Can the future of construction be sustainable?

 

 

The construction industry is one of the most important in the world and is always evolving to keep up with the latest trends. 

 

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible, forcing us to rethink our relationship with the environment. 

 

With this in mind, we find it not only important but also interesting to look at the sustainable practices that are expected to be popular already in 2022.

 

 

 

Preparing for a sustainable future

The construction landscape is changing rapidly. As one of the most polluting industries on the planet, sustainable construction is now gaining momentum around the world.

 

The industry is now exploring ways to construct and operate buildings in ways that respect the environment and ensure customer and employee satisfaction. 

 

Some sustainable trends in construction include renewable energy, water efficiency, green building materials, and smart technology.

 

The future of construction is more sustainable and, as a result, more resilient to natural events. Keep reading and discover the key tendencies and methods that are already being practiced.

 

 

 

 

Sustainable Materials

When it comes to construction, we often think about the changes that occur on the ground: new buildings, new roads, new infrastructure. But sometimes the biggest changes are the ones that are not so obvious, that is, the things that are happening “in the background,” so to speak. We are talking, therefore, about the materials used.

 

High-quality, sustainable building materials are essential for creating buildings that are both healthy for the environment and healthy for people to live and work in. 

These use resources efficiently, minimize waste, and minimize environmental impact while providing lasting value and aesthetics to the buildings they construct. 

 

They can be made using a variety of renewable, recyclable, and/or biodegradable materials, such as hemp, bamboo, and natural cork. In addition, they can also use reclaimed materials such as old shipping containers, tires, sugar cane to replace conventional sand, and reuse of flooring, tiles, and pallets.

 

Among the most popular materials in construction at the moment are bamboo, cork, a sustainable material that is incredibly versatile and resistant, natural stone, and hemp for its thermal and acoustic insulation qualities.

 

 

 

Modular construction

One of the most popular sustainable construction methods is prefabrication. This method involves assembling prefabricated components off-site before transporting them to the construction site for installation. 

 

The benefits of this technique include reduced energy consumption, reduced waste production, and lower installation costs.

 

Being a phased process, this type of construction helps to optimize labor and productivity, installation is faster and better planned strategically to help avoid unforeseen costs, and there is less waste of materials.

 

Green spaces

One of the most critical aspects of sustainability is to ensure that we have access to green spaces, that is, areas where we can be in touch with nature and get some fresh air, and perhaps exercise. 

 

The importance of green spaces has therefore been recognized and there is a growing trend to incorporate them into urban areas.

 

In an attempt to maximize our resources and minimize our environmental footprint, architects around the world have turned to more sustainable construction. One such trend is the incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens into urban areas.

 

These are two excellent ways to make use of green space in an urban environment while providing a sustainable and healthy environment for both humans and animals.

 

At Prudêncio, you can find efficient and integral solutions for the rehabilitation of all types of roofs, including garden roofs. 

 

Passive Houses

Passive house construction is an energy-efficient building method that is designed to achieve the highest possible level of energy efficiency. 

 

With a passive house, both heat and cold are stored so that buildings can use less energy and help reduce carbon emissions. 

 

The design of a passive house is also more energy-efficient than traditional buildings. The goal is to create buildings that are more comfortable and use less energy.

 

 

 

Technologies

 

1. Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is the latest technology impacting the civil engineering industry and has the potential to revolutionize the way we build. 

 

It is being used in many ways: from design and planning to inspection and analysis, to construction in the field. 

 

This type of technology helps engineers and architects visualize buildings and other structures before they are built. But the potential uses for AR go far beyond visualization.

 

In the coming years, we will see AR applications being used to facilitate collaboration, improve workflow, increase safety, and more.

 

Augmented reality can also be used to improve our planet by turning construction into a more sustainable and efficient process. In the past, construction has followed a “dirty, labor-intensive” landscape, but today’s technologies are enabling builders to generate safer and more efficient structures in a fraction of the time.

 

2. BIM Methodology

The use of digital building information in construction (BIM – Building Information Modeling) has become ubiquitous in the design and construction of modern buildings.

 

The BIM system is used to generate and manage the digital building information that is an integral part of the building design and construction process.

 

It improves quality and efficiency and provides data collection, sharing, and manipulation for better collaboration between members of the design and construction team.

 

 

 

3. 3D printing

3D printing is often pointed to as the future of construction but it is far from being the only technology that is being used to build the world we live in.

 

By using 3D printing, architects and engineers can create custom designs, building materials can be custom made, and construction tasks can be completed faster and more efficiently.

 

With the support of augmented reality, it also has the potential to improve the sustainability of buildings, making it possible to design buildings that are more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

 

Today, 3D printing is being used to create everything from customized prosthetics to architectural models.

 

 

 

Moving to the next level

Answering the raised question “can the future of construction be sustainable? the trends say yes!

 

The development of sustainable construction is driven by the need to conserve natural resources, protect human health, and reduce environmental impacts.

 

Over the past few years, we have seen a shift toward more sustainable building practices. Going forward, it is critical that we take our commitment to the environment to the next level.

 

If you are looking for a partner aligned with these goals, you can rely on Prudêncio!