Construction companies will face a difficult task in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The industry is among the UK’s most carbon-intensive foundation laying companies. The industry must still make changes to achieve the government’s net-zero goal by 2050.
Construction articles that include smart changes you can make in your company to combat climate change. The UK construction industry emits the sixth most carbon dioxide. Around 10% of carbon emissions in the UK are attributed to construction. The built-environment sector is also responsible for 45%. Climate change is a complex issue for the construction industry. However, construction firms must still change how they work to support the government’s net-zero policy.
What is Net Zero Strategy of the UK Government?
The government is working on several initiatives to reach its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It will introduce grants to encourage low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps; phase-out the installation of gas-fired boilers by 2030; ban the sales of petrol and Diesel cars by 2030; replace all sources of energy with renewable energy until 2035. Here are some ways that the government intends to combat climate-change. You can use these strategies when you implement strategies to lower carbon emissions.
Recycling and local materials
Construction industry’s carbon footprint can be reduced by sourcing materials locally and using recycled material. Materials that are recycled can be more affordable and help you reduce costs. You’ll be able to control your supply chain better and support local vendors producing sustainable materials by using locally-sourced materials. The materials you get from local vendors don’t have to be shipped from far, which reduces the carbon footprint for your project and your supplier.
Take into account the impact of construction vehicles
Diesel, a fossil-fuel fuel, is used by most construction vehicles and machinery. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. Although the construction industry is unable to give up equipment and vehicles, it could invest in low-carbon alternatives. Some manufacturers of heavy equipment are starting to produce electric heavy duty trucks and equipment. Your construction business may want to consider this in the future. It is possible to make small changes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. For example, you could use energy-efficient vehicles as a means of transporting workers and materials.
Start using renewable energy
Electricity is used to power construction tools. This makes it difficult to reduce your energy consumption. You could instead power your equipment with renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric. By 2020, the majority of electricity in the United States will be generated from renewable energy sources, including wind, bioenergy, and hydropower. It will be easier for you to switch your business over to green energy, as renewable energy is more readily available. Promote renewable energy solutions to clients and encourage them to use low carbon energy sources in their buildings.
Recycle construction materials and demolition debris
A waste management company can help you recycle demolition and construction materials, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Construction sites generate large amounts of waste, much of which is disposed of in landfills. These landfills are one of the main causes of climate changes as they release biogas. By recycling materials, the industry does not have to create as many new products from scratch. This reduces energy consumption and natural resource consumption. Some of the building materials that are recyclable include bricks, stones, plasterboards, and reinforcing rods.