The 5 Environmental Issues That Construction Firms Must Address

For the last couple of years, it seems like barely a week has gone by without an alarming sign of climate change. There have been extreme weather events, as well as unexpected wintry conditions in California and the record-breaking heatwave that we saw here in the United Kingdom last summer. The government has made pledges that it will take the issue seriously, but there has been a lot of scepticism from leading figures about how much that will actually amount to. It is very clear that businesses and individuals must also step up and take responsibility.

When it comes to construction, there are a lot of different areas that require focus. So much of the conversation around the construction and property industries over the last couple of years has focused on other issues which, while admittedly important, do not factor in the long-term environmental concerns. For example, there was a huge amount written about the shortages in construction supplies, and the shortage of skilled workers in that industry. Meanwhile, the property market ballooned during the pandemic years and has since come crashing back to earth. As we look forward to the rest of the year, and the years beyond, here are the major environmental issues that construction firms must address when they are working.

environmental impact of construction projects

1. Air Pollution

Air pollution has been pushed to the forefront in recent months. For example, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has made cleaner air a huge part of his mission. It is important to remember that during the construction process, there are a lot of opportunities for exhaust fumes and other noxious vapours to be emitted for extended periods.

Construction firms must be aware of the air pollution that they are causing and look for ways that they can either mitigate it or rule it out entirely. A simple example of how they can cut down on exhaust created is to use electric vans and other vehicles where possible for transporting materials to the work site.

2. Non-Recycled And Non-Recyclable Materials

This is an area that every business needs to focus on, regardless of sector, but it can be particularly relevant here. People who are looking to build their properties from scratch may insist on using entirely new materials, but there is no need for such a definitive approach. Take something as simple as a wooden deck, for example. Recycled materials are just as hardy, just as effective, and just as easy to style.

It is the responsibility of the contractors to offer a range of materials to their clients and to recommend the use of recycled materials where they can. This will massively cut down on the amount of waste that the construction industry generates. It is also important to think about using recyclable materials.

construction-waste

So much waste from construction projects ends up in landfills. It is vital that the industry as a whole considers this issue and tries to avoid using everything from single-use plastics to non-biodegradable materials.

3. Impact On The Local Wildlife

Every time a construction project gets underway, the local wildlife will be affected. There is such a huge number of different elements and species at play that the idea that a project could be completely free of this issue is a hard one to believe. However, with the right preparation, surveys and consideration, the impact can be kept to a minimum. The specifics will vary from project to project depending on the location and the type of wildlife that lives in the area. For example, a project taking place near water will have to consider everything from fish and frogs to the animals that use the area.

One of the most important species that anyone thinking of renovating or demolishing a building will need to consider is bats. Bats are a protected species in the UK, and they often make their nests in roofs, lofts, and barns. They are also often found in trees, and a bat survey must be conducted to ensure that you are not damaging their habitat.

The first step is to take a preliminary roost assessment. If a roost is found, then you will need further surveys about the best way forward. For more information about bat surveys and a range of other wildlife surveys, talk to the team at Arbtech. They can help you to get surveys done quickly and efficiently and advise on how your project can proceed.

4. Noise Pollution

This point may seem a little less grave than some of the others that have been discussed already, but it is a major factor not just to the local people, but to the local wildlife. Sustained noise pollution can be a serious problem, which is why it is advised that construction companies check with the local council before they begin a project. It may be that work must be restricted to certain times of day, or it may be that the project needs to be moved entirely.

methods for stabilizing soil for construction

5. Using Methods That Cause Erosion And Contamination

As unfortunate as it may be, there are still a lot of ways that construction companies can damage the local environment through carelessness. For example, it is possible for the soil surrounding the worksite to become eroded thanks to the coming and going of heavy vehicles and heavy equipment, not to mention the ongoing disruption of the construction work itself. Soil and water contamination is also a major risk on a lot of projects and requires constant vigilance from the people working on the site to ensure that it is not happening.

One of the main factors that contribute to these harmful scenarios is businesses not investing in newer techniques and new equipment which are less likely to have a negative impact. Given how tough the market has been, it is understandable that spending a lot of money is the last thing any firm wants to commit to. However, the environmental impact of any construction project must be going to be kept to a minimum.

The Top 5 Benefits of Electric Vehicles

These days, it seems like everyone is trying to be more environmentally conscious. One of the best ways to do that is to switch to an eco-friendly car. Electric vehicles (EVs) have many advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars. Here are the top five benefits of electric vehicles:

1. Electric vehicles are better for the environment

Unlike gasoline-powered cars, electric vehicles produce no emissions, which means they have a significantly lower impact on air quality. This is why they have become so popular among people who want to reduce their ecological footprint.

advantages of electric cars

In addition, electric vehicles are much more efficient than gasoline-powered cars, meaning they require less energy to operate. This is important not only for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for saving energy resources. Since they don’t use gasoline, electric vehicles also don’t produce any of the harmful pollutants that contribute to smog and climate change.

While the manufacturing process for electric vehicles is more carbon-intensive, the overall life cycle emissions of electric vehicles are significantly lower than gasoline-powered cars.

2. EVs can save you money on gas

Electric vehicle charging can save significant amounts of money for EV customers. Depending on the price of electricity and gas in your area, it can be substantially cheaper to operate an EV than a traditional gas-powered car. For example, charging an EV overnight with off-peak electricity rates can cost as little as $2.50 for a full charge, while just one gallon of gas costs twice that much.

In addition, EVs are more efficient than gas-powered cars, so you’ll get more miles out of a charge than a tank of gas. As a result, you’ll save money on fuel costs over the life of your EV. With advances in battery technology, EVs are only getting cheaper to operate. If you’re looking to save money on transportation costs, an electric vehicle may be the way to go.

benefits of switching to EVs

3. Overall performance and efficiency are better in electric vehicles

EVs are much more efficient than their gas counterparts. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs convert about 77% of the energy in their batteries to power the car, while gasoline cars only convert about 20% of the energy in their fuel to power.

This means that EVs can travel further on the same amount of energy as gasoline cars. In addition, EVs have much lower emissions than gasoline cars. Gasoline cars emit pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. EVs, on the other hand, emit no pollutants when they are driven. EVs are also becoming increasingly affordable as battery technology improves and manufacturing costs decline.

4. EVs can reduce noise pollution

Traditional cars have combustion engines that rely on a series of explosions to power the vehicle. These explosions are responsible for the characteristic sound of a car engine, and they also produce a significant amount of noise pollution.

On the other hand, electric vehicles rely on electric motors to power the wheels. These motors are much quieter than combustion engines, and they produce very little noise pollution. In addition, EVs typically have better sound insulation than traditional cars, further reducing the amount of noise that enters the cabin.

5. Electric vehicles are low-maintenance

Another advantage of EVs is that they require less maintenance than traditional gasoline cars. For example, electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, and their brakes last longer because a regenerative braking system slows the car down by converting energy into electricity, which can be used to recharge the battery.

electric cars in usa

In addition, electric motors are simpler than combustion engines, so they have fewer moving parts that can break down. As a result, EVs tend to be more reliable than gasoline cars and require less maintenance over the course of their lifetimes.

Endnote

If you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, there are plenty of good reasons to do so. From saving money on fuel costs to reducing emissions, EVs offer a number of benefits over traditional gasoline cars. And with advances in battery technology, EVs are only getting more affordable and efficient.

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