#circulareconomy
#leavenoonebehind
Jennifer Okafor notes that while constructing our living and working spaces is crucial for protection against natural elements, it also poses environmental harm with each new concrete slab poured and design plan executed.
Harmful materials used in the construction industry, both historically and currently, include lead, volatile organic compounds, chromated copper arsenate, asbestos, silica, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
From the list above, it's evident that construction materials negatively affect our environment. Moreover, both on-site and off-site construction activities have environmental consequences.
The construction process itself encompasses the manufacturing of building materials, transportation, on-site construction, machinery, etc. These processes often require substantial energy, such as the fossil-fuel-powered machinery needed to source timber and metal, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Water pollution is another environmental impact of construction, with demolition debris affecting local water bodies.
This week's #circularconversation is designed to encourage a deep dive into the construction value chain and promote sustainable construction practices. Sustainable construction necessitates collaboration among various actors and stakeholders to bridge the theoretical and practical aspects of the sector.
A sustainable design approach is imperative in sustainable construction to mitigate the adverse effects of construction on our health and the environment.
Steel structures offer unmatched durability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability—an ideal choice for any project!