Building construction is a complex process that involves many different elements. Each one has its own unique set of requirements. Managing these requirements is crucial to meeting your project deadlines.
Using sustainable materials can reduce the environmental impact of your construction project. Choosing locally sourced materials will also reduce the environmental costs of shipping.
Cost
The cost of building materials is one of the most important factors in determining project deadlines. This includes the unit purchase price of the material, as well as the transportation costs and other charges. Often, purchasing the material in bulk can lead to discounts on the unit purchase price. This is due to a number of reasons, such as manufacturers’ marketing policies or economies of scale in the production and transportation of the material.
Construction material prices have continued to decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, and in fact, they are now lower than they were during the same period last year, according to an analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors. Despite this, many builders are still struggling to keep their projects on schedule because of the ongoing shortage of materials.
Having a clear idea of the required materials is essential for meeting project deadlines. This helps to avoid delays and ensure that the finished product meets customer expectations. It also allows for the identification of any potential issues in advance, and provides an opportunity to negotiate with suppliers. This approach reduces the risk of cost overruns and keeps projects on budget. It’s also important to communicate extended timelines with clients from the outset, so they can be prepared for the extra work and potential disruptions. This will help to keep clients happy and will also protect the reputation of the builder in the long term.
Durability
Durability is the ability of a material to retain its functionality and appearance over a long period of time and use. It is a key consideration for choosing materials for buildings, as it reduces maintenance costs and environmental impacts. In addition, it helps ensure a high level of safety and security for building occupants. Durability is also essential for sustainable construction because it minimizes the need to replace materials.
However, there is a lack of focus on durability at different levels in the management of EU funds: the OPs do not promote it effectively; project selection procedures do not take into account the conditions for attaining good long-term results; monitoring and reporting are flawed, and the obligation to keep records for the duration of the legal durability period is poorly enforced (e.g. in the OPs Puglia and Burgenland).
A durable construction material is one that has the potential to last for its entire design life and is capable of meeting the required engineering properties. The material must also meet the requirements for its exposure environment. For example, a concrete that will be exposed to tidal seawater has different durability requirements than an indoor concrete floor. In addition, it must be able to withstand chemical attack and abrasion. The MCDA method was used to propose a framework for selecting suitable materials for the most durable construction.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most important factors in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. It reduces the cost of operating buildings and industry equipment by lowering energy consumption, and it can also improve building resilience. Ultimately, it is the most effective way to reduce energy costs while achieving environmental and social goals. Energy-efficient action can take many forms, from low-consumption automobiles and buildings to smart home systems and energy efficient appliances.
Choosing sustainable construction materials with low embodied carbon can help minimize the project’s environmental footprint. This can be accomplished by selecting options with low-carbon manufacturing processes and using recycled or renewable materials. Options that are bio-based and rapidly replenishable can further reduce embodied carbon in the long run. In addition, minimizing material waste is crucial to reducing overall embodied carbon.
A recent study showed that market interventions can drive greater adoption of efficient technologies and encourage energy conservation, although energy savings may sometimes fall short of predictions (see Newell and Siikamaki 2014). The authors suggest that hidden costs and consumer behavior are the likely culprits, but further research is needed to understand these barriers.
Unlike operational emissions, which can be reduced through energy-efficient renovations and the use of renewables, embodied carbon is irreversibly released into the atmosphere at the moment a building is built. This makes it critical to design and build with sustainable, low-carbon materials for new construction and major renovation projects. Fortunately, there are numerous low-cost, high-impact options for sustainable construction, such as recycled plastic, concrete, natural clay and mud, stone, hemp, cellulose, stray bales, and mycelium. Using these materials and ensuring that they are sourced locally will also significantly reduce transportation distances and emissions.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of building materials is a concern for builders and manufacturers alike. With a focus on sustainability, these companies must balance regulatory pressure to limit energy consumption and emissions with consumer demand for durable, cost-effective buildings that reduce carbon footprints. Additionally, they must address concerns about the health of ecosystems, which are often affected by pollution and overexploitation of natural resources.
To reduce the embodied carbon of a project, construction companies should consider selecting sustainable building materials that are locally sourced and produced, with low energy requirements. This will also help them comply with regulatory standards and improve their bottom line. Additionally, they should choose materials with low toxicity and recycled content. These materials should be durable and easy to maintain, and should be able to stand up to local weather patterns.
Green materials also make it easier to comply with regulatory standards, which can be difficult when dealing with new construction projects. In addition to reducing costs, these materials may help to mitigate environmental hazards and enhance productivity. Many of them are reclaimed from old buildings or from other projects, which eliminates the need for initial production fees. Additionally, some of these materials have Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), which can be used to communicate the environmental performance of a building.
A comprehensive approach to selecting sustainable building materials includes life cycle assessments (LCA), multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and building information modeling (BIM). The results of these analyses can be used to develop a framework for making informed decisions on construction material selection.