Going green goes beyond protecting the planet. Learn how adopting more sustainable construction practices helps improve profitability and win more business.
What is sustainability in construction?
In construction, sustainability is the practice of reducing the negative impact a project will have on the environment, both during the construction process and throughout the project’s lifetime. There are many different sustainable construction methods a business can employ, including using green materials and eco-friendly design techniques.
The main goals of sustainability in construction are to maximize energy efficiency, reduce waste, and conserve resources.
Why is sustainability in construction important?
Sustainability is especially important in construction because it’s one of the largest industries in the world, with an equally large carbon footprint. Even small changes can make a huge difference when they’re adopted on a wide basis.
Additionally, the way we build greatly affects the social and physical well-being of our communities. When construction companies embrace sustainable design and construction—and utilize resources in a responsible manner—they are meeting their obligations to help protect not just our shared environment, but also those who live in it.
The benefits of sustainability in construction
There are many benefits of sustainable construction, including:
Reduced resource consumption - Using sustainably-produced, renewable, or recyclable materials and waste-reducing building methods protects natural resources against depletion
Reduced pollution - Energy-efficient construction and design reduce waste and pollution, preserving delicate ecosystems and improving air and water quality
Improved community health - Environmentally-friendly buildings and structures support the physical, mental, and sociological health of the people who use and occupy them
Higher profitability - Sustainable construction can increase your profitability by improving long-term durability, boosting property values, and attracting more business from an increasingly environmentally-conscious consumer base
The challenges of sustainable construction
There are also some challenges businesses that are trying to improve sustainability frequently face:
Lack of access to resources - The availability of green materials and skilled laborers who understand how to use them may be limited in your area
Higher initial costs - Investing in the training and equipment needed to switch to more sustainable construction practices can be a roadblock for some companies, especially small businesses
Regulatory issues - Local building codes and regulations may not currently accommodate for the use of some sustainable materials or techniques
Sustainable construction practices
Improving sustainability could be as simple as taking a class or trying new software. Here are some of the most common ways businesses incorporate sustainable construction practices.
1. Using sustainable construction materials
Using sustainable materials like cork, stone, or bamboo is a relatively straightforward way to reduce a project’s negative environmental effects. A material is generally considered sustainable if it is an easily renewable resource and/or is manufactured using environmentally-friendly processes.
Recycled materials like refurbished steel or reclaimed wood can also be used as a part of your sustainable construction plan. There are even new, experimental materials being tested every day, like mycelium brick, which is made out of a common fungus.
Learn more about sustainable construction materials >
2. Energy efficient designs
Energy efficient building plans use design elements like natural ventilation and insulation to help protect buildings from the elements or ensure they operate correctly while minimizing the need to rely on energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other activities.
Reducing energy consumption helps prevent pollution and natural resource drain.
3. Waste reduction strategies
Construction companies may improve sustainability by making an effort to reduce waste during the construction process. Whether that means more careful planning and purchasing or increased quality control to avoid rework, trying to make the most of your resources and not be wasteful is a good idea for both profitability and sustainability.
4. Training
Even if you don’t have the means to buy new tools or equipment at the moment, you can invest in your most important resource: your employees. Providing training on sustainable construction practices can help your crews be more mindful and spark ideas for how to incorporate greener techniques into your existing workflows.
There are many different online sustainable construction courses that are easy to enroll in no matter your location. There are even some free construction sustainability training options. Conduct research to see what’s available in your specialty area and schedule a training session for your employees or managers.
5. LEED certification
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification program is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. It provides specific guidelines for sustainable construction. If a contractor can prove that they have met or exceeded all defined standards throughout the design and construction process, the finished project will be LEED certified.
Following the official LEED guidelines when designing and building your project will ensure you’re meeting the strictest sustainability standards.
6. Paperless project management
One aspect of sustainability that construction companies often overlook is reducing the amount of paper it takes to manage a project. Projects are complex, and if you’re using pen and paper to record daily progress, track time, manage resources, and complete other essential tasks, you’re probably generating more waste than you realize. Plus, paper documentation can easily become disorganized.
Upgrading to a digital solution for these critical workflows will reduce your environmental impact and help you save valuable time on and off the jobsite.
Go paperless with Raken
Raken is an easy way to go greener. Reduce the environmental impact your projects have by managing progress using our streamlined app instead of pen and paper.
With Raken, you can capture and keep all your documentation on the cloud:
Daily reports - Capture details progress updates with photos and videos
Time tracking - Accurate log hours using three flexible time entry options
Production tracking - Keep projects on track and under budget
Equipment management - Maintain and extend the lifespan of your equipment (plus track emissions)
Safety and quality - Prevent rework with standardized checklists and real-time observations
In addition to reducing waste, going paperless with Raken keeps you organized. All your documentation can be easily accessed anytime, anywhere. Easily review historical data to plan better bids, optimize efficiency, and resolve any legal disputes quickly and fairly.
Digitize your file cabinets and say no to extra waste.