2. Overview – Today’s lesson
• What is sustainability?
• Why?
• Sustainable Construction: What it should do!
• Sustainable Construction: What it should not do?
• Examples of Sustainable Construction
• Sustainable Construction processes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZ3BTvufI0
WFT January 2018
3. Sustainability: A Definition
"meet present needs without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs“
(UN 1987)
WFT January 2018
Why?
The term is increasingly recognised in the context of
the environment and how we can sustain ourselves on
the planet.
4. Sustainability: Scottish Government
The goal of sustainable development is to enable
all people throughout the world to satisfy their
basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life
without compromising the quality of life of future
generations
Scottish Government 2012
WFT January 2018
5. Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction should :
• Enhance living, working and leisure environments for individuals
and communities.
• Consume minimum energy over its life cycle
• Generate minimum waste over its life cycle
• Integrate with the natural environment
• Use renewable resources where possible
WFT January 2018
6. Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction should NOT:
• Cause permanent damage to the natural environment or
consume a large amount of resources during construction, use or
demolition.
• Cause unnecessary waste of energy, water or materials due to
short life, poor design, inefficiency or low standard construction
techniques.
•Create dependence on high impact transport systems
with their associated pollution.
• Use materials from threatened species/environments.
WFT 2017/KM/October 2017
7. Sustainable Construction
WFT January 2018
Class Activity
In small groups can you list 5 examples of what you think could
be considered sustainable construction. Think not only of the
materials but also activities during the construction process
itself!!
8. Sustainable Construction
• Installing Solar panels – reducing amount of electricity
generated and taken from National grid.
• Use Recycled Materials – reducing the consumption of new
materials and energy/ transport costs used to produce them.
• Installation of double glazing – reduce energy usage
• Install Low flush toilets (3.5 to 6 Litres/flush)
• Installation of insulation in cavity walling, roof spaces etc.
WFT January 2018
9. Sustainable Construction
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During the construction process itself construction contractors
undertake sustainable practices to try to reduce the impact on the
environment.
An example of this includes using the correct waste skips on site.
Timber Waste – Timber skip for recycling
Cardboard Waste – Separated for recycling
Tile off cuts – Inert waste skip for landfill
10. Economic Benefits
There are economic benefits to builders
• Lower landfill fees due to reuse and recycling of construction
materials
• Lower material costs with careful purchase of resources and
materials
• Potential earnings from sales of reusable items removed during
the demolition of old buildings
WFT January 2018