Three Trends Making the Construction Industry More Sustainable
If you’re in the construction industry, you know it’s constantly changing. New technologies and approaches are developing all the time. There are always opportunities to increase efficiency and lower costs, but many of the changes are also aimed at sustainability.
The Construction Industry’s Environmental Impact
Between mining for materials, burning fossil fuels, clearing vegetation and chemical usage, construction is one of the leading impacts on the environment. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports “The buildings and buildings construction sectors combined are responsible for 30% of total global final energy consumption and 27% of total energy sector emissions.”
Fortunately, individuals and companies alike are rallying to address these issues, leading to several dynamic trends on the rise in the construction industry – helping to reduce negative environmental impacts.
Drones In Construction
The use of drones has been expanding across many industries, but nowhere more significantly than construction. According to research conducted by DroneDeploy analyzing user data, construction experienced a 239% increase in adoption of drone usage – a rate rivaled only by the mining industry at 198%.
By using drones, construction companies can greatly increase efficiency, which saves money and lowers emissions. Aerial views of job sites help catch problems early, and drones can map job sites much more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. For example, drones like DroneDeploy’s use ground control points (GCPs), which are ground markers measured with GPS to calculate absolute global positioning. As a result, maps and measurements are more accurate, which saves on time and cuts down on waste. Drones can even use imaging to measure stockpile amounts, allowing companies to estimate value and track volume changes over time.
Drones can also come with software that helps report and analyze the data gathered. This makes it easier to plan and keep the project on track. Drones help increase the level of safety on jobsites as well. Workers can survey and assess the area without putting any humans at risk, especially as changes occur throughout the job site
How “Living” Materials are Changing Construction
There are several unique ways companies are increasing their sustainability using “living materials.” These are construction materials that behave in some way like living organisms. The most prominent today are self-healing concrete and bio-cement. Though they each use different methods, they are designed to repair cracks and damage on their own.
Self-healing concrete contains added materials like crystalline additives, alumina nano-fibers and cellulose nanocrystals. These increase durability and allow it to repair itself. “By reacting with water and constituents in the concrete, they form needle-shaped crystals that grow to fill the cracks,” according to the European Commission.
Bio-cement is grown using biological materials like bacteria, and the process actually absorbs CO2 instead of emitting it. The production of cement alone currently accounts for 8 percent of emissions globally, so this is great progress toward more sustainable practices. The material can then self-replicate when damage occurs.
These materials are particularly well suited for harsh conditions like marine environments or geothermal energy plants where damage is common. They move the industry toward more sustainable practices in two ways, cutting down on emissions in producing cement in the first place and on the supplies and manpower needed to repair damage.
The Impact of Smart Cities on Construction
A smart city is one in which buildings and other infrastructure use smart technology to gather data about issues like public transportation, pollution, traffic management, public safety and more. This information can be analyzed and used to inform lawmakers and city leaders about how to improve the city for its residents. Smart cities will continue to have a major impact on sustainability around the world as they become more common.
There are no set requirements for what constitutes a “smart city,” but many city officials around the country – and the globe – are pushing for this kind of advancement. Toyota has even begun construction on a 2000-person smart city, called Woven City, outside Tokyo, focused on mobility.
A recent report from Allied Market Research projected the market for smart-city technology will grow from $160 billion in 2021 to $708 billion by 2031. Buildings play a major role in collecting data within smart cities, so construction companies will have to adapt.
According to Josh Thompson, a Forbes Council Member and founder and leader of Thompson Exterior Services, there are few specific ways construction companies may need to adjust:
“Construction companies will need to be prepared to integrate AI into their workflow and know how the AI will function in their final constructed building. Construction is no longer a purely physical industry; it is also a technological industry. To be a successful leader, you must understand how to maneuver between the physical and technological, even if it means hiring a tech consultant.”
He also explains that buildings will need to be “easier to navigate and safer, likely with many data-collecting sensors on the interior and exterior.”
Sustainable Construction's Transformational Impact
Historically, the focus of construction was predominantly on costs, functionality, and aesthetics. However, with increasing awareness of climate change, resource scarcity, and a heightened global emphasis on sustainability, there's a compelling pivot towards eco-friendly methodologies. This transition isn't merely about using energy-efficient appliances or integrating solar panels; it's a holistic approach encompassing site development, water usage, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.
A New Paradigm of Competitive Advantage
For forward-thinking companies, sustainable construction isn't just a matter of environmental responsibility; it's a strategic business decision. These companies recognize that sustainable practices can lead to reduced operating costs over the building's lifecycle, thanks to energy savings and water efficiency. Moreover, green buildings often have higher property values, as there's a growing market segment that values sustainability. Beyond tangible benefits, companies practicing green construction enjoy enhanced reputations, helping them attract environmentally conscious clients and top-tier talent who prefer to align with organizations reflecting their values. As regulatory landscapes worldwide become more stringent on environmental standards, companies proficient in green construction are better positioned to navigate these regulations and win business away from competitors who are still grappling with traditional methodologies.
Constructing the steps to success
Realizing that traditional methods of operating are likely to prove insufficient in the changing landscape of the construction industry, companies must find the right strategy for the future. The next era demands that construction businesses evolve, or risk being left behind. Here's are the key steps to prepare:
Step 1: Embrace New Technologies: Construction is no longer confined to bricks and mortar; digital transformation is reshaping the industry's landscape. By adopting recent technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), augmented reality, and drones, construction firms can enhance project planning, visualize potential challenges in real-time, and execute projects with greater accuracy and efficiency. These tools not only streamline operations but also help in minimizing errors, ultimately saving time and money. By staying updated with the latest technological advancements, companies can stay ahead of competitors and better meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Step 2: Pursue Sustainability: Sustainability is no longer a luxury—increasingly it's a necessity ... at least if you want to be competitive. With growing environmental concerns and stringent regulatory frameworks, the push for green construction has never been stronger. Companies should focus on sustainable materials, efficient designs, and eco-friendly construction methods. Not only do these measures reduce a project's environmental footprint, but they can also lead to cost savings in the long run due to reduced energy and water consumption. Moreover, sustainable practices resonate with a growing segment of environmentally conscious clients, opening up new markets and opportunities.
Step 3: Automate: Powered by advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, automation is set to revolutionize construction sites. By integrating machines for tasks like bricklaying, concrete dispensing, or even large-scale 3D printing of structures, construction firms can significantly expedite processes, reduce human errors, and ensure consistent quality.
Step 4: Hire Smart: As the construction industry evolves, the skill sets required are also changing. Companies need to be strategic in their hiring practices, focusing on professionals who are adept at using new tools and technologies. This might involve hiring tech-savvy project managers, data analysts, or even drone operators. Equally crucial is investing in training existing employees, ensuring they remain valuable assets in a tech-driven, sustainable, and automated industry landscape.
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By proactively taking these steps, construction companies not only gear up for future challenges but also position themselves as leaders and innovators in the industry.
Overall, construction companies that assimilate new technologies, embrace changes, and pursue new opportunities will be the ones that grow the most in the coming years and are likely to see the most success in the long-term. Staying on top of these trends and equipping your teams to adapt will be a major differentiator for your construction company going forward.