Green building uses materials that are eco-friendly and reusable, so construction teams can lessen their impact on the environment. The design and construction of a green building requires skilled workers with different occupational backgrounds. Some occupations require an educational background, while others can be learned through on-the-job training or apprenticeships.
Design Stage
While any building has to have a certain level of impact on the environment, green construction strives to minimize that footprint and to design buildings that will operate in a sustainable manner for years to come. This is a huge undertaking that requires innovation to achieve.
During the design stage of green construction, workers consider how materials will be used, including recycled products and eco-friendly natural goods. Some of these goods can be sourced from local materials, which cuts down on transportation costs and pollution. In addition, building teams may seek to reduce waste on the construction site by providing on-site solutions for recycling or disposing of trash.
Many green construction practices also apply to the retrofitting of existing buildings. This can be done through public schemes for energy efficient refurbishment, but can also be incorporated into the initial designs of new buildings. For example, architects can include solar panels or energy efficient appliances in the original plans for a new building.
The design stage is the most important for green building estimates because it is where decisions are made regarding what kinds of green features to include in a new project. These green features can range from how a building is located to what types of insulation and energy-efficient appliances will be installed. In some cases, these features may increase the cost of a new building. However, in other cases, such as with solar panels, it is possible that they can save money over the long term.
Site Selection
The site selection process is critical for the success of a green construction project. It requires a significant amount of time and effort to weigh and examine all available options, while considering a variety of parameters. These include price, feasibility, overall budget and more.
It is important to have a formalized site selection process that includes representatives from various departments, such as executive, operations, HR, finance and more. This helps build cross functional consensus and ensures that a full spectrum of consideration is taken into account before selecting an ideal location.
Some key mistakes to avoid during the site selection process include focusing too heavily on easily quantified factors like real estate or tax costs, not adequately studying labor market trends, and narrowing the search area too rapidly. This can cause the loss of opportunities in areas that could have been a good fit for the company’s critical site needs, specifications, and requirements.
It is also essential to consider the local community’s environmental initiatives, policies, and goals as well as their impact on business. Community sustainability efforts can have a major impact on the timeline and cost of a project. For instance, a site may require extensive environmental studies that could delay the start of construction or lead to additional costs beyond what was originally estimated. The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to consult a team of experienced environmental site assessors.
Construction
Green construction involves a lot of planning and preparation. But once the plans are drawn and the materials are ordered, constructing the building becomes a matter of execution. During this phase, a green builder must make sure that all of the green strategies are implemented in an effective manner. This means minimizing the use of energy and raw materials while still maintaining the integrity and functionality of the building.
This can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, a green contractor can reduce the amount of waste by ordering only the materials that they need at any given time. This will help them avoid over-ordering and also cut down on the number of times that materials are shipped to and from the construction site. It will also help to minimize fuel consumption and harmful carbon emissions. Software like Upper Route Planner can be used to schedule material deliveries within a few clicks and avoid the need for vehicles to drive long distances.
The construction phase of a project is often a chaotic and hectic period for contractors. It can be difficult to find the time to research and implement green construction strategies while still meeting deadlines for completion. This is where a well-developed estimating plan can help. This will allow contractors to make a smoother transition into green construction and also provide their clients with a more accurate estimate for the overall cost of a project.
Maintenance
There is a growing emphasis on green technology in the construction industry. As the demand for sustainable buildings increases, many AECO companies are taking a look at their processes to see how they can incorporate green construction into their projects. The goal is to be environmentally responsible throughout the building’s life cycle. This includes planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance.
During the construction phase, contractors need to make sure they are using sustainable materials that are recyclable. They also need to find ways to reduce the amount of waste that is generated. For example, they may use compost bins to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. This is especially important for inner city projects where space is limited.
It is also important that the construction process does not disrupt the environment too much. There are various ways to do this, including avoiding the use of toxic cleaning products and making sure that sensors and other equipment are tested regularly. Finally, contractors need to work with local authorities to ensure that their construction sites are not causing any environmental damage.
One of the most significant challenges with green construction is ensuring that workers are safe and healthy. NIOSH and its construction partners are collaborating to develop green and sustainable construction practices that include worker safety and health. This includes creating opportunities for workers to learn new skills in order to maintain and operate these types of buildings.