Sustainable Construction: Techniques and Strategies

Sustainability in civil construction is a topic of extreme importance today, especially due to the climate changes we face. In this context, sustainable construction becomes fundamental to mitigate environmental impacts and promote the use of more responsible practices. The civil construction industry is responsible for the excessive consumption of natural resources and for approximately 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the 2018 report from the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GABC), which directly contributes to global warming and environmental degradation.

Based on this scenario, it is essential to adopt practices for sustainable construction, aiming to minimize environmental impacts and promote the preservation of natural resources. Fortunately, there are several techniques and strategies that can be applied during the construction process, ensuring energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of more sustainable materials.

One of the main techniques for sustainable constructions are:

Reuse, Recycling and Use of Local Materials for Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction is an increasingly important approach to minimize the environmental impact of buildings. An effective way to achieve sustainability in construction is through the reuse, recycling, and use of local materials. In this post, we will explore how these practices can contribute to more sustainable construction.

Reuse of Materials

One way to reduce waste and demand for new materials is to reuse those that are already available. Materials such as wood, glass, metal and even bricks can be reused in new constructions or renovations. In addition to minimizing the extraction of natural resources, reuse can also add a unique and historical charm to architectural projects.

Recycling of Materials

Recycling is another important aspect of sustainable construction. Materials such as plastic, cardboard and concrete can be recycled and transformed into new products for use in construction. By opting for recycled materials, we reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and help preserve natural resources.

Use of Local Materials

By using local materials, we reduce the need for long-distance transportation, which contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. In addition, the use of local materials helps to promote the local economy and values the resources available in the region. Stones, woods, ceramics and other regional materials can give a sense of identity and belonging to architectural projects.

Building sustainably is a responsibility of all of us. By adopting reuse, recycling and the use of local materials, we can contribute to the preservation of the environment and create more efficient and conscious buildings.

Bioclimatic Design Strategy for Sustainable Construction

Bioclimatic Design Strategies for Thermal Comfort in Hot Climates

Thermal comfort is an important aspect to consider when designing buildings in hot climates. Through the use of bioclimatic design strategies, it is possible to minimize the need for active cooling systems, thus reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts. Some effective strategies include:

1. Thermal insulation: Use high-quality insulating materials in walls, roofs and floors to prevent excessive heat transfer to the interior of the building.
2. Natural ventilation: Design the building to allow the entrance of fresh air and the natural circulation of air. This can be achieved through the use of strategically positioned windows, ventilation openings and ceiling fans.
3. Solar protection: Use shading elements, such as brises, blinds or vegetation, to block direct solar radiation and reduce heat gain inside the building.
4. Suitable construction materials: Choose construction materials with suitable thermal properties, such as reflective tiles, which help to reduce heat absorption.
5. Layout planning: Consider the orientation of the building and the positioning of its openings to take advantage of sunlight and natural ventilation efficiently.

By implementing these passive design strategies, it is possible to create thermally comfortable spaces in hot climates without the need to overly rely on mechanical cooling systems.

Bioclimatic Design Strategies for Thermal Comfort in Cold Climates

Bioclimatic design is an efficient approach to achieving thermal comfort in cold climates without excessive energy use. This type of design relies on strategies that take advantage of available natural resources, such as sunlight and ventilation, to maintain a pleasant internal temperature.

Some examples of passive bioclimatic strategies for thermal comfort in cold climates include:

1. Orientation and layout: Position the building to capture direct sunlight during the day, mainly in areas of high use, such as living rooms and bedrooms. Also, consider protection against prevailing winds and the use of suitable thermal insulation on external walls.
2. Insulating glass: Use double or triple glazed windows with thermal insulation to reduce heat loss through windows. These glasses can also help block the entrance of cold air, improving thermal insulation.
3. Construction materials: Use construction materials with a high thermal insulation capacity, such as concrete block walls with internal or external insulation, to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.
4. Controlled ventilation: Implement controlled ventilation systems, such as air heat exchangers, to renew the indoor air efficiently, minimizing heat loss.

By adopting these strategies, it is possible to achieve greater thermal comfort in cold climates, reducing dependence on conventional heating systems and consequently saving energy.

Energy Efficiency Strategies for Sustainable Construction

1. Thermal insulation: Use efficient insulating materials in walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building. This helps to maintain a more stable temperature and reduces the need for heating or cooling systems.
2. Efficient windows: Install high-quality windows with double glazing and good sealing to minimize heat losses in winter and heat entry in summer. Efficient windows can also allow the use of natural light during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
3. LED lighting: Replace conventional bulbs with LED lights, which consume less energy and have a longer lifespan. Also, use motion sensors or intelligent lighting systems to optimize the use of light in spaces that are not in use.
4. Efficient equipment: Opt for appliances and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems with high energy efficiency, which consume less energy and reduce environmental impact.
5. Renewable energies: Install solar panels or use wind energy systems to generate renewable electricity in the building. This reduces dependence on non-renewable energy sources and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Intelligent energy management: Implement control and automation systems that monitor and adjust energy consumption in real-time. This can include scheduling equipment on and off times, regulating room temperatures, and optimizing energy use according to demand.

By applying these energy efficiency strategies, it is possible to reduce energy consumption in buildings and contribute to environmental sustainability. In addition, these measures usually generate long-term financial savings by reducing energy costs. It’s important that both construction professionals and building owners consider and incorporate these practices into their projects to promote more sustainable construction.

Efficient Use of Water in Sustainable Construction

In a sustainable construction, it is essential to adopt measures for better use of water. An effective strategy is the collection of rainwater, which allows the use of a natural resource and reduces the consumption of drinking water. Rainwater can be collected through gutters and directed to suitable reservoirs, where it will be stored and used for various purposes, such as garden irrigation and cleaning.

In addition to the collection of rainwater, other strategies can be implemented for the more efficient use of water in a sustainable construction. This includes the use of water-saving devices, such as faucets with presence sensors and showers with flow restrictors, which reduce water consumption without compromising the comfort of users.

It is also important to promote the awareness of the residents and users of the building about the importance of responsible water use. This can be done through educational campaigns and guidance on sustainable practices of water use and reuse.

By adopting these strategies, a sustainable construction contributes to the preservation of water resources and to the reduction of environmental impact, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.