How do major construction projects impact our environments? Real estate projects must now consider much more than just planning permissions. Emissions and sustainable development are now moving centre stage when it comes to the world's biggest real estate developments.
Developers have long been familiar with what can sometimes be a laborious planning application process. Officials pore over plans to ensure that the building meets a whole host of criteria. Lately, however, our focus on climate change and environmental matters means that architects and construction professionals must address a new type of concern. We look at the issues surrounding real estate developments before during and after construction.
Environmental issues in the pre-construction phase
Before construction begins and before even site clearance takes place, environmental concerns are uppermost. What construction materials are being used? What is the impact of using steel over concrete? Developers must consider the carbon footprint of the materials they are using, not just in situ but in their manufacture. A second issue comes from the place of origin of the materials. Architect firms in London for example may find themselves specifying materials that originate from all over the UK or indeed further afield. This necessitates long transport journeys with a consequent effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Clearly much pressure is also on the selection of the site, sustaining as much green space as possible and utilising brown field sites.
Environmental issues during construction
It is the construction phase where the environmental impacts of a project are most immediate and of concern to the local population. Issues can include noise pollution due to the machinery and plant involved in construction. Dust is also a problem, as the building process can result in particulates being blown into neighbouring properties, causing nuisance and potential health hazards. Run-off from the site of chemicals after rainfall can also occur. Many of these impacts are unavoidable but they can be managed with intelligent use of barriers, netting, sound insulation and just good building practices. Site traffic can also be a major concern to locals. This traffic will obviously be concentrated in the immediate vicinity and the sheer volume of vehicles can cause major local upheaval, with increased congestion and consequent increase in local emissions and vehicle noise. A good construction firm will stagger deliveries throughout the day, attempting to avoid rush hour periods and banning traffic during unsociable hours such as late at night or early in the morning.
Post construction environmental issues
Many may think that environmental concerns conclude once construction has finished but that is often not the case. Much more often these days, people are concerned about how green a building is in its everyday operation. How much energy is being consumed to keep it warm or cool? This will have a major impact on the choice of materials used in construction, with some modern glazing units and insulation materials meaning that very little heat escapes the building. Planners will also consider the amount of water the building uses and whether a robust recycling scheme can be put into operation. Officials may also insist that the building has good public transport links and may seek to limit the number of car parking places available. Addressing these issues makes modern buildings far more environmentally friendly.
AUTHOR BIO
Ray Anderson is an environmental campaigner with a specific interest in the construction industry. He writes widely on the impact of real estate projects and how environmental concerns are addressed by the top architects such as the Manser practice.
Developers have long been familiar with what can sometimes be a laborious planning application process. Officials pore over plans to ensure that the building meets a whole host of criteria. Lately, however, our focus on climate change and environmental matters means that architects and construction professionals must address a new type of concern. We look at the issues surrounding real estate developments before during and after construction.
Environmental issues in the pre-construction phase
Before construction begins and before even site clearance takes place, environmental concerns are uppermost. What construction materials are being used? What is the impact of using steel over concrete? Developers must consider the carbon footprint of the materials they are using, not just in situ but in their manufacture. A second issue comes from the place of origin of the materials. Architect firms in London for example may find themselves specifying materials that originate from all over the UK or indeed further afield. This necessitates long transport journeys with a consequent effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Clearly much pressure is also on the selection of the site, sustaining as much green space as possible and utilising brown field sites.
Environmental issues during construction
It is the construction phase where the environmental impacts of a project are most immediate and of concern to the local population. Issues can include noise pollution due to the machinery and plant involved in construction. Dust is also a problem, as the building process can result in particulates being blown into neighbouring properties, causing nuisance and potential health hazards. Run-off from the site of chemicals after rainfall can also occur. Many of these impacts are unavoidable but they can be managed with intelligent use of barriers, netting, sound insulation and just good building practices. Site traffic can also be a major concern to locals. This traffic will obviously be concentrated in the immediate vicinity and the sheer volume of vehicles can cause major local upheaval, with increased congestion and consequent increase in local emissions and vehicle noise. A good construction firm will stagger deliveries throughout the day, attempting to avoid rush hour periods and banning traffic during unsociable hours such as late at night or early in the morning.
Post construction environmental issues
Many may think that environmental concerns conclude once construction has finished but that is often not the case. Much more often these days, people are concerned about how green a building is in its everyday operation. How much energy is being consumed to keep it warm or cool? This will have a major impact on the choice of materials used in construction, with some modern glazing units and insulation materials meaning that very little heat escapes the building. Planners will also consider the amount of water the building uses and whether a robust recycling scheme can be put into operation. Officials may also insist that the building has good public transport links and may seek to limit the number of car parking places available. Addressing these issues makes modern buildings far more environmentally friendly.
AUTHOR BIO
Ray Anderson is an environmental campaigner with a specific interest in the construction industry. He writes widely on the impact of real estate projects and how environmental concerns are addressed by the top architects such as the Manser practice.