The emerging technologies in the construction industry 2022

 

The emerging technologies in the construction industry 2022

Construction technology has come a long way, but it’s still evolving. We are currently in the midst of an era where major innovations are being made to construction equipment, workflows, and management systems. Construction technology is a collective term for types of technology that have a specific use within the construction industry. Examples of this include smart machinery, automated robots, virtual reality training simulations, and more. As you can see in this article, there are many benefits to using these innovative technologies in construction projects.

1.    Smart Contracts

2.    Connected construction site -Project management and real-time monitoring

3.    Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)

4.    The Internet of Things (IoT)

5.    Robotics & Drones

6.    5G and Wi-Fi6 / web 3.0

7.    Building Information Modelling (BIM)

8.    Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)

9.    3D Printing

10.  Mobile and Cloud Technologies

11.  Blockchain

12.  Exoskeletons

13.  Modular constructions

14.  Advanced building Materials

15.  Green construction and zero waste construction.

1.    The Scope and Importance of Smart Contracts in Construction

Delayed progress payment is one of the major problems in payment arrangements within construction projects. Difficulties in cash flow, making contractors and subcontractors unable to carry out the work, and bankruptcy of participants are result by late and refused progress payments. Besides, the procurement phase of a construction project witnesses high costs and time overruns in the payment process.

There are many ways smart contracts can help construction become more efficient, including reducing paperwork and streamlining procurement processes. Smart contracts are self-executing, business automation applications that run on a decentralized network such as blockchain. they're able to remove administrative overhead, smart contracts are one of the most attractive features associated with blockchain technology. While blockchain acts as a kind of database, confirming that transactions have taken place, smart contracts execute pre-determined conditions; think about a smart contract as a computer executing on "if/then," or conditional, programming. 

Essentially, once certain conditions of a smart contract are met – goods arrive or service completed at the worksite, two parties agree to exchange in cryptocurrency – they can automate the transfer of currency or the receipt of a shipment of goods that allows them to continue on their journey. Underneath it all: a blockchain ledger that stores the state of the smart contract.

A smart contract can make real-time data accessible to the owner, lender, suppliers, general contractor, subcontractors, and architect, and all the stakeholders involved in a project. Apart from the progress of the project, they can monitor the flow of funds with full trust in the truthfulness of details.

Stakeholders could verify the owner’s availability of funds at the start of a project and the list of conditions that would lead to payments. Parties would know the funds are available and that they only need to complete their part of the contract for payment to be automatically released. This saves all of the parties’ time and money and increases trust between them.

The construction industry is infamous for delayed payments and payment-related disputes. The issues could be significantly reduced by taking advantage of blockchain-based smart contracts. It is a system that not only saves cost and time but also increases transparency and predictability by automating certain aspects of construction project performance.

2.    Connected construction site -Project management and real-time monitoring

Digitising construction processes means more than faster turnaround times and better document control. It makes a real impact on real people—internal teams, third-party vendors, subcontractors, and clients. It empowers teams to focus on the most important tasks so they can do their jobs even better.

Construction sites generate vast amounts of data, a majority of which is not even captured, let alone measured and analyzed. Using IoT technologies such as sensors, near-field-communication (NFC) devices, and other devices can help monitor the productivity and safety of both workers and equipment. The US-based startup SmartBarrel develops real-time, connected construction site IoT devices. They provide employers and workers with an overview of the project, allocate tasks, monitor the weather, make tracking of payroll and timesheets more efficient, and allow for overall monitoring of the job site.

 

source :  https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/5-top-connected-construction-site-startups/ 

3.    Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)

AI in construction has the potential to help players realize value throughout project lifecycle, including Design, bidding, and financing; procurement and construction; operations and asset management; and, business model transformation. AI in construction helps the industry as a whole overcome some of our toughest challenges, including safety concerns, labor shortages, and cost and schedule overruns.
The Future of AI in Construction

 

 3.1 Prevent cost overruns

Most mega projects  go over budget despite employing the best project teams. Artificial Neural Networks are used on projects to predict cost overruns based on factors such as project size, contract type and the competence level of project managers. Historical data such as planned start and end dates are used by predictive models to envision realistic timelines for future projects. AI helps staff remotely access real-life training material which helps them enhance their skills and knowledge quickly. This reduces the time taken to onboard new resources onto projects. As a result, project delivery is expedited.

 

3.2. AI for better design of buildings through generative design

Building Information Modeling is a 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering and construction professionals insights to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure. In order to plan and design the construction of a  project, the 3D models need to take into consideration the architecture, engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plans and the sequence of activities of the respective teams. The challenge is to ensure that the different models from the sub-teams do not clash with each other.

The industry uses machine learning in the form of AI-powered generative design to identify and mitigate clashes between the different models generated by the different teams to prevent rework. There is software that uses machine learning algorithms to explore all the variations of a solution and generates design alternatives. Once a user sets up requirements in the model, the generative design software creates 3D models optimized for the constraints, learning from each iteration until it comes up with the ideal  model.

 

3.3. Risk mitigation

Every construction project has some risk that comes in many forms such as quality, aafety, time, and cost risk. The larger the project, the more risk, as there are multiple sub-contractors working on different trades in parallel on job sites. There are AI and machine learning solutions today that general contractors use to monitor and prioritize risk on the job site, so the project team can focus their limited time and resources on the biggest risk factors. AI is used to automatically assign priority to issues. Subcontractors are rated based on a risk score so construction managers can work closely with high-risk teams to mitigate risk.

 

3.4. Project planning

One construction intelligence company launched in 2017 with the promise that its robots and artificial intelligence hold the key to solving late and over budget construction projects. The company uses robots to autonomously capture 3D scans of construction sites and then feeds that data into a deep neural network that classifies how far along different sub-projects are. If things seem off track, the management team can step in to deal with small problems before they become major issues. Algorithms of the future will use an AI technique known as “reinforcement learning.” This technique allows algorithms to learn based on trial and error. It can assess endless combinations and alternatives based on similar projects. It aids in project planning since it optimizes the best path and corrects itself over time.

 

3.5. AI makes jobsites more productive

There are companies that are starting to offer self-driving construction machinery to perform repetitive tasks more efficiently than their human counterparts, such as pouring concrete, bricklaying, welding, and demolition. Excavation and prep work is being performed by autonomous or semi-autonomous bulldozers, which can prepare a job site with the help of a human programmer to exact specifications. This frees up human workers for the construction work itself and reduces the overall time required to complete the project. Project managers can also track job site work in real time. They use facial recognition, onsite cameras, and similar technologies to assess worker productivity and conformance to procedures.

 

3.6. AI for construction safety

Construction workers are killed on the job five times more often than other laborers. According to OSHA, the leading causes of private sector deaths (excluding highway collisions) in the construction industry were falls, followed by struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between. A Boston-based construction technology company create an algorithm that analyzes photos from its job sites, scans them for safety hazards such as workers not wearing protective equipment and correlates the images with its accident records. The company says it can potentially compute risk ratings for projects so safety briefings can be held when an elevated threat is detected. It even began ranking and releasing safety scores for each U.S. state based on COVID-19 compliance in 2020.

 

3.7. AI will address labor shortages

Labor shortages and a desire to boost the industry’s low productivity are compelling construction firms to invest in AI and data science. A 2017 McKinsey report says that construction firms could boost productivity by as much as 50 percent through real-time analysis of data.  Construction companies are starting to use AI and machine learning to better plan for distribution of labor and machinery across jobs.

A robot constantly evaluating job progress and the location of workers and equipment enables project managers to tell instantly which job sites have enough workers and equipment to complete the project on schedule, and which might be falling behind where additional labor could be deployed.

An AI-powered robot such as Spot the Dog can autonomously scan a jobsite every night to monitor progress - making it possible for a large contractor like Mortenson to get more work done in remote areas where skilled labor is in short supply.

1.    3.8. Off-site construction

 Construction companies are increasingly relying on off-site factories staffed by autonomous robots that piece together components of a building, which are then pieced together by human workers on-site. Structures like walls can be completed assembly-line style by autonomous machinery more efficiently than their human counterparts, leaving human workers to finish the detail work like plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems when the structure is fitted together.

 

3.9. AI and big data in construction

At a time when a massive amount of data is being created every day, AI systems are exposed to an endless amount of data to learn from and improve every day.  Every job site becomes a potential data source for AI. Data generated from images captured from mobile devices, drone videos, security sensors, building information modeling (BIM), and others have become a pool of information. This presents an opportunity for construction industry professionals and customers to analyze and benefit from the insights generated from the data with the help of AI and machine learning systems.

 

3.10. AI for post-construction

Building managers can use AI long after construction is complete. By collecting information about a structure through sensors, drones, and other wireless technologies, advanced analytics and AI-powered algorithms gain valuable insights about the operation and performance of a building, bridge, roads, and almost anything in the built environment. This means AI can be used to monitor developing problems, determine when preventative maintenance needs to be made, or even direct human behavior for optimal security and safety.

Robotics, AI, and the Internet of Things can reduce building costs by up to 20 percent. Engineers can don virtual reality goggles and send mini-robots into buildings under construction. These robots use cameras to track the work as it progresses. AI is being used to plan the routing of electrical and plumbing systems in modern buildings. Companies are using AI to develop safety systems for worksites. AI is being used to track the real-time interactions of workers, machinery, and objects on the site and alert supervisors of potential safety issues, construction errors, and productivity issues.

Despite the predictions of massive job losses, AI is unlikely to replace the human workforce. Instead, it will alter business models in the construction industry, reduce expensive errors, reduce worksite injuries, and make building operations more efficient.

Leaders at construction companies should prioritize investment based on areas where AI can have the most impact on their company’s unique needs. Early movers will set the direction of the industry and benefit in the short and long term.

 source : https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/the-benefits-of-ai-in-construction

 

 

4.    The Internet of Things (IoT)

 

Construction companies worldwide are making use of IoT tools, digital and data to enhance their activities. In Australia, there is a growing trend for construction, engineering and trade advisory organizations to partner with technology providers to develop mutually smart solutions. GHD, a leading regional construction company, and engineering and advisory services firm, partnered with Orange to co-innovate an Internet of Things as a Service (IoTaaS) platform called Connected Objects. The project enables benefits like tracking the movement of materials and assets at a construction site in real-time and monitoring the number of people on-site, giving construction companies the data to optimize logistics, detect thefts, maintain inventory levels and mitigate safety risk.

Orange is also working with leading construction company McConnell Dowell on a customized, smart and scalable IoT solution that will enable construction sites to collect and report on real-time information, such as heavy machinery utilization and asset tracking. The solution will help McConnell Dowell make better-informed decisions around operational efficiency, enabling time savings and cost reductions.

Another example comes from construction specialist Arup, which has developed a project named Neuron, a “digital brain” that helps buildings achieve energy savings and also creates a more enjoyable indoor environment that focuses on the health and well-being of occupants. The system utilizes a platform that combines Building Information Modeling (BIM) with IoT and analytics platform into one central, cloud-based management console to connect disparate building systems and equipment.

“Digital tools, data and IoT can be of huge benefit to the construction industry,” says Kevin Griffen, Managing Director Orange Australasia. “Whether keeping track of assets, reducing the threat of theft, or making sites safer for workers, technology is revolutionizing construction and enabling sites with things that previously couldn’t be done. It helps companies drive fewer injuries, better-budgeted projects and reduced overruns. And digital is scalable, so these tools can be used on construction projects no matter how large they are. From new factories to airports to housing estates, digital can enhance construction operations.”

With data and digital tools, construction can thrive: 95% of construction companies have told KPMG that emerging technologies will fundamentally change their industry, while PwC reports 98% of construction companies expect digital tools to increase efficiencies by 12%. In an industry renowned for costly overruns, expensive equipment, skilled labor shortages and increasingly short project schedules, IoT tools can help construction companies leverage real-time data to help them succeed.

 

Source https://www.orange-business.com/en/magazine/building-new-building-sites-how-iot-digital-and-data-are-transforming-construction

5.    Robotics & Drones

Robots and drones may soon become a common sight in construction sites to help building projects operate faster and more efficiently.

It is hoped that the mass roll-out of 5G technology will mean robotics will enhance the safety of building sites through real-time video streaming and surveillance of work activities.

By deploying a fleet of drones and robotics to map the site into a model, manpower and time will be saved,

 

5.1  Robotics

Construction robots are still a ways off from completely taking over the industry, but a number of designs and proposals are on the table as the industry considers ways to deal with a labor shortage and the need for social distancing.

 

Three main types of robots seem poisoned to help reshape labor in the construction industry:

• Factory robots: Factory robots are able to perfectly and repeatedly perform a single job, like simple manufacturing tasks.
• Collaborative robots: Collaborative robots can be used on a job site to ease the burden on a human companion, for example by carrying tools or equipment.
• Fully autonomous robots: Similar to the robots of science fiction, fully autonomous robots (which already exist in some form today) can scan the environment and perform complex tasks with tools independently.

While robots like this have not yet been widely adopted in construction, other formerly futuristic technology is already widespread. For example, drones are now a common sight on construction jobs, performing work that would have been cost-prohibitive just a few years ago.

5.2 Drones

Drones have already made an impressive contribution to construction, and their influence is set to grow in the coming year. Small, camera-mounted, flying drones are able to reduce the costs of processes that used to be extraordinarily expensive.

 

Here are just a few of the ways that drones are making a difference on job sites:

• Topographic maps: Mapping is vital prior to construction. Aerial drones survey large amounts of land quickly, reducing mapping costs by as much as 95%.
• Equipment tracking: Purchased or rented equipment can quickly get misplaced on a vast job site, but drones can automatically keep track of all equipment on site.
• Security surveillance: Job sites are vulnerable to theft of materials and equipment when no one is working, but drones can monitor a site even when no humans are around.

Drones also have implications for progress reports, personnel safety and building inspections. One of the ways that drones—and other types of construction technology—will continue to improve is by increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

6.    5G and Wi-Fi6 / web 3.0

 

6.1 5G and Wi-Fi6

As super-fast internet becomes essential to modern building practices, the industry now needs the connectivity capabilities to meet data demand. the role of 4GLTE, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 will enhance on site connectivity, making construction safer, smarter and more efficient

Over the last few years, the industry has undergone a wholesale digital transformation, implementing cutting-edge technology throughout every aspect of the construction journey.

 

Reliable and consistent internet connectivity has become essential to achieve this scenario. It’s the unsung hero with the power to improve safety, efficiency, data handling, communication and collaboration in one stroke.

Yet, despite its now critical role in the construction process, the industry is still plagued by sluggish wireless speeds, poor bandwidth and patchy coverage, particularly in remote areas.

 

Luckily, hope is on the horizon with the emergence of 5G and Wi-Fi 6, complemented by already established 4G LTE. These, the latest standards for broadband and wireless technology, are set to supercharge connection speeds and ultimately improve on-site operations.

Source:   https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/construction-technology-news/technology-on-construction-sites/92470/

6.2 web 3.0

What business leaders should know about the next era of computing

THE once-crisp line between our digital and physical worlds has already begun to blur. Today, we hear of surgeons experimenting with holographic anatomic models during surgical procedures.¹ Manufacturing, maintenance, and warehouse workers are measuring significant efficiency gains through the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality.² Cities are creating entire 3D digital twins of themselves, helping to improve decision-making and scenario-planning.³ Still, there’s a sense that we’re not “there” yet.

Today’s technology applications are just glimmers of the emerging world of the Spatial Web, sometimes called Web 3.0, or the 3D Web (see sidebar, “Emerging definitions: Web 3.0 and the Spatial Web”). It is the next evolution in computing and information technology (IT), on the same trajectory that began with Web 1.0 and our current Web 2.0. We are now seeing the Spatial Web (Web 3.0) unfold, which will eventually eliminate the boundary between digital content and physical objects that we know today. We call it “spatial” because digital information will exist in space, integrated and inseparable from the physical world. (To read an example of how it might work in reality, see the sidebar, “A vision of the Spatial Web in health care.”)

This vision will be realized through the growth and convergence of enabling technologies, including augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), advanced networking (e.g., 5G), geolocation, IoT devices and sensors, distributed ledger technology (e.g., blockchain), and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML). While estimates predict the full realization of the Spatial Web may be 5–10 years away, many early-stage applications are already driving significant competitive advantage.⁴

We are now seeing the Spatial Web unfold, which will eventually eliminate the boundary between digital content and physical objects that we know today.

By vastly improving intuitive interactions and increasing our ability to deliver highly contextualized experiences—for businesses and consumers alike—the Spatial Web era will spark new opportunities to improve efficiency, communication, and entertainment in ways we are only beginning to imagine today. For forward-thinking leaders, it will create new potential for business advantage—and, of course, new risks to monitor.

Source https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/digital-transformation/web-3-0-technologies-in-business.html

7.    Building Information Modelling (BIM)

 

Building information modeling (BIM) is the process of creating a digital representation of a structure (a “model”) prior to building it. An accurate representation of the building enables everyone involved in the construction to anticipate difficulties, eliminate risk, determine logistics and increase efficiency.

Building information modeling is useful for all stages of construction:

• Before construction, BIM helps reduce the need for future change orders by anticipating challenges.
• During construction, BIM improves communication and efficiency by offering a central hub for up-to-date and accurate reference documentation.
• After construction, BIM creates the possibility for building management for the structure’s entire lifecycle by providing owners with valuable information about every detail of the building.

Building information modeling may currently be one of the most important developments in construction because it affects and improves every aspect of the construction process. That said, an emergent new technology may ever further revolutionize construction with its innovative approach to information: blockchain

 

8.    Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality (AR) is a digital layer of information that enhances a view of the real world. By using a mobile device with AR capabilities, construction professionals can look at a job site with additional information laid directly on top of the real world.

For example, a construction worker could point a tablet at a wall, and the tablet could display the building plans for that wall as if they were actually part of the environment. Augmented reality has huge implications for construction because it provides additional information exactly where it’s needed.

Here are a few other uses for augmented reality:

• Automate measurements: By measuring a physical space in real-time, AR technology can help construction workers accurately following building plans.
• Visualize modifications: By layering potential project modifications directly onto the job site, contractors can visualize potential changes before committing to them.
• Provide safety information: By recognizing hazards in the environment, augmented reality devices can display real-time safety information to workers.

While augmented reality can be used on a tablet or other portable computer, the future of augmented reality will likely rely on AR glasses, which would enable hands-free access to crucial information at all times. These augmented reality glasses are one of several construction wearables that are likely to gain traction over the next year.

9.    3D Printing

3D printing involves layer-by-layer creations using machines. Like traditional printers, 3D printers take a digital design and render it in the physical world. Unlike traditional printers, however, 3D printers are not limited to a flat document, but can instead use a variety of materials to create objects or even entire structures.

Though 3D printing is still in its infancy with respect to large-scale construction projects, entire houses have already been printed using this technology. Here are some of the ways that 3D printing is likely to influence construction:

• Efficient materials usage: A growing field is invested in printing building materials (like cinder blocks) or entire structures (like bridges) out of concrete, reducing waste as opposed to traditional methods.
• Increased speed: Compared to traditional building, a 3D printed structure can emerge in its entirety within a few days.
• Eliminating errors: Once a 3D printer receives a design, it renders it perfectly in the physical world, eliminating costly errors.

Though 3D printing is likely to have a huge impact on construction in the coming years, the technology is still relatively new and untested. In the meantime, another 3D technology has emerged to increase efficiency on job sites: building information modeling

 

10. Mobile and Cloud Technologies

It’s said that the construction industry was one of the first to embrace the idea of mobile cloud computing. The reason is that the construction industry, by definition, has to be mobile, able to change designs, contractors, and much more while working on a project. While the construction industry wanted to embrace the world of mobile cloud-based solutions, it lagged and came to be known as one of the least digitized sectors on a global level.

 

Yet the benefits of the construction industry’s use of the mobile cloud keeps growing and now it’s become vital that contractors and construction firms learn how to capitalize on the IT technology growing all around them. The complete guide below will help you understand how to transition from using field-based computers with Wi-Fi hotspots to managing your construction project in the field. It won’t matter where the construction project is as long as you have mobile access to a true cloud platform.

 

https://bangertinc.com/cloud-computing-and-the-construction-industry/

 

11. Blockchain

Blockchain technology, first used for the online cryptocurrency “Bitcoin,” is a way of recording information that has broad applications for construction project management. Though difficult to understand at first, the importance of blockchain is that it is an intuitive way to increase project efficiency.

 

A few aspects of blockchain make it particularly appealing for the construction industry:

• Secure: All data related to the project is encrypted, so proprietary information stays protected.
• Decentralized: Project information is not stored in a single location, and it is accessible from anywhere.
• Scalable: Since it doesn’t require a massive data warehouse, blockchain can be scaled to very large projects.

In the coming years, blockchain is likely to influence many aspects of construction management, from contracts and asset management to payments and materials procurement. Blockchain is helpful for the entire length of a project, and it helps store information that is accessible even after a project is completed.

Technology is moving rapidly in the construction industry, which is currently looking for ways to innovate and improve processes. Today, technological innovations in construction affect every aspect of the industry, including project planning and safety for workers. With the right equipment and technology, the construction industry is ready for its next leap forward.

12. Exoskeletons

Construction exoskeletons, or exosuits, are wearable machines with motorized joints that provide extra support and power during repetitive movements like bending, lifting and grabbing.

While exoskeletons originated in rehabilitation programs, they are gaining attention as a tool to reduce injuries and increase efficiency for construction workers. Some exoskeletons are powered by electricity and others simply redistribute weight throughout the body, but all of them have advantages for workers performing tough jobs.

Here are a few examples of exoskeletons being used on construction sites:

• Back support exosuits: A powered suit that fits around the shoulders, back, and waist reduces strain during lifting.
• Crouch support exosuits: Attached to the legs, a crouch support exoskeleton acts as a “chair” even when no chair is present, making it easier to crouch for long periods of time.
• Shoulder support exosuits: By redistributing weight from the shoulders, exoskeletons can prevent fatigue when performing overhead lifting.

There are also full-body construction exoskeletons, which enhance strength and reduce fatigue for difficult lifting jobs.

Though exoskeletons are making strenuous jobs easier for construction workers, the industry is also looking toward construction robots to ease the burden even more by offloading certain risky and difficult tasks to machines.

13. Modular constructions

Modular construction is an alternative building method in which structures are constructed off-site, delivered in pieces, and then assembled by cranes.

Because construction of the building happens at the same time the site is prepared, modular construction can be up to twice as fast as traditional projects.

Other benefits of modular construction include:

• Decreased construction waste: Since many buildings are constructed simultaneously in one factory, excess materials from one project can easily be used on another.
• Lower emissions: By reducing total deliveries as well as total time spent on-site, modular construction decreases carbon emissions.
• Optimized by machine learning: In the factory, building processes are optimized over time through software enhancements, further reducing waste and increasing efficiency.

While modular construction currently represents a small fraction of the overall industry, two-thirds of contractors believe that it will experience increased demand in the coming years. A related technology that benefits modular construction as well as traditional construction is 3D printing.

14. Advanced building Materials

A new generation of stronger, lighter and more sustainable building materials is coming to solve the construction industry's main challenges. From natural disasters and sheer costs to environmental concerns and inefficiency, the industry struggles to keep up with demand while maintaining its output. Building projects consume 50% of our resources from nature, often leading to added costs, delayed construction times, and wasted materials.

To address some of these challenges, many innovative firms are developing a generation of new building materials. Materials are being engineered to be smarter, stronger, self-sustaining, sleeker, and easier on the environment.

To keep a competitive edge, construction companies need to stay up-to-date on these material innovations. Buildings crafted with the most modern materials will be more equipped to solve ongoing challenges, reduce their carbon footprint, and make an impact in the industry.

While it can take decades for scientific breakthroughs to make their way to a job site, a new generation of materials is coming. Here are 18 materials that are currently making a buzz in construction and that may very well change the way we build.

1. Self-healing concrete
2. 3D graphene
3. Aerographite
4. Laminated timber
5. Modular bamboo
6. Transparent aluminum
7. Translucent wood
8. Light-generating concrete
9. Microbial cellulose
10. Spider silk
11. Aluminum foam
12. Nanocrystal
13. Wool brick
14. Pollution-absorbing brick
15. Hydroceramics
16. Biochar
17. Bioreactors
18. Invisible solar cells

 

1515. Green construction and zero waste construction.

No, it doesn’t mean that you paint a new building the color green. Calling a building “green” actually says more about how it’s built than how it looks.

Green construction refers to the philosophy and processes that makes the creation and usage of the built environment as friendly to the natural environment as possible. From the design stage to assembly to the functionality of the structure upon completion, green construction focuses on reducing negative impacts to the planet and even adding some positive benefits.

Construction is a necessary part of modern life – humans need homes to live in, schools to learn in, businesses to work at and roads to drive on. Any construction will have some inevitable impact on the environment. With a growing global emphasis on sustainability, it is the responsibility of the construction industry to take steps to both minimize their own footprint in raising a new building as well as designing that building to operate in a sustainable way for many years to come.

Green construction is the answer to that call and is a rapidly growing aspect of the industry. Here are some of the new processes and innovations that are part of the green construction movement.

DESIGNING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND

The first step in construction is design. Architects and engineers work to create blueprints and plans for the new building and the property it stands on. This is where the layout of the building, the outward appearance of the building, and all the systems and components that make up the structure are sketched out and prepared to be put into action.

This design stage is one of the most important for green construction because this is where decisions are made about what type of features should be included in the new project and the sustainable steps to take to execute the build. Everything from the electrical and water systems inside to the landscaping outside can have a hand in the green status of the building, and the designers are the ones who create the instructions for the builders.

Environmental architecture and environmental design are actually the top “green degrees” offered by colleges and universities nationwide. Today’s students hold the environment as one of their top concerns for the future, so many are pursuing careers in sustainability. As more designers receive training in green architecture, that influence will continue to fuel the steps toward a greener construction industry.

USING AND RECYCLING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

One of the aspects of construction that has the biggest negative impact on the environment is the processing of building materials. Creating the wood, steel, concrete and other materials used in construction can cause deforestation, pollution, carbon emissions and other harmful effects.

To minimize this impact, green construction can look at the materials they use and how they are sourced, processed and disposed of to make more environmentally friendly choices. A building could be built with more eco-friendly natural materials instead of heavily processed or potentially toxic ones. Another option is to use higher quality materials to reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Construction teams can also recycle materials that have been saved from demolished buildings or scraped as unused components from other projects. Many metals are durable and can be reused or recast for new buildings, reducing the heavy impact of extracting more raw materials from the earth. Concrete and other materials can also be recycled.

PREFABRICATION AND SMARTER BUILDING PROCESSES

The way a structure gets physically built can also have an influence on its environmental impact.

Modular construction is one building method that is showing promising results in going greener. Rather than a structure being fully built on-site, modular construction involves using larger components that have been prefabricated or made in an off-site facility. Prefabrication allows for a more controlled environment to build in, which can result in less material waste, reduced energy consumption and higher quality builds.

Prefabricated pieces such as wall segments are transported to the project site, where they are assembled. With this system, modular construction can also speed up the on-site work of the project, reducing potential disruption to the community.

Modular construction and prefabrication are among the new ways of thinking about building that can drive the industry greener.

INCORPORATING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

Green buildings often turn to cleaner alternative energy options as a means to power (or partially power) their operations.

For most buildings, an easy way to do this is through solar panels. Many modern offices and homes have solar panels installed on their roofs. These panels can collect the sunlight exposed to the top of the building each day and help create electricity. Buildings with more surrounding property might have larger solar arrays set up on the ground adjacent to the buildings.

Even a few small solar panels can help to create greener energy and reduce the use of fossil fuels and their emissions.

INSTALLING ENERGY-EFFICIENT FIXTURES

Modern buildings have lights, HVAC units, running water and other amenities that require power and resources. For many of these, there are eco-friendly options that improve efficiency and reduce energy usage and costs compared to other options.

One example of this is windows. Thin windows that aren’t well-sealed can cause excessive heat transfer, meaning that HVAC systems need to expend more energy to maintain temperature control. Installing high-quality double-paned windows with a strong seal can reduce the unwanted heat transfer and energy usage. Similar effects can be had by upgrading doors and insulation.

Other examples of environmentally friendly fixtures include:

·         Energy efficient lightbulbs

·         Automatic sensors for lights to turn off when a room is unused

·         Toilets with variable flushing strengths

·         Motion-sensor faucets in bathrooms and kitchens

CELEBRATING GREEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

As green construction becomes the standard in the industry, celebrating the progress and achievements on the path to sustainability can be a big part of continuing to drive those steps.

Awards, honors and unique certifications are all used to acknowledge accomplishments in green construction by contractors, industry leaders and the buildings themselves. The most well-known of these is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a green rating and certification system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. By reaching various eco-friendly benchmarks, projects can be awarded LEED Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum status.

These certifications become a badge of honor for a building and the teams who built it. Companies are striving to reach the highest levels they can through pushing the boundaries and innovating in new ways.

GREEN CONSTRUCTION IS THE FUTURE

Construction is one of the biggest sectors of the economy, and demand for new and renovated buildings and infrastructure will keep the industry busy for years to come. With such an important role in society, construction has a responsibility to be a leader in implementing sustainable practices and limiting the impact on the environment. As the long-term effects of our actions become a greater focus, green construction will continue to grow and become the new standard.

https://byf.org/what-is-green-construction/