Technology is playing a transformative role in enhancing the sustainability of the construction industry. From digital design software to more energy efficient technologies, the industry is beginning to effectively utilise technology to meet the challenges presented by the growing need to operate in a way that has less negative impact on the environment.
Digital Procurement
Aspects of construction procurement, such as the distance materials have to travel to site, over-ordering, and the environmental properties of materials themselves, all have a significant impact on the overall sustainability of the construction industry.
Digital procurement solutions can make it easier to source local suppliers, reduce the risk of ordering unnecessary materials, and provide easier, more transparent access to more environmentally-friendly materials.
Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency
Blockchain is being applied to create transparent and traceable supply chains, ensuring that materials are ethically sourced and verifying environmental claims.
Digital Design and Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Digital design and BIM are being used to plan efficiently and boost collaboration, enabling more sustainable construction practices. BIM technology allows for more accurate planning and visualisation of construction projects, reducing errors and unnecessary material use.
Digital collaboration tools facilitate communication between architects, engineers, and contractors, fostering a more integrated and efficient design process.
Energy Efficient Construction Technologies
Integration of smart technologies for energy management, including smart lighting, HVAC systems, and monitoring tools, helps optimise energy use and reduce waste.
Technologies including solar panels and wind turbines are becoming more integrated into construction projects, enabling buildings to generate their own renewable energy.
Smart Monitoring for Building Performance
Occupancy sensors are being installed to optimise lighting, heating, and cooling based on real-time usage, reducing energy consumption. Some sensors can even predict when components need maintenance, reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures and the associated waste.
Water Management Technologies
Smart irrigation systems monitor soil moisture levels and weather conditions to optimise irrigation, including water waste. Advanced systems for capturing and recycling rainwater or treating wastewater contribute to more sustainable water use in construction.
By leveraging new technologies, the construction industry is making significant strides towards sustainability, addressing environmental challenges and aligning with global goals for resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Adopt a local supply chain with The Build Chain
The Build Chain is an online construction materials platform that prioritises local suppliers, making it easy to reduce the distance materials need to travel to get to your site, in turn, reducing the carbon emissions associated with your project.
How it works is simple:
- Submit an enquiry form for the materials you require
- Your enquiry is automatically matched with suitable suppliers within a 30 mile radius of your site (radius can be adjusted as needed)
- Suppliers provide quotes for you to compare in a single dashboard – each quote includes an ESG saving demonstrating the carbon emissions saved from closest to furthest supplier
- You then buy direct from the supplier of choice
There are many more benefits associated with using The Build Chain for materials procurement. Book a demo today to find out more.
