Three Environmental Issues to Consider in Building Development
The construction industry is an important sector in the assessment of climate change and general environmental degradation. In simple terms, the process of building new structures demands raw materials from mining ores, stone quarries and even forest environment. In addition, the developments will require long-term input of energy during its use which contributes to a significant carbon footprint. If you are starting a development, you should consider the environmental aspects of the project. Ideally, you should engage an ecological consultant to guide you in reducing potential negative repercussions of the construction activities. Here are the main environmental issues that you must evaluate during a building development project.
Protection of Natural Environment
There are growing concerns regarding the loss of biodiversity due to human activities. Therefore, you should ensure that your building development does not endanger the flora and fauna in the surrounding environment. This is particularly important when you are constructing in a relatively rural area. You should avoid cutting healthy and established trees within the property where possible. These are critical in managing carbon dioxide levels, and they are habitats for wildlife such as birds.
Moreover, these can increase the aesthetic value of your new development. You should also avoid any activities that can contaminate water resources and negatively impact aquatic life. Therefore, make certain that excavation practices are conducted by professionals to avoid affecting the groundwater resources and protect nearby rivers and wetlands from construction waste.
Long-term Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important environmental issue in the construction process. This is because the rate of energy consumption will be affected by the design and general building system. For instance, one of the electrical systems that contribute to high energy consumption is the heating and cooling appliance. If the building walls have poor insulation properties, you will lose and gain heat, and this will contribute to higher energy demands. You can avoid these detriments by choosing building materials and designs that increase efficiency. Install double-glazed windows, use high-quality insulation and use open floor plans for better airflow. In addition, consider other aspects such as energy efficient lighting and appliances.
Sustainable Building Materials
Finally, you can minimise the development's unfavourable impact on natural resources by utilising sustainable building materials. For example, you should consider acquiring recycled and reused products for construction because these reduce strain on the primary sources and require less energy to process. Additionally, it is critical to use long-lasting materials because you will not need to replace or repair the pertinent features periodically.
