Among construction professionals, one of the new challenges is applying sustainable practices to projects. Sustainability is an increasingly important value and a distinct advantage for services and products.
In the construction industry, which deals directly with material resources, this responsibility is essential. A lack of concern for sustainability in the process can lead to certain elements being overlooked, such as water reuse, energy saving, and sociocultural structuring.
In this article, we’ll define the concept of sustainable construction and explain how to apply it to your project while effectively integrating estimating costs.
What is sustainable construction?
Sustainable construction refers to a set of best practices aimed at creating houses, buildings, and developments with the goal of harmonising the construction industry with the environment in all phases of the process, including post-completion.
Also known as green building, sustainable construction involves creating non-polluting buildings that respect environmental laws and causes, reducing the use of natural resources and materials that produce waste. It’s essential to incorporate estimating costs into this phase to ensure that budgets support environmentally friendly solutions.
Why is sustainability important in construction?
The goal of sustainable construction is to reduce environmental impacts before, during, and after construction, implementing actions that enhance economic feasibility and quality of life for everyone involved. Practices like reusing materials and efficient energy use are essential and should be part of estimating costs from the outset to ensure compliance with these standards.
Moreover, sustainability in construction plays a crucial role in making projects economically viable, as this sector consumes numerous natural resources and generates substantial waste.
Besides the environmental ethics and conscious consumption, sustainability is increasingly a demand from end customers. With society now altering environmentally harmful habits, there is a growing need for more sustainable buildings.
What are the benefits of sustainability in construction?
Sustainable practices are increasingly valued by society. Additionally, sustainability is essential for large companies, as it not only positively impacts the environment but also enhances the organisation’s reputation.
Often, sustainability efforts in construction are used by marketing departments to highlight the company’s environmental responsibility.
Among the main benefits of sustainable buildings, we highlight:
- Cost savings through process optimisation
- Tax incentives
- Greater comfort for property owners: sustainable buildings guarantee architectural and sustainable considerations related to thermal control, light, and other environmental factors.
By adopting these practices, your company will save resources in its activities and gain a strong reputation by demonstrating concern for sustainability in the construction industry. Including these factors in estimating costs can provide a clearer financial picture for both short-term and long-term savings.
How does sustainable construction impact the budget?
A company that decides to adopt sustainable construction needs to invest up to 15% more than a conventional project might require.
However, upon project completion, resource savings can reach up to 30% over the years of the property’s use. For instance, projects that implement water reuse services can achieve up to 35% savings. Factoring these potential savings into estimating costs allows for a realistic understanding of the project’s financial scope.
What criteria characterise sustainable construction?
The most apparent criterion in sustainable buildings is environmental respect, meaning it considers the well-being of local communities by devising strategies for the responsible use of natural resources.
To achieve this, project managers may choose certified, reforested wood, for instance. Another option is solar panel installations, which ensure savings through photovoltaic energy. Below are some important criteria:
Intelligent architecture: sustainable architecture considers factors such as the relationship of the building to its surroundings, especially if it’s constructed near environmentally sensitive areas.
Additionally, attention should be given to potential future changes in the use of spaces, providing flexibility and avoiding future demolitions.
Energy efficiency: valuing energy efficiency means ensuring that energy used to maintain the physical space comes from clean, low-impact sources.
Material usage: the materials used in a project significantly impact the environment over the next several decades, or even hundreds of years. An example is Steel Frame, an eco-friendlier alternative to masonry construction.
How Accent Estimating can help
At Accent Estimating, we specialise in providing detailed estimates and support for modular construction projects. Our expertise in construction cost estimating ensures that you have accurate projections and a clear understanding of potential costs. With our guidance, you can navigate the complexities of modular construction, ensuring your project is completed on time and within budget.
If you would like to learn more about our building cost consultant services in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, call us on 0413 953 869 or fill out the contact form on our website.