a greener future.
Emissions from the Construction Industry
The construction sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas release. According to a report, the construction industry is responsible for 19% of the greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions primarily stem from energy consumption, material production, transportation, and the construction process itself. In particular, the use of conventional building materials and energy-intensive construction methods has a considerable carbon footprint. On top of this, the cost of sustainable technologies and a lack of awareness are also standing as stringent barriers. However, the prospects look promising, with advancements in technology and growing environmental consciousness which are paving the way for a more sustainable construction industry.
Recent Developments in Sustainability
The recent bureaucratic push for sustainability in the form of a carbon tax (for eg. the EU’s Carbon Tax Regime) has served as a powerful motivator for industries across the world to adopt sustainable practices, as non-compliance with emissions reduction targets could result in significant financial penalties. These policies are forging an international effort towards combating climate change and the affirmative role of the construction sector is equally important in this undertaking. Hence, in the pursuit of this transformation, the building and construction industry is causing disruption by adopting methods that are more eco-friendly. Here are a few examples:
=Sustainable Building Materials: Recyclable steel and other sustainable building materials offer long-lasting use which makes them highly environmentally friendly. Moreover, steel’s remarkable versatility allows it to be shaped to suit a wide range of architectural designs, making it an ideal choice for various construction projects.
=Energy-Efficient Construction:Smart building designs are paramount in emission reduction. Energy-efficient buildings not only significantly reduce operational energy consumption, thereby lowering costs but also emit lower emissions throughout their lifecycle.
=Renewable Energy Integration: For internal consumption, incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines into building design is another crucial step towards emission reduction. These sources reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, therefore decreasing the carbon footprint of buildings.
=Waste Reduction:The construction industry generates large amounts of waste, and their improper disposal adds massively to overall environmental degradation. By adopting efficient waste management and recycling practices, the building sector can significantly reduce emissions and environmental impact. Additionally, recycling construction materials helps conserve valuable resources which further decreases the reliance on finite raw materials.
=Government Incentives: Regulations that encourage energy-efficient construction and subsidies for the usage of sustainable materials can play a significant role in shaping the industry’s practices. Incentives such as tax benefits and grants further encourage developers to embrace green building practices.
Wrapping Up
The construction industry stands as a crucial contributor towards reducing our emissions. Through the incorporation of innovative solutions, this sector has the potential to exert a strong influence on environmental consciousness. For the journey ahead, industry players should come together andunitein taking a collective responsibility against climate change to shape a world that is environmentally pure for generations to come.
The author is the Chairman & Managing Director of APL Apollo Tubes Limited.
