Eco-friendly Construction: Utilizing Modern Infrastructure and Nature Together
Human nature has long been characterized by curiosity, driving us towards innovation. As civilizations evolve, urban landscapes become increasingly prominent, with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings proliferating while our forests dwindle. These architectural marvels, funded by both governmental and private entities, symbolize progress. However, alongside urban development come environmental consequences, including but not limited to:
- CO2 emissions
- Air and water pollution
- Enormous amounts of waste
- Burning of fossil fuels
- Use of non-renewable energy sources
- Displacing wildlife and disrupting ecosystems
In fact, construction has been identified as a significant contributor, accounting for 50% of climate change (Tabassum Ira, 2021). Apart from causing water and air pollution, it also has adverse effects on landfill usage and contributes to an increase in noise pollution. However, the construction industry is currently making strides in introducing and implementing more sustainable practices. This includes changes in their methods of operation, the materials they utilize, and efforts to integrate infrastructure in harmony with the natural environment.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE GREEN CONSTRUCTION?
According to a definition by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, green construction is defined as the application of environmentally responsible and resource-efficient methods to the building process. Moreover, the construction industry has been exploring new technologies and greener materials to minimize the negative environmental impacts of urbanization. Some ways in which they have been incorporating green construction include:
- Designing sustainable construction projects
- Implementing energy efficiency for buildings
- Gathering information and construction materials that can be sustainable
- Setting up reduction of emission targets and goals
- Minimizing ways to reduce releasing harmful pollutants
WHAT IS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE?
Green infrastructure, also known as blue-green infrastructure, refers to the utilization of natural processes to address urban and climatic challenges during construction. Green infrastructure not only enhances community safety and improves quality of life but can also be applied in various settings, from domestic homes to larger landscapes. By prioritizing nature, green infrastructure aims to not only enhance human well-being but also mitigate negative impacts on the environment and natural ecosystems, which support diverse animal and plant species. Moreover, the introduction of green infrastructure and construction has created additional job opportunities, including in plumbing, landscaping, engineering, building, and design. Manufacturers of construction materials are also exploring ways to responsibly collect natural resources without causing harm to the landscape.
CONCLUSION
Introducing green infrastructure and construction enables us to rapidly improve our economy and well-being while also avoiding detrimental consequences to our environment. Instead of destroying natural habitats for our benefit, we can utilize our existing natural resources by building around them, thus minimizing negative effects such as climate change, pollution, and the release of carbon emissions.
References:
- Christine. (2020, January 14). Reducing the environmental impact of construction. Gallagher Bassett Technical Services. https://www.totalsafety.org/reducing-the-environmental-impact-of-construction/#:~:text=Pollution%20%E2%80%93%20Construction%20causes%20both%20air,that%20ends%20up%20in%20landfills.
- What is Green Infrastructure? —. (n.d.-b). American Rivers. https://www.americanrivers.org/what-is-green-infrastructure/
- Global Infrastructure Hub. (2023, November 27). What are nature-based solutions for infrastructure? https://www.gihub.org/articles/what-are-nature-based-solutions-for-infrastructure/#:~:text=Green%20roofs%2C%20urban%20gardens%2C%20green,urban%20stormwater%20and%20flood%20management.
- Newton, E. (2022, January 19). The top benefits of Eco-Friendly construction. construction21.org. https://www.construction21.org/articles/h/the-top-benefits-of-eco-friendly-construction.html
- Go Construct Team. (2020, October 18). Construction and the environment. Go Construct. https://www.goconstruct.org/why-choose-construction/whats-happening-in-construction/construction-and-the-environment/#:~:text=Does%20construction%20impact%20the%20environment,%2C%20water%2C%20and%20noise%20pollution.
- Green Building. (2016, February 21). https://archive.epa.gov/greenbuilding/web/html/about.html
- Tabassum Ira, R. (2021, May). Effect of construction on the environment [Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology]. In Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4770033 “According to a BIMhow study, the construction sector is responsible for 23% of air pollution, 50% of climate change...”
Published on May 13, 2024.
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