Construction industries are the backbone of growth and development. However, mankind often has to pay a heavy price for it. To be precise, construction works require extensive use of resources which depletes the non-renewable resources rapidly. Over the years, the vast construction operations have led to various environmental issues. Thus, the need for sustainable practices in construction activities has become significant. Thankfully, most of the leading industries are aware of it and are adapting to the necessary changes.
They are constantly working to reduce the carbon footprint and to meet regulatory requirements to ensure a safer and greener world. So, let us study in detail the importance of environmental management for such companies and how it can shape their development. Some of the leading construction companies like Osterman are leading the path in this regard.
Environmental impact of construction companies
Here is a brief outline of the ways construction companies can be detrimental to the environment. It gives us an idea of how they have been the frontrunners in the present environmental issues we are encountering.
Resource depletion
Understandably, construction projects for their successful completion need vast amounts of raw materials which can be in the form of wood, metals, and minerals. The procedure of extracting, transporting, and using each of the above-mentioned items leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and as mentioned earlier the depletion of resources.
Greenhouse gas emissions
The construction activities are solely responsible for contributing a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions. The by-products of building materials, use of machines, use of energy necessary for operating machines, and many other aspects lead to the aforementioned problem.
Waste generation
Construction and demolition practices lead to an increased amount of waste. The waste ultimately ends up in landfills. As a result, it not only consumes valuable land resources but also plays a major role in polluting the environment.
Water usage and pollution
Then again, construction industries also require large quantities of water, and as we are aware, water is gradually becoming scarce in different parts of the world. To make matters worse, construction industries also lead to water pollution which can wreak havoc in the life of the aquatic creatures.
Benefits of environmental management
Construction industries pressing for environmental management can yield heaps of benefits for their business, so it is not limited to the ecological advantages only. Let us take a look:
- Enhancing reputation: Presently, sustainability has become the foremost consideration for everyone. Thus, companies that highlight it through their practices are likely to gain attention and become a reputed industry in quick time. Their sustainable practices will naturally attract more clients who prefer environmentally responsible practices. Moreover, most governments are now emphasizing that construction firms follow various environmental criteria. Therefore, by implementing a solid environmental management plan, the company can expect to grow further.
- Cost savings: The initial implementation of environmental management practices may appear expensive, but in the long-run, it can lead to considerable cost savings. For example, the usage of energy-efficient machinery and construction process can reduce operational costs by cutting down fuel and electricity consumption. Similarly, waste reduction and recycling can help in savings by reducing the need for new materials and disposal expenses.
- Innovations: The urge to practice environmental management systems encourages companies to innovate new and better materials that would contribute to sustainable practices. As a result, the development of new technologies and methodologies is always on the cards. Many of the construction companies are now working alongside researchers, environmentalists, engineers, and architects to innovate designs to minimize environmental impacts. Green buildings and energy-efficient homes are some such examples.
The future of environmental management in the construction industry
Construction industries are all set to expand their plans for environmental management during various construction-related activities. Over the years, the advent of green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) and others have inspired many others. In the coming days, we can expect advancements in technology such as Building Information Modeling (BMI) to enable construction companies to plan their activities in a better way. The introduction of various tools like sound, noise, and vibration monitors is also helping reduce the environmental impact. We can expect these tools to become more enhanced in the future. Presently, construction companies with the help of the above-mentioned tools can make informed decisions about designs, materials, and construction techniques to minimize the environmental impact.
Final words
So, as we can see, environmental management is no longer limited to being a responsibility for construction companies. The need of the hour suggests it should be the essential component of any modern construction-related project. By integrating sustainable practices in their operations, companies can considerably reduce their impact on the environment. The practices have already begun, so we can be optimistic, in the future, construction companies with their improved practices heal the damage they had once done to the environment.
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