Advanced technology continues to enhance and influence industries, including building and construction. Technology is revolutionising profit margins and safety protocols in this business, but also how environmentally sound the projects are.
Two-thirds of global emissions are produced from household energy consumption. By understanding how construction technology can drive sustainability, there are opportunities to make a positive impact when we build our homes, even before we've move into a property.
Meet the technology driving this
When people talk about tools in construction, it's natural to think about cement mixers and jackhammers. Yet, some of the recent technological advances are a little more subtle. Recent technological innovations in sustainable construction are more geared toward utilizing data and smart devices, among other sophisticated processes to make construction more efficient and reduce emissions in the process.
Some of the areas of innovation include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI): Quantity surveying powered by AI is one of the main innovations in construction. The software utilizes site information to accurately calculate the specific material needs for the project. As a result, there is less chance of over-ordering materials and waste. This puts less pressure on the environment due to harvesting, manufacturing, and transporting unnecessary items.
- Smart indoor air quality (IAQ): One of the elements of green construction is installing tools that improve the quality of life for occupants amid the challenges of climate change. Smart IAQ systems use sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT) throughout the building to monitor everything from pollution levels to smoke from wildfires. Some systems are directly connected to filtration and ventilation to automatically make adjustments as changes occur.
- Building information modeling (BIM): BIM software creates 3D models of buildings, allowing construction project professionals to design and simulate properties. Many use virtual reality (VR) to provide walkthroughs of the space. This means that architects and project leads can create, test, and optimise designs before breaking ground, minimising mistakes and other unsustainable inefficiencies.
How these tools are used impacts how effective they are at lower in the impacts of building . As a result, it's vital for construction teams to have people on staff who have experience in using and optimising technology to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Innovative Materials
Construction materials and how they are used can also contribute to the lower impact of buildings. This goes beyond the naturally more sustainable materials like hempcrete. Some of the material approaches worth exploring include the following:
Passive solar design
Passive solar design is a way to harness the natural energy of the sun. Architects design homes with large south-facing windows to let the maximum amount of sunlight in. Many projects also use smart window materials that tint in high temperatures to avoid overheating during the summer months.
During cooler times of the year, the solar heat is absorbed by thermal mass materials inside the home, such as concrete and stone. Construction professionals can design properties so that this heat can then be distributed throughout the home through conductive materials in the masonry and insulation. This method helps to minimize reliance on non-renewable heating and cooling, boosting positive environmental impact.
Smart concrete
Smart concrete can come in various forms and configurations. Effectively, it's a catch-all term that describes concrete that has other items combined into its composition to improve how resilient and functional it is in a building.
For greater sustainability, some smart concrete has piezoelectric materials — such as carbon fibre compounds — and sensors incorporated. When the sensors are connected to devices and apps in the IoT, the system can monitor for disruptions in electrical flow, suggesting early signs of cracks. This allows homeowners to arrange for small repairs that prevent the need for more substantial renovations that have a greater negative impact on the environment due to materials production and emissions and waste generated during repair processes.
Thinking of a career in low impact construction?
One of the benefits of the green tech revolution in construction is that it offers some fascinating career paths. For instance, a career as a construction and building inspector can see professionals ensure the safety aspects of a project, but also that all the proper environmental considerations have been taken. Solar photovoltaic installers, on the other hand, make sure solar energy systems throughout projects are implemented and optimised for safety, functioning, and longevity.
Many conscious construction careers benefit from at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant area of professional focus, such as building and construction. You can also get certifications in green building and sustainability. However, gaining experience is often key to a successful career. This means applying for internships and entry-level jobs with construction businesses that consider environmental impacts in their projects.
Gaining your first job or internship requires you to have a resume that stands out from the crowd. Once you've found opportunities from job boards, contacts, or college referrals, you should aim for your resume to be brief yet tailored to the organisation you're applying to. Emphasise the skills that are most relevant to the role description. Many graphic design software platforms also have resume templates that can give your document simple yet professional-looking visual elements. It's also wise to highlight your interest and commitment to sustainability in your personal statement.
The tech revolution in construction is impacting more sustainable building practices in a number of ways. Different technological advances can help minimise waste or optimise the resilience of buildings. Careers in sustainable building can also see you contributing to positive and responsible changes in the industry.
Sharing this knowledge, technologies and methods with your communities can increase the resilience of your whole neighbourhood. Talking about the subject with friends and neighbours can help educate people about the options open to them and encourage more conscious and efficient approaches to homeownership and building.
Guest blog written by Ainsley Lawrence
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings.
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