Ecological solutions are becoming increasingly influential in the construction industry, reflecting a growing social awareness of the need to protect our natural environment. This shift is prompting construction companies to adopt a variety of sustainable solutions. In this article, we will explore eight eco-friendly trends that are attracting interest in the construction industry.
15-Minute Cities
The concept of 15-minute cities is an urban planning approach that aims to ensure all necessary services and amenities—such as shops, schools, parks, and workplaces—are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. The goal of such projects is to reduce car traffic, which in turn helps to decrease CO2 emissions and combat global warming. This, ultimately, should improve the quality of life for residents. In the UK, the government announced plans in 2023 against the development of 15-minute cities. However, several British cities, including Ipswich, Birmingham, and Bristol, have decided to incorporate this concept into their urban planning strategies regardless.
Passive Houses
Passive houses are buildings designed to use minimal energy for heating and cooling through the use of advanced thermal insulation and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). This requires precise structural calculations and meticulous planning to ensure maximum energy efficiency without sacrificing the comfort of residents. Builders in North London are increasingly receiving requests for such homes, highlighting the growing demand for energy-efficient living spaces.
Green Roofs
Green roofs are undoubtedly one of the most interesting eco-trends in the construction industry. Covering rooftops with vegetation helps purify the air, which is especially important in densely populated cities. Green roofs also provide excellent thermal insulation, allowing for better temperature regulation inside buildings and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, they help in rainwater management, lower the surrounding temperature, and enhance the building’s aesthetics. Buildings with green walls, which have similar benefits to green roofs, are also gaining popularity.
Recycled Building Materials
Utilising recycled building materials is another step towards sustainable construction. Materials such as recycled concrete, steel, glass, and wood reduce the demand for new resources and limit construction waste. Partnership of the construction companies with suppliers of eco-friendly materials can offer significant environmental benefits. Choosing such materials when building or renovating a home can help decrease the carbon footprint of your project!
Low-Emission Building Materials
Low-emission building materials, such as engineered timber, clay bricks, and natural insulation, are becoming increasingly popular in modern construction. These materials have a lower CO2 emission profile during production and transport, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. Experienced builders in your area can advise you on which materials are best suited for a particular project, taking into account ecological, financial, and safety considerations.
Building Management Systems (BMS)
Building Management Systems (BMS) are intelligent solutions that allow for the monitoring and management of a building’s systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and security. BMS enables the optimisation of energy and water use, leading to significant savings, reduced CO2 emissions, and conservation of water resources. It is easiest to implement BMS during the construction phase, but it can also be retrofitted in existing buildings. Hotels, shopping centres, office buildings, and hospitals are among the types of establishments frequently investing in such systems.
Eco-Friendly Thermal Insulation
Thermal insulation is a crucial element of eco-friendly construction. Using natural and ecological insulation materials such as mineral wool, cellulose, or hemp can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. When undertaking a major renovation, it is worthwhile to consider insulation materials that will provide thermal comfort while being environmentally friendly.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, or MVHR, is a modern solution that allows for efficient air exchange in a building while minimising heat loss. MVHR systems maintain high indoor air quality while reducing heating costs. This is undoubtedly an effective way to lower CO2 emissions and improve air quality in urban areas.