Sustainability in the Construction Industry | Blog #10
As our planet faces outstanding environmental challenges it's clear that the construction industry must evolve. From innovative materials to energy-efficient practices, the industry has the opportunity to lead the charge toward a greener future. Ganim Company is dedicated to practicing sustainability and environmentally responsible initiatives. According to anslowbryant.com, “sustainable construction refers to the efforts and practices used to reduce emissions, waste and environmental impact. It involves using renewable energy sources and recyclable materials, while enforcing practices that minimize environmental impact”.
Sustainable construction practices are important for many reasons, including minimizing the depletion of natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the well-being and safety of our communities. Some benefits of sustainable construction include:
Reduced Environmental Impact - Using recycled materials minimizes waste and the demand for new resources, decreasing the overall environmental footprint.
Water Conservation - Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems helps to significantly reduce water usage and promote sustainable water management.
Improved Indoor Air Quality - Utilizing non-toxic paints and finishes and installing proper ventilation systems enhances indoor air quality, benefiting the health and comfort of occupants.
Sustainable Materials Use - Sourcing materials locally or using recycled content, such as reclaimed wood or recycled concrete, minimizes environmental impact and supports local economies.
Job Creation and Local Economy Support - Employing local labor and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers promotes local economic growth and supports job creation within the community.
Ganim Company implements multiple sustainability practices to contribute to making a positive environmental impact. Some of these practices include:
Mulch Socks/Filter Socks: “Typically a mesh tube filled with composted material that is placed perpendicular to the direction of sheet flow to control erosion and retain sediment in disturbed areas” (US Environmental Protection Agency).
Benefits:
Reduction of Water Pollution - By capturing sediments and pollutants, filter socks help protect nearby water bodies from contamination.
Erosion Control - They stabilize soil and reduce erosion, which helps maintain the integrity of the land and prevents habitat loss.
Improved Water Quality - Enhance the quality of stormwater runoff by filtering out harmful substances, promoting healthier ecosystems.
Minimized Soil Disturbance - Can reduce the need for more invasive erosion control measures, helping to preserve existing vegetation and soil structure.
Biodiversity Protection - Prevents sedimentation in streams and rivers, helping to protect aquatic habitats and the species that depend on them.
Spill Kits (Oil & Fuel): “Spill kits are emergency kits stocked with absorbent materials that can be used to clean and soak up spills of any kind. These are effective ways to prevent pollution in the environment and maintain a safe and hazard-free construction site”. (PowerPak).
Benefits:
Immediate Containment - Allow for quick response to spills, preventing contaminants from spreading and entering soil or water systems.
Protection of Water Sources - Protect nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater from pollution.
Reduction of Soil Contamination - Minimizes the risk of hazardous materials contaminating the soil, preserving land quality.
Ecosystem Preservation - By preventing chemical spills from reaching natural habitats, spill kits help protect local wildlife and ecosystems.
Waste Minimization - Effective spill management can limit the amount of waste generated from spills, encouraging better waste management practices.
Concrete Washout Pits: Designated area used to safely dispose of washout water and residual concrete waste from equipment, tools, and trucks. These pits are typically designed to contain the washout materials and prevent them from contaminating the surrounding soil and water sources.
Benefits:
Pollution Prevention - Contain washout water and residual concrete, preventing harmful materials from contaminating soil and nearby water bodies.
Water Quality Protection - Manage washout materials to help maintain the quality of stormwater runoff, reducing sediment and chemical pollution in local waterways.
Soil Preservation - Minimize the risk of soil contamination, helping to preserve the integrity and health of the land.
Reduced Waste - Facilitates the proper disposal of concrete waste, reducing the amount of construction debris sent to landfills.
Recycling Opportunities - Solid waste from washout can often be recycled or repurposed, promoting resource efficiency and reducing overall waste generation.
The construction industry significantly impacts the environment, “accounting for 23% of air pollution, 40% of drinking water contamination, and 50% of landfill waste” (Oizom). Implementing the environmentally conscious practices discussed above can improve these statistics. It is important to practice sustainability in all that we do - construction industry or not. Together we can help reduce emissions and waste, promote sustainable water management,