In recent years, major advancements in sustainable construction have emerged, that utilize specialized materials, practices, and designs to build a greener future for all. These new advancements not only benefit the environment by conserving natural resources but also the construction industry as they can help protect workers on sites, enable faster timelines, and create more functional long-lasting buildings. Key sustainable advancements in materials, practices, and design are one way in which the construction industry can benefit both the environment and buildings in order to create a more sustainable future.
Utilizing Environmentally Friendly Building Materials & Equipment
Mass Timber
One sustainable material that is gaining traction in construction is mass timber, a solid wood engineered material that is more environmentally friendly than traditional building materials like concrete and steel. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute reports that “Building with mass timber instead of concrete and steel could reduce the emissions associated with building materials by 13% to 26.5%.” Additionally, the process of producing mass timber is better for the environment as the trees can be harvested and regrown faster than previously used wood options.
These benefits are crucial to maintaining a greener world, reducing carbon footprint, and creating an aesthetically pleasing space.
To learn more about mass timber, please visit: Building Sustainable Futures with Mass Timber Construction – Hourigan.
Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing Systems
The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems installed in a building are key to its sustainability. A building’s energy consumption is a growing topic in sustainable construction as utilities implement more renewable energy on their grid. Providing electric heat pumps paired with renewable energy sources is one way MEP systems assist buildings to be more sustainable and use less energy.
Another innovation is chilled beam HVAC systems, which offer localized cooling and dehumidification, reducing the need for oversized air-handling units.
For example, the LEED Gold Certified VCU STEM project utilized chilled beams and an energy-recovery ventilation system which helped with the building’s comfort and energy consumption. In this case, the penthouse dedicated outside air units (DOAS) only needed to provide ventilation air to the space, since cooling and dehumidification were taken care of at the space level —further cutting down energy consumption.
Construction Practices that Protect the World
Rainwater Harvesting & Stormwater Management
Construction managers are utilizing practices such as Rainwater Harvesting/Stormwater Management to reduce the effects of construction on the environment. Having a rainwater harvesting system installed in new construction enables the building to collect and use “gray water”. This water can be used in the building’s plumbing and irrigation systems instead of being wasted and causing runoff and erosion. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality states that an “A 1” rain event will produce 600 gallons of rainwater per 1,000 square feet of roof”. This can be a significant amount of water saved on commercial sized buildings, along with reducing water costs.
One notable example is the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, where rainwater cisterns collect, filter, and reuse water for drinking, irrigation, and plumbing.
Building Information Modeling
As technology advances, so does implementing new programs into the construction industry. Building Information Modeling (BIM) uses 3D modeling to visualize every aspect of a building, helping teams identify errors, improve designs, and optimize project timelines. By preventing material waste and reducing the need for rework, BIM fosters sustainability, while simultaneously improving construction efficiency.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication reduces waste and promotes safer construction sites. This technology uses prefabricated components of the building, such as plumbing or structural materials made in a factory. Prefabrication reduces material waste and enhances site safety, as fewer materials need to be cut or assembled on-site. This method also helps lower project costs and speed up timelines, making it beneficial to the construction manager, client, and the environment.
Design Elements that Create Long-Lasting Buildings
Green Roofs:
In recent years, there has been an effort to increase the amount of green space located in high traffic, urban areas due to rising temperatures, pollution, and an effort to protect wildlife and water resources. One way that architects and designers have been implementing this in their building plans has been through incorporating green roofs. These plants, shrubbery, and trees help clean the air, reduce runoff, provide wildlife habitats, and reduce temperatures. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Green roof temperatures can be 30–40°F lower than those of conventional roofs and can reduce city-wide ambient temperatures by up to 5°F.” Furthermore, GSA.gov says that green roofs “Reduce the stormwater runoff rate from a roof by up to 65%.”
An example of this practice can be found at the Center for Developing Entrepreneurs (CODE) in Charlottesville, Virginia, where native mountain laurels and cedars were planted on the building’s seven green roofs and around the building. These trees provide a natural habitat for wildlife, absorb water, reduce runoff, and improve air quality.
To learn more about green roof benefits, read: Sustainable Skies: How Green Roofs Transform Cities – Hourigan
Solar power:
Another element that is making advancements in sustainable design is solar power. Solar panels can be easily integrated into many buildings, allowing them to generate their own power, thus reducing the need for energy from the power grid.
For example, at Apex Plaza in Charlottesville, Virginia, the lead tenant, Apex Clean Energy, has a net-zero energy usage as the building’s 875 solar panels produce enough energy to cover their consumption for a year.
Natural Landscaping:
Lastly, natural landscaping is another growing design element in the design space. This form of landscaping creates a healthy environment for local wildlife, as it utilizes native plants to the area. Using native plants can also reduce the amount of watering and upkeep of the building’s landscaping. According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) “Once established in an appropriate area, most native plant species are hardy and do not require watering, fertilizers, or pesticides.” This helps create a healthier environment for all due to not needing harmful pesticides and using less water.
For example, the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab in Norfolk, Virginia created a living shoreline along the nearby waterways which used native plants to the area. These plants are meant to absorb the water as it rises to combat rising sea levels, demonstrating how thoughtful landscaping can contribute to both environmental sustainability and flood mitigation.
The construction industry plays a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact by integrating sustainable materials, practices, and designs. Advancements like mass timber—a renewable and efficient wood source, stormwater management—which conserves one of Earth’s vital resources, and green roofs—which purify the air, are transforming the construction industry. These advancements will help to make construction a more sustainable industry and create a path for new discoveries to be made in sustainability. By embracing these advancements, the construction industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint and lead the way toward a greener future.
References:
Using Green Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands | US EPA
Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration and Landscaping – Benefits (virginia.gov)
Fact Sheet | Building Sustainably: Mass Timber (September 2023) | White Papers | EESI
