Impact of substantial design on the construction industry
The construction industry is a vital element in any economy, and by its size, it is one of the most significant users of energy, water, and material resources. Construction businesses are committed to incorporating sustainable design in the construction industry as it helps them conserve resources, achieve cost efficiency, and create a plan for human adaptation.
Architects, designers, engineers, and others involved in the construction business have a unique opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of construction by implementing sustainability objectives right at the design development stage of a building project.
Benefits of sustainable designing in the construction industry
The approach of sustainable design in the construction industry has great potential to enhance the quality of life, allow people to live in a healthy environment, and improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions.
A sustainable project is designed, built, renovated, operated, and reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. It meets several objectives, such as,
- attaining resource and energy efficiency
- reduction of CO2 and GHG emissions
- preventing pollution
- noise mitigation
- enhanced indoor air quality
- and harmonizing with the environment.
Though sustainable design in the construction industry is expensive, it can last forever and requires minimal maintenance. Even when abandoned, these buildings will return everything to earth ultimately.
Principles of sustainable designing
A sustainable design and building approach are essential for the building industry to achieve sustainable development. It also projects the responsibility of the sector toward protecting the environment. The practice of sustainable designing in the construction industry refers to adapting methods that impart less harm to the environment. For example, prevention of waste production, increased reuse of waste in the building material, etc. The principles of sustainable design in construction are fourfold: social, technical, bio-physical, and economical. These principles will form a framework for achieving sustainability in the building projects' planning and design stage.
Implementing sustainable construction designs
The main aim of achieving sustainability in building construction is to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources. This can be achieved by,
- Choosing the materials and the construction methods wisely
- Designing the building for energy-efficient construction and using recycled materials
- Reduce emissions and pollution by choosing the fuel carefully
- Design energy-efficient technological processes for the construction and maintenance of buildings.
- Using natural and locally available materials for building construction.
- Taking all measures to conserve both land and water resources.
- Incorporating passive energy design, such as using natural ventilation, landscaping the building with vegetation, etc.
Conclusion
The concept of sustainable design in construction is intended to achieve cost efficiency as well. Investing in energy-efficient solutions is known to reduce the overall cost of construction. It also aims to render a healthy and comfortable environment for performing activities of daily living without adding unnecessary risk and load to the environment.
