Starting a building project is an exciting adventure. It is filled with planning and fulfilling dreams of a perfect home or space. But are the things we build sustainable in the environment we live in and the wider world? Or are we having a negative impact on wildlife and nature? Construction projects can be environmentally friendly, but they can also wreak havoc on the wildlife and ecosystems around us. Let’s take a look at how we can build more sustainably and some ways the world we are building impacts the nature around us.
Construction and Pollution
Construction projects are one of the leading contributors to lots of different types of pollution. Pollution is defined as any substance that enters the environment that has a negative, or damaging effect on the atmosphere or ecosystems. There are several significant branches of pollution caused through the ongoing construction. These are discussed below.
Air Pollution
Data suggests that construction alone is responsible for around 20% of all air pollution. During a build, machine work creates building dust from concrete and other materials. This can disperse into the surrounding environment and many miles further. Though this kind of pollution cannot be seen, there is no denying its existence in our atmosphere. Building works also contribute to the levels of nitrogen oxide in the air which leads to the infamous phenomenon of smog. This in itself has a devastating effect on the nature and wildlife around the sites and also our own health.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is another way that manufacturing industries harm the earth. Many harmful toxins and chemicals can be released into the soil as an after effect of ongoing work. These include sulphuric acid and mercury. Unguided, sulphuric acid can drastically alter the pH levels of soil and render it useless for any form of wildlife growth or future crop harvesting. Mercury, if allowed to pollute the soil, can have dangerous effects on human health and animal health if ingested.
Building with a Greener Mindset
One thing that we can do is build with a greener mindset. What does this look like? Choosing materials that better accommodate our surroundings is a start. We can also incorporate into this sustainable power sources drawing from renewable energy as opposed to other, dwindling natural resources, which has a detrimental impact on the planet.
Environmentally Friendly Materials
Certain materials can reduce the carbon footprint of building sites. The materials chosen should be considerate of their potential negative yield. It’s already been discussed how air pollution is a rife problem with regard to construction. So, how do we change that? The answer is through sourcing and utilising better materials. There will be a natural adjustment period in terms of cost and impact, but major changes like this will be the thing that saves the day.
Environmentally Friendly Power Sources
Environmentally friendly power sources are better known as renewable energy. There are numerous types of renewable energy: solar power, wind power, biomass, hydro power. Of course, not all of these can be used on a building project, but some can be incorporated into our homes and new homes that we build. Solar power in particular is invaluable for the future of energy. The future of building is shifting toward more renewable and sustainable energy resources, and solar panels are just one part of that. Biomass is also a viable fuel alternative. It uses natural materials such as wood, plants, and normal household waste. This is then burnt and, consequentially, converts into a reliable source of fuel. This can heat the home and more.
Being Conscious of Animals and Their Habitats
Animals are a big part of the planet. They are everywhere and in the most part it is possible to co-exist. However, construction projects can have traumatic repercussions on the animal domains. So, what steps can we take to reduce this impact?
The Impact of Building on Animal Habitats
Firstly, the noise of construction can cause injury and harm to animals. They may have to move away from their home owing to the sheer decibel level of a building site. All the machinery and manpower tend to create quite the loud ambience. Noise pollution can disturb nesting animals, and also nocturnal animals. Secondly, the construction process can unearth many animal homes. It can cause injury and create rafts of animal refugees. It can also cause soil pollution which can be deadly to established animals in the area. It can contaminate food sources and water sources which can lead to obvious negative results on the area.
Lastly, it can take away natural food sources and cause famine and forced migration to source new nourishment. All of these things add up to produce a pretty grim picture. Animals are a large part of our surroundings. Construction should be mindful of that and the impact of projects on local species.
Ways to Be Mindful
A sensible move is to undertake proper surveillance of the animal residents in the area. One way of achieving this is through area surveys. Bat Surveys is a good example of the types of services that can be utilised in order to thoroughly respect the surrounding wildlife before commencing any building project. Bats are just one of the animals impacted by construction. However, with professional surveys offered, you can have assurances that your project won’t be delayed by anything. It is as simple as booking an assessment and listening to the results of the survey. Any advice is completely knowledgeable and professional and is geared toward keeping your building project on track and kind to the natural world.
The world we live in has existed for over 4 billion years. If we take the right steps and precautions now, our generation can ensure that it continues to exist long after our legacy. It’s naïve to underestimate the impact of human building on the environment and the damage that has already been done. The time to be mindful and protect our wildlife and nature is now.
Leave a Reply