The post Using Technology to Ensure Your Construction Project is Sustainable appeared first on UK Construction Blog.

All over the world, there’s increasing pressure on the construction industry to move towards becoming more sustainable. In the UK, new laws mean that new buildings are constructed to be net zero by 2025 onwards. This means construction companies need to make the most of the latest technology to ensure that their construction projects are completely sustainable. This means creating more efficient processes that improve the design and construction process while also making buildings that are designed to reduce their environmental impact.

In this article, you’ll learn more about how technology can assist in the design and construction process to increase sustainability without going over budget. There are many different technological solutions out there, so it’s difficult to know which ones make the most sense. Here, you’ll be able to see which solutions offer the best results to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the most important things to improve if you’re looking to create a more sustainable construction project. Thankfully, there are now a lot of different technologies to improve this area of construction, making it much simpler to achieve the best results. For example, buildings can be fitted with heating systems that use an infrared thermometer to accurately measure temperatures.

Energy efficiency can also be improved during the construction process. For example, a growing number of construction companies are now relying on offsite construction. This reduces the amount of waste in materials while also cutting down on the carbon footprint of a build site. Technology has improved the process of prefabrication construction, making the process faster and more energy efficient.

Further reductions in carbon footprint can be made by utilising renewable energy sources. Many construction sites focus on installing solar panels and measures that allow buildings to use less energy from the grid. In addition, some construction companies are themselves using renewable energy sources, reducing their overall environmental impact.

Using Sustainable Materials

Sustainability doesn’t just concern energy usage of the building itself, but also the materials used to construct it. In recent years, there has been a lot of research and innovation in creating more sustainable materials. Thanks to technology, these materials can be just as durable and strong as concrete or steel, but with less of an impact on the environment.

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in construction, well noted for its versatility. While it’s incredibly useful, it doesn’t degrade over time, and requires a lot of energy to produce. Thankfully, technology has made reclaiming and recycling plastic much easier, and many construction projects now make use of recycled plastic. Plastic can also be mixed with other, sustainably sourced materials, to create a strong and durable material with a lower environmental impact.

Hempcrete is another interesting material which has gained popularity in recent years. While it’s relatively low tech, it provides a more sustainable version of concrete. Right now, concrete production is responsible for the majority of carbon emissions in the construction industry. Hempcrete is made by mixing hemp shives with a lime-based binder. It’s strong, fire-proof and breathable while being an excellent insulator.

BIM in Design

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating accurate 3D models of construction projects before they begin. It’s an integral part of the design process and helps to create more efficient and cost-effective. It enables faster construction and also helps to reduce waste, increasing the sustainability of any construction project.

BIM has been used in construction for a long time, but it’s become more important than ever as companies look to create net-zero carbon projects. It ensures that all teams working on a project know their roles, creating more effective collaboration and better results.