Construction and the Environment – Introduction

As seen in my previous articles, construction is among the main human activities that result in emblematic products. Construction activities produce features that stand out in the land by replacing or even changing natural features. Some of the activities change the scenery either by adding or omitting some of them. The construction also makes use of a good number of materials taken from the environment, either in their natural state or in processed form. In addition, the use of the construction product gives rise to the production of waste elements that are then directed to the environment, mostly in a clean way, although in most cases this is not fully achieved.

In all these activities, the environment is affected in one way or another. On many occasions, they are harmful to the environment, the only variable being the degree and nature of said impact. While some effects are short-term and easy to overcome, others are irreversible and therefore leave a permanent mark on our environment.

Being a global concern, the reduction of environmental impact must be reduced, reversed and even avoided by all involved. This will include all stakeholders in the construction industry, as it is a potential cause of such ills to our environment. The following are just a few ways that various players in the construction industry can use to achieve environmentally friendly projects:

· Potential builders should be advised on the need for and ways to build buildings that are respectful of the environment.

· Designers must ensure that environmental issues are carefully managed in all projects they manage.

· Statutory bodies must ensure that construction designs and methodologies adopted for any future projects are commensurate with responsibility for environmental care and sustainability.

Occupants must ensure that no activities in which they participate result in environmental hazards.

When we all understand the need and the ways to care for the environment, we will be one step closer to good environmental impact management in regards to construction. It is also worth noting that for such a goal to be successful requires the collective responsibility of all. Otherwise, the sweat of one person will be diluted by the ignorance or omission of the other. Educating all stakeholders about these issues will ensure they have a clear understanding of how to minimize the detriment that has continued to eat away at our environment.