Construction, like most industrial works, has an unfortunate negative impact on the environment, whether it’s through noise pollution, deep vibrations, the use of natural materials or the fossil fuel used for energy. What’s really important is to recognise these effects and to find ways in which we can change this in order to reduce or eliminate these negative impacts. Good environmental practices should be managed appropriately by all industries to ensure we all work together to look after the world we live in.

Project management

To ensure that construction sites provide good environmental practice, project management is a must when trying to improve the works of the industry. This doesn’t have to be difficult either, thanks to the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).

This non-profit independent body helps to organise the construction industry with ways to improve their work and cater to a greener environment. CIRIA’s research is based upon the most recent legislative and practice developments to keep construction possible and efficient, whilst simultaneously reducing environmental impacts. There are several resources that CIRIA provide for Site Operatives, Supervisors/Foremen, Site Managers/Advisers and Environmental Managers:

  • Toolbox Talks: about topics such as environmental practices that should be used on site, occupational health talks and working with wildlife.
  • Pocket Books: these include information regarding terrestrial, coastal and marine work forces.
  • Site Guides: including further, more detailed information with legislation tables, key contacts and useful links on terrestrial, coastal and marine topics.
  • Training Day: given to Environmental Managers to experience training on how to practice good environmental skills on sites, learn how to work with wildlife and understand the process of sustainable procurement.

Waste

To minimise waste, construction aims to avoid last minute changes of plan once the designing and planning are complete, and once the construction has started. Last minute changes are a major factor in excess waste.

The solution is to choose other materials that help to reduce waste, such as those that can be easily dismantled and can be reused for alternate purposes. In addition, by optimising packaging we can eliminate unnecessary material wastage and to encourage use of recyclable packaging instead. Reusing and recycling will all help to avoid additional landfill.

Water Efficiency

To avoid water wastage, it’s important to measure and manage water consumption. This can be done by estimating the amount of water that will be required for projects. Construction companies may also wish to invest in water saving technology that will detect leaks or use water from alternative sources such as rainwater reservoirs. It also important to prevent water pollution, which can be done with regular drain inspections; this will protect natural water sources.

Energy efficiency/Carbon

If you do not measure your emissions then you can’t monitor and manage your carbon footprint. Find out how you could save energy and money along the way by keeping track of your emissions.

Materials

Talk to suppliers to find out if there are any new materials being used within the industry that are better for the environment – do not continue to use the same old materials which might be detrimental to the world we live in. Try to do more with your materials by making your projects more compact and efficient with low-impact products. Lastly, remember to source materials from responsible certified schemes.

Here at Drilltec Diamond Drilling, not only do we care about our customers but also the environment, which is why we carefully monitor our services and go out of our way to take special measures. Our experienced and professional team offer a wide range of services including diamond drilling, concrete cutting, hydraulic bursting & crunching and brokk robotic demolition. If you would like to get in touch to know more about our services and what we do, give us a call today.