12 Jan 2023
Due to its requirement for building materials like concrete, the construction sector is a significant consumer of large amounts of natural resources and a contributor to air pollution. Besides, the buildings and building construction sectors account for 30% of total worldwide final energy consumption (IEA, 2021), leading to the urgent need for sustainable construction.
Sustainability goals for the built environment were introduced in March 2021 as part of the Singapore Green Building Masterplan. The masterplan, which was developed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Singapore Green Building Council, set the objective for construction projects: From 2030, 80% of new developments by GFA will be Super Low Energy (SLE) buildings (Building and Construction Authority, 2022).
To help Singapore achieve net zero by 2050, the construction sector is coming under increasing pressure to advance its sustainability agenda. This article will give you an overview of sustainable construction: What it is, Why it is important, and How we can achieve it.
1. What is Sustainable Construction?
Sustainable construction entails employing renewable and recyclable materials on building projects to decrease energy consumption, cut hazardous waste, and conserve natural habitats during and after the construction period. Key ideas include environmental preservation, the use of non-toxic materials, resource reduction and reuse, waste minimization, and the application of life-cycle cost analysis.
2. Why is Sustainable Construction Important?
Major advantages of sustainable construction can be categorised into the following three groups:
Environmental Advantages
By using sustainable building practices, contractors would create a construction plan or sustainable site plan to reduce the project’s negative environmental effects. The use of green building materials and energy will aid in the battle against climate change. Additionally, cleaner buildings will reduce carbon emissions, water contamination, and waste.
Financial Advantages
Sustainable construction is sometimes chastised for its use of costly materials; however, green buildings are frequently seen as more valuable than conventional ones. They are believed to have low carbon emissions, save energy, and maximise economic advantages during their whole life cycle.
In Singapore, under the Built Environment Transformation Gross Floor Area Incentive Scheme, buildings that receive the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy with Maintainability Badge are eligible for a bonus of up to 3% GFA allowed beyond the Master Plan Gross Plot Ratio (GPR) (Building and Construction Authority, 2022).
Additionally, by promoting sustainable practices and goods in daily work, the successful outcome clearly illustrates to the public the advantages of sustainable building as well as corporate social responsibility. As a result, there would be an opportunity to grow the market for sustainability.
Social Benefits
According to the World Green Building Council Annual Report, the social advantages of green construction have increased as a driving force, notably occupant health and wellbeing, which underlines the importance of people in the built environment. Sustainable building not only results in better health for those who utilise the structures, but it has also been demonstrated to increase worker productivity during construction due to better surroundings, work conditions, and noise protection.
3. How Can Sustainable Construction be Achieved?
Sustainable construction is more than just employing renewable resources; it is also about applying approaches that support long-term efforts. Here are a few building methods that might lessen their negative effects on the environment:
Choosing sustainable and recycled building materials: It may assist decrease the environmental effect of construction projects by lowering pollution, energy use, and resource consumption. By using fewer toxic chemicals and enhancing air quality, they may help create a healthier interior atmosphere.
Utilising enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions: ERP solutions may significantly contribute to the sustainability of the construction industry. They help businesses save waste, conserve energy, and lessen their carbon footprint by automating and streamlining procedures. Along with real-time data and reports that help businesses run more successfully, ERP software also offers the visibility and control needed to manage resources effectively.
Utilising green construction methods: They are gaining popularity. These solutions frequently employ eco-friendly building materials and energy-efficient techniques.
Applying construction technologies: They may assist building enterprises in producing more environmentally friendly structures. BIM software, 3D printing, and other technologies can assist in decreasing waste, increasing efficiency, and preserving energy.
Employing sustainable building practices: Greywater systems, solar panels, and green roofs are a few examples.
Others: Precisely using materials to reduce waste; controlling waste through waste separation and recycling; enhancing conservation efforts on building sites through on-site water treatment, food container recycling, electricity conservation, etc.
Conclusion
The building sector is progressively embracing sustainable construction, but there is still a long way ahead. Businesses in the construction industry need to tightly manage their resources to boost productivity and cut waste if they want to hasten the shift to sustainability.
Synergix Technologies, with more than 33 years of expertise, can help construction businesses benefit from a fully-integrated and customisable ERP system. Businesses that qualify may benefit from several grants from the Singaporean government that can cover up to 70% of their qualifying expenses.
If you have any more questions about Construction ERP solutions, do get in contact with us right away!
