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1. IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION
ON ENVIRONMENT
Understanding the Environmental Footprint of Construction Activities
EVS
SAMRUDDHI KAMDE
SAKSHI NAGVEKAR
NEHA SUTAR
VASUDHA THAKUR

2. CONTENTS:
Introduction on Construction Industry
Importance of understanding its environmental impact
Different construction activities
Importance of construction in societal development
Environmental Impact Categories
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Soil Degradation
Resource Depletion
Habitat Destruction
Climate Change
Sustainable Construction Practices
Regulations and Policies
Case Studies

3. INTRODUCTION ON
THE CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY:
• In today's environmentally conscious world,
sustainability has become a crucial factor in shaping
industries.
• Builders and developers in India are adopting
innovative sustainable practices to minimize the
construction sector's ecological impact as
environmental awareness grows.
• More than 40% of India's total energy consumption is
currently attributed to buildings. If outdated and
inefficient building methods continue to be used, this
figure could rise to over 70% of CO2 emissions by
2050.
• However, in 2024, several trends are expected to
reshape the Indian construction industry, leading to a
more eco-friendly and responsible future.

4. IMPORTANCE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
CO2 emissions –The
construction sector
contributes to 25% – 40% of
the world’s carbon
emissions.
Pollution – Construction
causes both air and water
pollution. Harmful
chemicals used during
construction can be harmful
to both workers and the
environment.
Waste – The process of
constructing new
infrastructure produces a lot
of waste that ends up in
landfills.
Burning of fossil fuels – The
construction process
requires the burning of fossil
fuels which produces
greenhouse gases and harms
the environment.
Energy use – The newly
constructed buildings use
energy which can add to the
negative impact on the
environment.
Harming wildlife – During
construction, clearing
vegetation and excavating
can destroy wildlife and
habitats.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITES
• The construction industry is highly resource-intensive,
and concerns are growing about its impact on human
and environmental health.
• Construction activities, whether
through the manufacturing
of construction materials or through the
operational activities of actual construction, also le
ad to a number of other
environmental problems. These include noise polluti
on, dust, and hazardous contamination through toxic
waste.
• Steel is one of the most energy-intensive materials.
Together, the production of iron and steel is responsible
for 4.1% of global energy use. The manufacturing and
final use of both these materials can also be very water-
intensive.

6. IMPORTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION IN
SOCIETAL INDUSTRY:
• The construction industry is one of the most important activities for economic
and social development, being responsible for modifying the environment for
the implementation of resources for the benefit of society such as
infrastructure for energy generation, basic sanitation, communications,
transport, and urban spaces.
• It is estimated that 40% of the world's energy is consumed by buildings;
• Approximately 15% of water resources are consumed by construction;
• The sector is responsible for 30 to 40% of CO2 emissions;
• It is the industry that generates the most waste on the planet;
• Buildings consume 50% to 75% of the world's natural resources, considering
their entire life cycle;
• In addition, atmospheric and noise pollution from construction sites affect the
quality of life of living beings and the environment.

7. Air Pollution Climate Change
Resource depletion Habitat Destruction
Water Pollution Soil Degradation
ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT CATEGORIES:

8. AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is a global concern, especially in cities and urban areas,
and has many implications for human health and for the
environment.
In common with other industrial sectors, the construction industry
emits air pollutants. In scientific literature, the contribution the
construction industry makes to air pollution is underexposed.
Urbanization is a global megatrend. According to the United Nations
(UN), around 68% of the world’s population will live in cities and
urban areas by 2050
• Air pollution is discussed focusing mainly on three
levels:
1. Buildings and their building life cycle stages,
2. Construction processes and components
3. Building material and interior building material and
interior

9. • Sources of air pollution in construction
The back-bone of economic development is
infrastructure. All construction sites generate high
levels of pollution, and this can carry for large
distances over a long period of time. As per the
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
officials, 30 percent of air pollution is caused due to
dust which emanates from construction sites.
Air pollution can occur within the raw material supply, transport, or
manufacturing
Various construction activities like land clearing, operation of
diesel engines, demolition, burning, and working with toxic
materials contribute to air pollution.
Construction dust: Construction and demolition
operations contribute to windblown dust problems—
sometimes called fugitive dust—onto nearby
roadways which can remain in the air for days or
even weeks.
Big source of PM 2.5 on construction sites comes
from the diesel engine exhausts of diesel
generators, vehicles and heavy equipments.
Noxious vapours from oils, glues, thinners,
paints, treated woods, plastics, cleaners and
other hazardous chemicals that are widely used on
construction sites, also contribute to air
pollution.
C&D Waste: The waste comprising of building
materials, debris and rubble resulting from
construction, re-modeling, repair and demolition
of any civil structure. Construction industry in
India generates about 10-12 million tons of waste
annually.

10. 7. Water Pollution
• Throwing the toxic waste from construction into water bodies
causes water pollution. Common liquids like cement, paint, and
glue are some of the things that can be found in the liquid waste at
construction sites.
• During construction, activities such as grading and demolition
create pollutants that can leave the site and harm our waterways.
Sediment is one of the main pollutants of concern.
• When it rains, stormwater washes over the loose soil on a
construction site, along with various materials and products being
stored outside. As stormwater flows over the site, it can pick up
pollutants like,
1. Chemicals
2. Debris
3. Loose soil
4. Sediment
5. Spilled fluids

11. SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION IN
CONSTRUCTION
• Suspended Solids (Silty Water) - When a construction site strips the topsoil, it
takes away the land’s strongest defense against erosion, vegetation. The remaining
surface has no shield or binding element to protect it from rainfall and run-off.
With no plant matter to slow it down, and with the surface compacted using heavy
machinery, the rate of run-off increases, and the scouring effect is exacerbated. If
machinery continues to operate in wet conditions, it churns up the ground,
releasing soil particles that become suspended in the surface water. While soil is a
natural substance, if a significant amount of this “muddy” water enters nearby
drains and watercourses, it can block the gills of fish and smother aquatic plants
and invertebrates, starving them of light and oxygen.
• Hydrocarbons (Oils) - Hydrocarbons are commonly encountered on remediation
projects in the form of petroleum-based substances such as petrol, diesel, kerosene
and oils. Sources typically range from historical spillages that have been absorbed
into the land or from unmapped pipe networks still full of product or even new
spillages from refueling of plant or bust hoses.
• High pH Water - he most common source of high pH water on construction sites
is from the washing of concreting plant and tools, however
lime stabilization works and the re-use of crushed concrete as a recycled
aggregate can also lead to an elevated ph.
• On a volume-by-volume basis alkaline water has the potential to cause much
greater harm than silt or oil. This is because the pH of concrete wash water
is incredibly high – typically 12 to 13, which is equivalent to oven cleaner –
making it highly damaging when discharged to the aquatic environment.
Despite these risks it is much misunderstood by construction workers, for
instance many allow concrete wagons to wash out in leaky waste skips.

12. POLLUTION PREVENTION STRATEGIES
MONITOR AND IMPROVE
YOUR MANAGEMENT AND
DISPOSAL OF SITE
WASTE. MAKE SURE
ALL WASTE IS
CORRECTLY DEALT
WITH TO STOP IT
FROM SPREADING.
1
KEEP MATERIALS SUCH
AS SAND OR CEMENT
SECURE. MATERIALS
MUST BE LOCATED
WHERE THERE ISN’T A
RISK OF THEM BEING
WASHED INTO
WATERWAYS OR
DRAINS.
2
COVER UP ALL
DRAINS TO PREVENT
WASTE FROM ENDING
UP IN THE WATER.
3
KEEP THE ROAD AND
FOOTPATH TO THE
SITE CLEAN AT ALL
TIMES. THIS WILL
PREVENT SILT AND
OTHER POLLUTANTS
FROM RUNNING OFF
INTO ANY BODIES OF
WATER.
4
PROPERLY COLLECT
AND TREAT ANY
WASTEWATER THAT YOU
PRODUCE.
5

13. SOIL DEGRADATION
• The rapid expansion of construction land has been a
common phenomenon worldwide, which resulted in
the loss of high-quality arable land and severe land
degradation.
• Soil erosion from construction sites is a major pattern
of land degradation. Excavation and backfill
disturbed the surface vegetation and generated waste
soil during the construction period, resulting in
serious soil erosion
• Construction projects can increase the rate of erosion
due to the process of grading - leveling the ground.
As grading occurs, a lot of vegetation is uprooted
from the spot. The roots of these tiny plants keep the
soil and dirt in place, but after leveling, the ground is
easily movable.

14. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SOIL
DEGRADATION RISKS IN
CONSTRUCTION
• Soil degradation occurs through erosion, compaction,
salinization, nutrient depletion, and pollution—each presenting
distinct risks to construction:
• Erosion threatens soil stability and can undermine
foundations, increasing the risk of structural failure.
• Compaction, often from heavy machinery, reduces soil
porosity, affecting drainage and root growth, crucial for
landscaping and green spaces around structures.
• Salinization can corrode building materials and compromise
the integrity of coastal construction.
• Nutrient depletion hinders vegetation growth, leading to
inadequate natural soil reinforcement and increased erosion.
• Pollution, from chemical spills to construction debris, can
make sites unusable, necessitating expensive remediation.

15. RESOURCE DEPLETION
Source: International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research January 2023 10(1), 17–24
Resource depletion happens when the consumption of
renewable or non-renewable resources becomes scarce,
as they are consumed at a faster rate than they can be
replenished. The term resource deletion is most used with
fossil fuels, water usage, fishing, mining, logging, etc.
Both renewable and non-renewable natural resources are
heavily utilized in the construction industry.
According to the World Watch Institute, 40% of resources
are used in building construction each year, along with
25% of the world's virgin wood, raw stone, gravel, and
sand. Additionally, it consumes 16% of the nation's water
and 40% of its energy on an annual basis.

16. NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES USED IN CONSTRUCTION
Topsoil: Quality topsoil is
essential for landscaping and
plant growth. However, it
can be depleted or eroded
through construction
activities.
Aggregate: Crushed
stone, gravel, sand,
and other aggregates
Timber: used for framing,
flooring, and other
construction purposes.
Minerals:
Metals like steel and
aluminum Other
minerals
like gypsum,
limestone, and clay
Water: its availability in
certain regions
can be limited.
Energy: resources, such
as fossil fuels and electricity
natural
gas, from excavation to tran
sportation
Concrete: Cement, a
key component of concrete,
is made from limestone and
clay. The production
of cement is energy-
intensive and contributes
to carbon emissions.
Asphalt: Asphalt, used
in road construction and
roofing, is derived from
crude oil.

17. HABITAT DESTRUCTION
• Habitat Destruction:
Direct Loss: Construction often involves
clearing land, removing vegetation, and
altering the natural topography. This can lead to
the direct destruction of habitats for various
plant and animal species.
Fragmentation: Construction can fragment
existing habitats, isolating populations and
making it difficult for species to migrate, find
mates, or access resources.
• Air Pollution: Dust, emissions from
construction machinery, and other airborne
pollutants can affect air quality, potentially
harming both flora and fauna.
• Altered Hydrology:
Changes in Water Flow: Construction
projects often involve modifications to
natural drainage patterns,
leading to alterations in water flow and
potential flooding.
• Noise and Disturbance:
Habitat Disruption: Construction
activities generate noise and vibrations,
disrupting wildlife behaviour and comm
unication. Species that rely on acoustic
signals for mating, navigation,
or predation may be adversely affected.
• Climate Change Impacts:
Energy Consumption: Construction
processes contribute to energy
consumption and greenhouse
gas emissions, indirectly contributing to
climate change. Changes in climate can
have cascading effects on
ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Loss of Biodiversity:
Species Displacement: Construction activities
can force species to leave their natural habitats,
leading to displacement or relocation.
Invasive Species: Construction sites can create
pathways for invasive species to enter and
establish themselves in new areas, outcompeting
native species and further reducing biodiversity.
• Pollution and Contamination:
Soil and Water Pollution: Construction sites can
contribute to soil erosion and sedimentation of
water bodies, leading to habitat degradation. Runoff
from construction sites may carry pollutants such as
sediment, chemicals, and debris, negatively
impacting aquatic ecosystems.

18. CLIMATE CHANGE
1. Energy Consumption:
• Construction Equipment: Heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, such as excavators,
cranes, and bulldozers, often run on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• On-site Energy Use: The energy used on construction sites, including electricity for lighting, heating,
and power tools, also contributes to GHG emissions.
2. Material Production:
• Concrete Production: The manufacturing of cement, a primary component of concrete, is energy-
intensive and releases substantial CO2 during the chemical process of calcination. Additionally,
transportation of concrete materials to the construction site adds to emissions.
• Steel Production: The production of steel used in construction involves processes like smelting iron ore,
which emit CO2. The extraction and transportation of raw materials also contribute to emissions.
3. Transportation:
• Material Transportation: The transportation of construction materials to the site, as well as the
movement of workers and equipment, involves the use of vehicles that emit CO2.
• Waste Transport: Disposal of construction waste and debris requires transportation, leading to
additional emissions.
4. Deforestation and Land Use Changes:
• Land Clearing: Construction projects often require clearing land, leading to deforestation and the
release of stored carbon in trees and soil.
5. Building Operation and Maintenance:
• Energy Use in Buildings: The energy consumption during the operational phase of buildings, including
heating, cooling, and lighting, contributes to overall lifecycle emissions.
6. Waste Generation:
• Construction Waste: Improper disposal of construction waste, particularly if it undergoes anaerobic
decomposition in landfills, can result in the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

19. THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S ROLE
If climate change occurred due to construction and its impacts are to be tackled effectively, the
construction industry must take a direct role at 3 levels:
• Mitigation
• Adaptation
• Secondary impacts
MITIGATION
Reducing the impact of
energy generation,
transport, construction, and
operation of buildings and
infrastructure.
ADAPTATION
Engineering the built
environment to cope with
the direct impacts of climate
change including extremes
of temperature, higher sea
levels and more frequent
fluvial, pluvial and coastal
flooding.
SECONDARY IMPACTS
Understanding and dealing with
the downstream impacts of
construction. For example,
displacement of communities, loss
of livelihoods, increased traffic
congestion, environmental
degradation, etc.

20. SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable Development is founded upon the concept of the 3 Pillars
of Sustainability - a truly sustainable development addresses each of
these areas and seeks to reconcile their differing priorities and
concerns:

21. SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES
• Sustainable construction practices have emerged as a vital
response to the environmental challenges posed by traditional
building methods. With growing concerns about climate change,
resource depletion, and environmental degradation, there is an
increasing recognition of the need to adopt construction
techniques that minimize negative impacts on the planet while
promoting long-term resilience and efficiency.
• At its core, sustainable construction focuses on harmonizing the
built environment with nature, striving to create structures that
meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs. This approach
encompasses a holistic view of the construction process,
encompassing everything from design and material selection to
construction methods, operation, and end-of-life considerations.
Importance of sustainability in the construction
industry: The significance of sustainability in
construction extends far beyond virtue signalling. It’s an
acknowledgment of the industry’s colossal influence on
global resource consumption and environmental
degradation. In an era where climate change looms large
and resource scarcity threatens stability, construction
plays a pivotal role. Sustainability in construction is
akin to a moral compass guiding the industry toward a
future where green is not just a colour but a way of life.

22. Sustainable construction practices aim to minimize
the environmental impact of building projects while
maximizing efficiency, resource conservation, and
long-term durability. These practices encompass
various strategies throughout the entire construction
process, from design and materials selection to
construction methods and waste management.
Here are some key sustainable construction practices:
• Green Building Design
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Sustainable Materials
• Waste Reduction and Recycling
• Green Infrastructure
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
• Adaptive Reuse and Renovation
• Certifications and Standards
By integrating these sustainable construction
practices, stakeholders can create buildings and
infrastructure that are environmentally responsible,
resource-efficient, and resilient to future challenges,
contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

23. REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
Screening Scoping
Preparation of
EIA Report
Making An
Application
And Consultation
Decision Making Post Decision
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates the
potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of a
proposed development project or activity. The purpose of EIA
also includes the identification of measures to mitigate or
avoid any negative impacts from the proposed development
activity.
The stages of Environmental Impact Assessment are
explained as follows:
Regulations Governing Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India is governed by
several regulations, laws, and guidelines as follows:
Environmental Impact Assessment Notification,
2006
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Act,1974
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1981
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011

24. • The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a gravity dam on the Narmada river near
Navagam, Gujarat in India.
• It is one of the largest water resources projects of India covering four
major states - Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• The project took form in 1979 as part of a development scheme to
increase irrigation and produce hydroelectricity.
• Most importantly, This dam is one of India's most controversial project
and its environmental impacts are widely debated.
• It is, in fact, designed as a concrete gravity dam, having a height up to
FRL 138.68 m.
SARDAR SAROVAR DAM – A CASE STUDY
1) Submergence causing loss of forest and
agricultural land
2) Loss of wildlife
3) Displacement of Tribals
4) Submergence of old monuments
5) Water-logging and Salinity problem
6) Seismic effect of the reservoir
7) Health aspects
Environmental impacts of Sardar Sarovar dam
project
PROJECTED BENEFITS

25. A CASE STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MUMBAI–
AHMADABAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL CORRIDOR
Route: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail
Corridor spans approximately 508 kilometers (316
miles) and will have 12 stations along the route,
including Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi,
Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand,
Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.
Construction: Construction of the high-speed rail
corridor involves various phases, including land
acquisition, design, engineering, procurement, and
construction. The project includes the construction
of elevated viaducts, stations, depots, and other
necessary infrastructure along the route.
Benefits: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed
Rail Corridor is expected to bring significant socio-
economic benefits, including reduced travel time,
enhanced connectivity, increased economic
activity, job creation, and improved living
standards for residents along the corridor. It is also
anticipated to relieve congestion on existing
transportation networks and promote sustainable
urban development.
Timeline: The project has faced various challenges,
including land acquisition issues, environmental
concerns, and funding delays. However,
construction work is underway, and the project is
expected to be completed in phases over the
coming years, with the goal of providing high-
speed rail services between Mumbai and
Ahmedabad.
Laxmi Gangwani et al 2023 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1193
012022

26. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the effects of construction on the environment are multifaceted
and significant, requiring careful consideration and proactive measures to
mitigate their impact. Throughout this presentation, we have explored various
aspects such as habitat destruction, air and water pollution, resource
depletion, and carbon emissions associated with construction activities.
It is evident that while construction is necessary for societal development and
economic growth, it must be approached with a strong emphasis on
sustainability and environmental stewardship. By incorporating eco-friendly
building materials, implementing efficient construction practices, and
adhering to stringent environmental regulations, we can minimize the adverse
effects of construction on ecosystems and natural resources.

27. THANK YOU