Sustainable Development in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is crucial to the economic and social development of any country. It is an indication of progression and upliftment of the society because it fulfills three primary aims – infrastructure, shelter, and employment.

However, it is also true that like any other industry, construction also causes stress on economical, social and environmental resources. It usually leads to:

• Congested sites
• Pollution from construction equipment and vehicles used for transporting raw materials
• Construction dump on sites
• Tearing down of agricultural fields and trees in the construction site

While these hazards are inevitable part of the construction industry, a shift towards better and greener alternatives can tackle them effectively. One way to go about it is to embrace sustainable development.

The concept of sustainable development is well-explained in 'Our Common Future' or commonly known as the Brundtland Report, a publication of World Commission on Environment and Development. It defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Essentially, sustainable development in the construction industry is all about building things without:

• Depleting natural resources.
• Causing any adverse environmental impact.
• Uprooting the people, their culture and traditions.
• Endangering flora-fauna.
• Burdening the economy of the country.

Currently, there is a lack of sensitivity as well as awareness in the construction industry about the utilization of sustainable resources as well as waste management and ownership. Did you know that India produces 10-15 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste every year? While a vast majority of this waste is still dumped in landfills, a remarkable joint initiative has been undertaken by Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. They have set up India's first Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste recycling plant in Burari, New Delhi which operates at a capacity of 500 tonnes per day.

But, the set-up of the recycling plant is just one way to do it. Here are various ways to ensure sustainable development in the construction industry:

• Design and construct energy-efficient buildings and structures. For instance, more open and close windows to reduce the need for air-conditioning.
• Utilize renewable resources wherever and as much as possible.
• Find the cheapest, most effective and environment-friendly way to transport construction materials and equipment.
• Use local resources to minimize the transport cost and pollution.
• Construct buildings that are simple to use and re-use.
• Plan inventory efficiently so that materials do not go unused or wasted.
• Recycle the aggregate material left from construction and demolition waste.
• Recycle rain and wastewater.
• Protect natural habitat by embracing their inclusion in construction.
• Create awareness among labor and staff about sustainable development and construction project management.

If you are looking for industrial consultants or industrial development in India for guidance in sustainable development in the construction industry, get in touch with us.