How to make your construction site more sustainable
From heavy machinery to millions of tonnes of building materials and potential waste, construction sites can leave a significant impact on the community. Society is growing increasingly aware of environmental concerns, leading to increased attention on how to make construction sites more sustainable.
While there are those who roll their eyes and insist there is no value to changing the way things have been done for decades, the truth is that sustainable construction habits can significantly benefit the companies that adopt them. A sustainable-savvy construction site, for example, can save money on waste removal and material transport, and increase project efficiency. Construction projects are also likely to face less red tape if they have a minimal community footprint and adopt habits that reduce waste and construction times.
Here are some tips to make your construction site more sustainable:
Recycle waste materials
The construction industry is one of the biggest waste generators in Australia, with millions of tonnes going to landfill every year. However, much of that waste includes masonry materials such as concrete, bricks, asphalt and rubble; all of which is recyclable. By working with a licenced construction waste processor, like MET Recycling, a construction site’s waste can be repurposed into materials like crusher dust and aggregate, which can be used for future projects.
Recycling construction waste can also boost your construction company’s reputation and save thousands in landfill disposal fees.
Plan a strategic construction site layout
Depending on the site and scope of work, your construction company may consume more to operate. For example, areas with a high urban density or protected natural settings like creeks or forestry may require alternative transport routes or extra heavy machinery units to circumnavigate the site. This will inevitably require more resources like fuel and energy. Poorly planned construction sites could also increase the likelihood of materials being damaged, which would require more time, money and resources to rectify.
By thoughtfully planning the construction site’s layout before work begins, you can strategically position key elements like the office, truck lanes, material piles and waste dump sites to maximise efficiency. This will reduce the need for extra resources and minimise the site’s footprint on the surrounding area.
Be mindful of materials
Building materials represent a significant expense but there are ways to ensure that value does not go to waste. For example:
Avoid over-ordering: it is always good to be prepared but ordering too many materials can be a waste of money and could lead to unnecessary waste. Using newly made materials, instead of recycled materials, can also create unnecessary resource consumption if you over order. You can’t throw away what you don’t buy. Careful planning will reduce waste as well as save on unnecessary costs and labour.
Purchase sustainable materials: sustainable materials may include non-toxic options or recycled materials like road base sourced from facilities like MET Recycling. These are not only better for the environment, but they also limit the need to consume non-renewable resources to create new materials. The ability to claim that your project is built from sustainable materials will also generate goodwill and positive brand reputation for your company.
Protect your materials: quality is key in construction so even a hint of damage often leads to disposal. There are many potential causes of damage, including weather, vandalism, theft and simple mishandling. Damaged materials require time, money and precious resources to replace. To minimise the potential for damage to occur, try to schedule ‘day of’ deliveries and include weatherproof covers to protect your materials from the elements.
Use green energy
Zero-energy construction is achievable through renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power site operations and efficient air ventilation systems that eliminate pollutants from the surrounding air. Construction sites may also consider using recycled water for operations and energy efficient site offices that incorporate elements like insulation or LED lighting.
If you want to get the most recycled materials out of a construction or demolition project, contact MET Recycling on 1300 MET 123 or make an online enquiry. We provide affordable and comprehensive services for your construction needs