Celebrating Earth Day: Building a Sustainable Future

The construction industry contributes to 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the biggest contributors to global warming after agriculture and transport. It’s therefore no surprise that the last decade has witnessed a significant rise in demand for green builds. What’s more, sustainable thinking in construction has led to smarter technologies and more efficient and cost-effective practices. As Earth Day approaches on 22 April, at Harrison & Clough, we are looking at the sustainable innovations of the construction industry. 

The Importance of Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction is about building whilst using less energy and water as well as sourcing ‘green’ materials. Sustainable construction not only helps to reduce negative environmental impacts, but also helps to innovate on design and foster better performing buildings. With buildings performing more efficiently, they often have lower operating costs. In fact, the latest data shows that green builds:
•    Have an increased asset value of 7-18% 
•    Save between 11-40% of water
•    Save between 25-50% in energy consumption
•    Reduce carbon emissions by 34%
•    Reduce maintenance costs by up to 12% 

Sustainable Innovations in Construction
Construction materials and techniques are continuously innovating to fall in line with new industry regulations and standards. From using recycled materials to renewable energy systems and smarter ways of conserving water.

Using Recycled Materials:
Wood – both the construction and demolition sectors are the largest producers of waste wood with 16 million tonnes ending up in landfill each year globally. To combat this, construction companies have been reusing or selling-on waste wood to make furniture, chipboard, animal bedding products and biofuels - all the while saving on tipping costs. 

Steel - 98% of steel is recycled, whilst 63% of steel being used in the industry is still virgin steel. Current estimates show that costs of reused steel are lower than the costs of virgin steel. Scrap steel also comes with the potential to increase a building’s life-span and structural integrity since there is no limit to the amount of times steel can be reused. 

Plastic – Recycled plastic has a higher durability than normal plastic, making it suitable for applications requiring strength and resilience. This makes it a useful material for the likes of road barriers and retaining walls. Surprisingly, plastic also has great insulation properties making it suitable for thermal insulation applications. 
Plastic lasts and there has been a wave of companies turning to recyclable and substitute materials where possible, even when it comes down to the packaging of a product. Small innovations go a long way, that’s why, at Harrison & Clough, we are proud to be utilising only uncoated and fully recyclable packaging throughout all our product ranges.

Renewable Energy Systems:
It is estimated that the construction industry uses almost 35% of global energy. With sustainable construction, there has also been a development of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, that take advantage of natural light and ventilation to maximise on energy efficiency. 

Water Conservation Management:
Water management is the cornerstone of sustainable construction and the construction industry’s water use significantly impacts local water resources. To mitigate water depletion, construction companies are now investing in water-saving fixtures and fittings, rainwater harvesting systems, recycling greywater and proper soil management practices. 

Fixings and Fasteners in Sustainable Construction
Fixings and fasteners can seem like a small element of construction, but their environmental impact can be significant. Investing in high-quality and suitable fixings can lead to reductions in material waste, longer lasting and better performing construction projects. 
Fixings and fasteners made from brass, bronze or stainless steel are durable and corrosion resistant. This means that they require less frequent replacements and help reduce the consumption of virgin resources. 

At Harrison & Clough, we invest in high quality and secure fixings and fasteners that suit a range of bespoke needs. We also employ quality managers and sales engineers that are both able to offer practical support in terms of product selection and application so you can get the most out of your chosen product. Click here to find out more.