MAKING the best and most effective use of resources makes good business sense for all sectors and the construction industry is no exception.
The latest focus of attention is water with the Strategic Forum for Construction publishing an action plan to help reduce its usage on building sites.
The aim is for the industry to cut water consumption by 20% by 2012 compared with 2008 levels with the authors of the forum’s report hoping to help those in the sector achieve that goal. Their advice breaks down into three key areas – value for money, the work environment and habit.
The report pinpoints where most water is used by examining all activities that take place on a building site. It then outlines a variety of solutions, which are easy to adopt and cost effective, that can prevent water being wasted.
This includes capturing rain water, using taps that turn themselves off, fitting triggers to hoses, and making greater use of water recycling for tasks such as hydrodemolition.
In the North East, we are in the fortunate position of having a plentiful supply of water thanks to the Kielder reservoir.
While it is unlikely that the region will be affected by a drought, this does not mean that companies should shy away from looking at ways of preserving their water consumption.
Also, construction companies from the North are often contracted to carry out projects in other areas of the country, which are more likely to be hit by a water shortage.
It is important that remedies to reduce wastefulness of any material have a minimal effect on the profit and loss account, especially during tough economic times such as the construction industry is currently experiencing. However, it is equally crucial that the sector makes the most proficient use of resources and demonstrates that it takes environmental responsibilities seriously.
As a result, sustainability and construction’s impact on the environment has risen up the industry’s agenda in recent times.
Designers, developers and building firms are far more aware of the need for waste minimisation during construction as well as the environmental efficiency of a development, whether it be commercial, residential or industrial.
The incorporation of green features such as solar panels and efficient insulation to keep running costs, heat loss and energy consumption down and the use of sustainable and low impact materials play a part in most modern day construction projects.
New methods and ideas of how to reduce waste are constantly emerging.
Therefore, regularly examining the way construction sites work and identifying wasteful practices can help make those in the industry aware of what changes can be put in place to make a real environmental difference.
For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, please contact chief executive, Catriona Lingwood, on 0191 374 0233 or catriona@cene.org.uk.
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive, Constructing Excellence in the North East