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In Terms Of How The Construction Industry Uses Energy, Energy Is Used To ...


In terms of how the construction industry uses energy, energy is used to extract raw materials (for example, the materials that are used for making concrete or bricks), and is used in the production of basic building materials (i.e., bricks). A vast amount of energy is used in transporting these materials from the site of production, to the wholesaler and then, from there, to the building site. Transporting other things connected with the build (for example, workers) also uses energy. The actual building process also uses energy, in terms of providing power for the workers and the building process.
Reducing the energy usage of construction sites could be a relatively straightforward process, in terms of minimising energy usage. At the design stage, buildings could be designed to be more energy efficient, so the owners use less energy whilst living in, or working in, or occupying, the buildings. These energy-efficient design principles could also be utilised in existing buildings, in order to make existing buildings more energy efficient. In terms of reducing energy in transportation costs, which, as we have seen, is a large part of the energy that is used at a build, local materials can be used which would reduce transportation costs for the materials, the same for the workforce. Low energy or energy-saving materials could also be used at the construction site, in order to reduce the energy used in materials. The incorporation of renewable energy sources within the build could also reduce the energy that is used by the inhabitants of the finished building, which would reduce the overall energy impact of the building.
In terms of the materials, it is estimated that up to fifty per cent of global resources go on building, with seventy per cent of the timber that is produced globally being used in the building process. As such, it is of fundamental importance that the construction industry begins to use sustainable building materials, in terms of minimising the environmental impact that using materials has on the environment. As will be seen later, using sustainable materials can, aside from having a massive environmental impact, also increase profitability for construction companies. In terms of choosing and using more environmentally friendly materials, many tools already exist which can help constructors decide upon more environmentally friendly materials. Labelling clearly shows which materials are more environmentally friendly, for example, and there are guides and plans available in order to help constructors decide how to minimise materials, and how to select more environmentally friendly materials.
In terms of pollution, it is estimated that up to half of all carbon dioxide emissions are related to buildings, with he construction industry being responsible for direct pollution in terms of generating dust, noise, toxic elements and in terms of polluting nearby waters.

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