Sustainable construction is a civil construction trend that has become essential to remain in the competitive scenario. The segment has focused on unifying sustainability and innovation to ensure preservation of the environment.
This movement is due to the fact that this is the sector that generates the most environmental impact in the world. At the moment, Brazil ranks 5th in the ranking of sustainable countries, but there are still many changes that need to be made.
In addition to the organization starting to consciously use natural resources, it also stands out in the market. This is because people are increasingly up to date with the causes linked to nature.
Are you working with sustainability and innovation or an architect for a company that will undergo renovations? Read this content and stay on top of information about what sustainable construction is, what its objectives and criterias are.
What is sustainable construction?
They are works developed in harmony with nature and the environment by using resources wisely. This is a trend in civil construction characterized by environmental, social and economic aspects.
Conformity with nature comes from the use of sustainable techniques and ecological raw materials for construction or renovation. However, points of the place where it will be built and what needs to be preserved in the neighborhood are also considered.
Among the main materials used, we can mention: plastic wood, ecological tiles, LED lamps and solar panels.
In social aspects, sustainability generates value and recognition for the business which invests in practices aimed at environmental preservation. Standing out in the market is not the only value generated for society, since health and wellness care also gain prominence.
By using sustainable resources, the workers themselves start to have a better quality of life at work.
The use of natural resources favors the company's economy, as there is a greater prospect of long-term profits. The sustainable architecture of the properties reduces the need for renovations and maintenance in the future.
What are the goals of sustainable construction?
The main objective of sustainable construction is that buildings become ecologically responsible. Thus, its focus is on health and well-being, greater economic efficiency and less environmental impact.
The person who works with sustainability and innovation needs to be aware of the objectives to perform their work with excellence. It is worth remembering that one of the activities of this profession is to manage the social projects in the work's region.
Before presenting a little about each of the sustainable construction goals, check out some worrying data. Remembering that the Brazil ranks 5th in the world ranking of sustainable buildings:
- Worldwide, the sector consumes from 20% to 50% of all natural resources;
- In Brazil, civil construction generates between 51% and 70% of urban waste, each work accumulates an average of 120 kilos of rubble per square meter;
- More than a third of the resources extracted from nature are destined to the segment;
- Just under half of the electricity generated in the country is consumed to supply work.
Health and wellness
Contact with nature has always been a topic associated with quality of life for people. Therefore, it is expected that the space in which they live or work is also designed with health and well-being in mind.
Sustainability is not only linked to natural resources and their conscious use in works. The choice of materials that will compose the property also has a direct impact on the health of workers and future residents.
Greater economic efficiency
By aligning the construction or renovation of a company with sustainable practices, those responsible will be increasing the economy. The main focus of this objective is the reduction of operating costs while the brand assumes a strategic position in the market.
So, check out some of the benefits from sustainability combined with civil construction:
- Optimization of costs associated with the project and the work;
- More modern resources generate less obsolescence of the property;
- Construction quality and durability;
- Better management and control to reduce material waste;
- Valuation of the enterprise in the market.
Less environmental impact
Conscious consumption of natural resources reduces negative impacts on the environment. This is due, in part, to the use of technology as an ally of the sector for a better use of the raw material.
Reducing water and energy consumption are just a few examples of the benefits of sustainable construction. In relation to the environment, the following objectives stand out:
- Less CO2 emission;
- Decreasing the effects of climate change;
- Solid waste control;
- Passive use of natural resources.
What criteria characterize a sustainable construction?
From the objectives it is possible to identify most of the criteria that characterize a sustainable construction. How do issues related to energy consumption and operational optimizations.
Let's think of a company that wants to reform its structure to adapt to sustainability goals. The project must be developed by an architect focused on sustainable architecture accompanied by the person in charge of the innovation area.
Ideas tend to change over time and improve as new features emerge. However, there are some sustainable construction criteria that remain as a base, check out:
Optimization of site potential
A location, orientation and landscaping are points that must be considered when building or renovating a property. This is because they directly affect the region they are in, in addition to transport routes and energy use.
Using the example of the company that will be reformed to meet sustainable guidelines. Imagine that the building is centered in a neighborhood full of trees and next to a subway station.
The work must be planned betting on green spaces and with the access doors located in the direction of the station.
Boosting energy use
Electricity is a major concern for Brazilians, especially in terms of costs and excessive spending. In this way, a sustainable construction will allocate efforts to the use of solar energy to increase energy efficiency.
Another solution that can be implemented involves exploiting natural light and ventilation by creating wider environments. Large windows provide greater incidence of sunlight and combined with special glass filter the heat leaving only the lighting.
Optimization of building space and use of materials
It should be included in the planning of the work how the available space will be optimized to have more use. Your materials need to be sustainable, that is, derived from natural resources without harming the environment.
With the world's population growing day by day, pollution and global warming, resource consumption must be conscious. These materials also reduce impacts on people's health and well-being.
Improved indoor environmental quality
Did you know that the internal environment of a building influences the productivity of workers? Thus, if you are designing a sustainable work for the company, look for resources that improve the quality of space.
A building with sustainable design seeks:
- Optimize natural lighting;
- It has ventilation and humidity control;
- It has an optimized acoustic performance;
- Does not use materials that emit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)high.
Optimization of operational and maintenance practices
The restructuring of a building is the perfect time to analyze all maintenance possibilities to improve the environment. At this point, we can mention the use of technology to assist in the failure prevention and cost reduction.
The architect will indicate which materials and systems play a more efficient role in reducing the need for future maintenance. It will also tell you which methods reduce energy and resource costs during construction.
What changes in a sustainable construction?
A building designed on the pillars of sustainability will increase the satisfaction of those who circulate through it. As well as the productivity and well-being of those who work in the environment.
When the company assumes a sustainable posture, it is also taking strategic positioning in the market. All the benefits of preserving the environment are reflected in the finances and reputation of the brand.
But how is it possible to make all these implementations and achieve the expected results? Simple, with the consumption monitoring and control of your company offered by Squair.
During the work, the person responsible for sustainability and innovation will be able to decide, together with the architect, which sectors need more attention. Squair's platform allows you to know exactly how much energy each room and equipment is consuming.
Therefore, it is possible to develop assertive strategies to reduce expenses and avoid waste. Squair also gives you control over your air conditioning system so you can provide thermal comfort to collaborators.
Get to know the smart and environmentally responsible solutions that Squair makes available from IoT tools. Know who we are and how we can help you increase energy efficiency by reducing costs.