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5 ways the construction sector can become more sustainable
The construction sector is facing an uphill battle in the constant struggle for sustainability, using a tremendous amount of the earth's resources and being one of the single largest contributors to pollution through greenhouse gas emissions and unclean air. It is often considered to be an essential industry for decarbonisation, but, as with everywhere, there are ample opportunities to turn things for the better.
Want to know the best approaches to make green construction a reality? This guide is for you.
1. Carbon capture
According to one report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), construction accounted for 39% of global carbon emissions in 2019, with 11% being attributed to the manufacturing of building materials such as cement, steel and glass.
Cement, in particular, is something of a hot topic within the building trade to this day. Notoriously carbon-intensive, the manufacture of cement has seen a number of innovations in recent years - such as the recent Hansen UK trial which powered a cement kiln with hydrogen - but the prevailing thought is that completely decarbonising cement production is either impossible or very difficult with current methods.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology removes carbon - either from the air or sequesters it from industrial processes - and stores it. From there it can be kept indefinitely, or reused for other purposes.
Sustainability is more than just about recycling - it's about adhering to the circular economy. Reusing carbon within the construction sector presents a lot of choices. It could be stored and used to make more concrete, it could be turned into insulation or foam for housing or it could even be turned into bricks.
2. Innovations in green steel
As mentioned previously, construction materials account for a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, the global steel industry, which accounts for around 8% of emissions, produced a total of 1.86 billion metric tonnes and turned over hundreds of billions of dollars.
One of the leading ways to replace traditional fossil fuels in steel production is through hydrogen. Industry Europe recently did an interview with Primetals' Dr Alexander Fleischanderl about the HYFOR green steel project in Austria, which seeks to highlight the possibilities for decarbonisation in this carbon-intensive sector.
Swedish steelmaker SSAB confirmed at the COP26 summit it will be launching its first set of products made using fossil-free steel in 2026, which was made using iron ore reduced using hydrogen instead of coal and coke, which was delivered to its first customer, Swedish automaker Volvo, in August.
3. Clean air
Heavy industry tends to send a lot of particular matter into the air, which can cause complications, such as respiratory diseases. The coronavirus pandemic brought about an increased emphasis on hygiene and filtration which has had knock-on effects on the construction sector, such as the need for proper air filtration.
Not only can dirty air have adverse effects on workers - exposing them to particulate matter can present the same health effects - but it can also affect local communities. Spores, dust, or odours can create dangerous conditions near construction sites. The use of high-quality air filtration systems can absorb or collect the particles.
While many people can inhale small amounts of these particles without any adverse effects, in high volumes particulate matter can be deadly. In addition, those with weakened immune systems may be at risk from lower volumes.
4. Responsible wood use
Wood is one of the world's most abundant natural resources and trees offer a natural form of carbon capture. Outside of the needs for the construction sector, the threat of deforestation looms in countries such as Brazil, and the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as "the lungs of the world" reportedly now emits more CO2 than it absorbs.
Back in 2019 Industry Europe looked into the Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) products, which not only offered timber as a sustainable building material but also significantly increased the speed at which dwellings could be constructed.
5. 3D printing
3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), can be very useful for smaller-scale construction projects. Based on the principles of reusing, recycling and reducing, 3D printing isn't entirely carbon-neutral but can be a useful method for sustainability.
For example, 3D printing structures in development by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) may have discovered a way for the technology to aid in the restoration of coral reefs, which are being wiped out at unprecedented levels due to the climate crisis. While not necessarily relevant to construction in itself, the process - 3D printing calcium carbonate - could be useful.
AM initially used plastics or metals in its processes, but now graphene, graphite, resins and carbon fibers see use all the time.
Italy's WASP built what it claims was the world's first 3D printed habitat back in January 2021, with the entire process being done through reusable or recyclable materials, mainly collected from local soil, and was completed by having multiple high-powered 3D printers operating simultaneously.
For those that wish to take to the skies, Texas-based construction company ICON partnered with NASA and created the world's first 3D printed rocket pad.
These are just some of the ways in which the construction sector can become more sustainable, but there are many more methods out there. Did we miss any? Let us know! n
