Can construction businesses be eco-friendly? As a matter of fact, they can. Construction companies that use environmentally friendly building techniques and materials do their part to help the Earth and are also seen in a more favorable light among the public. Additionally, some green building practices can help save construction companies a ton of money in the long run.
This post will cover the basics you need to know about making a construction project green.
What are eco-friendly construction strategies for businesses?
The good news is that implementing environmentally friendly construction strategies is fairly easy, and there are a ton of things you can do to make your construction project green. Follow these steps, and your building is sure to be eco-friendly:
- Install eco-friendly insulation: Although adding insulation won’t occur until the construction project is well underway, it’s one of the first things to think about when it comes to eco-friendly construction. Instead of using traditional insulation materials—which can contain toxic compounds—opt for all-natural sheep’s wool, wood fiber or recycled cotton insulation.
- Use eco-friendly paints: Many paints and solvents used in construction also contain toxic chemicals. These types of paint are bad for the environment and are known to cause long-term health complications for building occupants. There are plenty of non-toxic, eco-friendly paints out there you can use.
- Recycle when possible: The first thought after demolishing an old building is to haul all of the old materials off to the dump. But instead of tossing them away, you should see what can be recycled. Concrete, steel, carpet, ceiling materials and much more can often be reused in various ways. Using recycled materials for your construction project can also lead to substantial savings.
- Source materials locally: Shipping construction materials uses a lot of energy and is also a time-consuming process. One of the ways construction businesses can be eco-friendly is by getting all of their materials locally. Buying local also helps support other businesses in your community.
- Conserve water: Water conservation is a critical component of an eco-friendly building. By reusing rainwater or water collected from condensation outside of HVAC systems for irrigation, a business can save a fortune on its water bills while helping out the environment.
- Harness solar power: The top way to slash energy bills is to install solar panels on rooftops. Solar panels might not supply all of the power a building needs in a given day, but they can reduce the building’s reliance on the local power grid.
- Design green spaces: If you’re working on a construction project in the middle of a busy city, work with the architect to implement green spaces. A green space on the rooftop or grassy courtyard improves air quality, and the building’s occupants or residents are sure to love it.
What can CIWA Inc. do for you?
Be sure to talk to our pros at CIWA Inc. before you begin your next construction project. Contact us today to learn more about our sustainable construction solutions and to get some more eco-friendly construction strategies for businesses.