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Exploring Construction Careers? Ways to Promote Sustainability in the Field

July 19, 2022

Caring for the environment is becoming increasingly more important, making sustainable construction a key part of the process. According to research, annual global construction waste is anticipated to reach 2.2 billion tons by 2025. Professionals in construction careers can embrace sustainable practices to reduce this number and make a positive difference.

Sustainable construction can typically be viewed as any kind of construction practice that serves to reduce its impact on the environment. Typically, this involves being environmentally conscious when starting construction projects—choosing the right materials and methods to minimize energy consumption or waste production. 

Read on to learn about how professionals in the industry can embrace sustainability and contribute to protecting the environment through their work.

Selecting Environmentally-Friendly Construction Materials 

Before starting a construction project, professionals can begin by selecting sustainable materials. These materials do not negatively impact the environment nor do they play a role in draining natural resources. Here, it’s best to avoid using non-renewable and scarce materials and prioritize reclaimed materials over new ones. 

Professionals can consider using bamboo, recycled plastic, laminated timber, ferrock and hempcrete when constructing green buildings—ones that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. It’s also good practice for professionals in construction careers to aim for using fewer materials and opting for ones with low embodied energy. By taking on this approach, construction professionals can reduce their energy consumption, better protect the environment and decrease the carbon footprint of their projects. 

Choosing to work with bamboo can be a way to promote sustainability in construction

Embracing Sustainable Construction Methods After Construction School

Prefabricated construction, also referred to as offsite or modular construction, is when parts of a structure are assembled at a manufacturing site before being transported to their final destination. This technique is considered to be more sustainable as it promotes factory-based manufacturing with more affordable operating costs. 

In fact, it’s even been noted that this construction method uses up to 67% less energy than a traditional site. Because manufacturers would be more able to accurately estimate the necessary materials, they can reduce waste by 50% compared to conventional construction. 

Interestingly, buildings developed using the prefabricated approach can even be recycled and repurposed over time, ultimately reducing waste. Students in construction school can embrace these methods in their careers to build a more sustainable future.  

By assembling parts of a structure at a dedicated facility, professionals in construction careers can better embrace sustainability

Managing Construction Waste With the Environment in Mind

Reducing waste is a key way to promote sustainability in construction. This can be done by carefully planning waste management efforts, anticipating potential waste, preparing sufficient bins for separating waste, estimating the right amount of materials and identifying recyclable materials.

Another valuable approach is to prioritize deconstruction over demolition. That’s because demolition is typically more destructive, preventing professionals from preserving reusable materials. By opting for deconstruction, professionals can disassemble structures to salvage reusable materials and save them for future projects. Adopting these approaches and taking active measures to promote sustainability in the field can help reduce our impact on the environment.

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