How the construction industry is using technology to become more sustainable
25th Oct 2023 Money
3 min read
Building a sustainable future through the use of digital solutions and technology, the UK's construction industry is transforming to reduce waste
In the lead-up to 2050, the construction sector faces a
critical transformation in order to align with the established emissions
reduction objectives. Acknowledged as one of the UK's most environmentally
impactful industries, construction companies and contractors are under
increasing pressure to take more significant steps towards sustainability.
According to RedSky, construction
software experts, digital solutions and technologies could be the key to
addressing these challenges. They offer a range of advantages, from enhancing
energy efficiency throughout the supply chain to monitoring and reducing waste,
enabling construction firms to keep pace with the set timeline and outshine
their competition.
Addressing the challenge of carbon emissions in construction
The construction industry is a major contributor to air pollution. Credit: Iryna Melnyk
The UK government has unveiled an
initiative to reduce at least 100% of greenhouse gases by 2050 compared to
1990. As the industry is responsible for around 23%
of air pollution, construction firms, contractors and subcontractors are being
asked to account for their carbon emissions.
"Responsible for around 23% of air pollution, construction firms need to account for their carbon emissions"
Under new rules, those who wish to compete for government
tenders worth more than £5
million p/a in value must pledge their commitment to net zero targets.
Essentially, construction companies with a forward-thinking approach to waste
reduction, responsible material sourcing, and who recognise the urgency
required in reducing carbon emissions are more likely to win more business.
Changing the game of sustainability: digital solutions
Keeping up with new legalisation and ensuring compliance
with sustainability requirements can seem challenging but technology is
changing all that.
1. Optimising the supply chain
Thanks
to Supply Chain Management digital platforms, it’s now easier for
construction firms to review, investigate and optimise their supply chain.
Construction businesses can utilise contractors that align with their carbon
reduction ethos and that make conscious decisions to be less polluting.
Energy-focused contractors may become more in demand among suppliers due to
this development.
2. Enhancing energy efficiency
Smart buildings and IoT integration is an important development. Credit: metamorworks
In line with building
regulations around fuel conservation, new builds must be considered
throughout their lifecycle, not just early-planning stages to completion. With
this knowledge, construction firms can make more tactful decisions on smart
building systems and IoT (Internet of Things) integration.
Even after a build
has been finalised, residents can enjoy a home that ensures optimal energy
efficiency and prime opportunities to monitor energy.
3. Reducing waste, from water to materials
Alongside data collection and KPIs, construction firms can
utilise digital platforms to help monitor material purchases and usage.
Unfortunately, the industry is responsible for 50%
of the UK’s landfill and 40% of drinking water pollution, meaning there must be
a greater commitment to monitoring waste levels.
Digital platforms aid firms are looking to keep track of material use, performance and price, allowing them to
compare and select the most appropriate choice.
4. Accounting for existing carbon
There’s no need for disparate spreadsheets and reports,
easily keep track of existing carbon emissions in a centralised location,
easily set targets and produce performance reports on how your company is
progressing.
"Construction firms are using more sustainable materials, reducing water waste and using forward-thinking contractors"
Every day, construction firms are making conscious choices to use
more sustainable materials, reduce water waste and select contractors with a
forward-thinking approach to carbon reduction.
5. Modular construction
Modular homes reduce construction time. Credit: Teamjackson
Off-site construction is known to speed up certain building
projects, especially those with tighter deadlines. For high-rise buildings,
such as flats, offices and hotels, modular construction can offer greater
energy efficiency. Produced off-site, they reduce construction time, foot
traffic on building sites and overall project waste.
6. Planning, development and design
Architects,
engineers and surveyors now have the ability to produce detailed 3D models of
structures and buildings, thanks to
the implementation of BIM (Building Information Modelling) and StreamBIM software.
"Architects, engineers and surveyors now have the ability to produce detailed 3D models of buildings"
As well as allowing
visualisations of design, it simulates the construction processes.
Effectively, early-stage planners can optimise material use, reducing wasted
materials and emissions.
How will digital solutions support the future of construction?
The UK's construction industry is taking significant strides
towards reducing its carbon footprint through digital innovations. These
technologies are transforming the way buildings are designed, constructed, and
operated, resulting in improved energy efficiency, reduced waste, and
diminished carbon emissions.
Moreover, the substantial contrast between the carbon
footprint of old and new buildings underscores the positive impact of
sustainability innovations. As the construction sector continues to embrace
digital solutions, it edges closer to realising the UK's ambitious goal of
achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, contributing to a more sustainable
and environmentally conscious future.
Banner photo credit: Andrii Yalanskyi
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