8 Tips to Reduce Your Building Carbon Footprint
Food, clothing and shelter are the three basic needs of mankind.
But ever wondered that the shelter you’re living in has left or is leaving behind a carbon footprint? Most of us are unaware of the fact that even buildings contribute adversely to climate change and the environment.
Did you know that the construction sector in India emits about 22% of the total annual emission of CO2 resulting from the Indian economy? Amongst the emissions from the construction sector, 80% result mainly from the products of four energy-intensive building materials- steel, cement, bricks and lime. The numbers are huge, but the hard truth is that all buildings have a carbon footprint.
The amount of CO2 a building produces during its operations and activities is called the carbon footprint of that building. From transport of construction materials, materials used in construction to the usage of the building; every activity leaves behind a carbon footprint. But by educating ourselves, our clients and the entire team we can ensure that the building has the smallest adverse impact on the environment. Check these 8 tips to reduce your building carbon footprint.
1. Low-carbon concrete
Cement is the material with the greatest influence on greenhouse gas emission. Studies suggest that emissions for concrete with 0.5 w/c were between 347 and 351 kg of CO2-e/m3.
An alternative to concrete is low-carbon or green concrete. It is the concrete that is made from concrete wastes that are eco-friendly and ensure a sustainable structure with a long life cycle and low maintenance surface. These mixes are made by using fly ash, slag, calcined clays, or even hemp.
2. TMT bars
TMT bars are made of steel and steel is the most recycled material. Research shows that in the year 2017, the quantity of recycled steel alone was higher than all the other recyclable materials combined. Recycling 1 kg of steel helps in the reduction of 2 kgs of greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. Isn’t that amazing?
TMT Steel bars are not just environment-friendly but also have high resistance to corrosion, are flexible, ductile and have high shock-absorbent capacity. Here are some of the features of VRKP’s TMT steel bars > features
3. Green building materials
Products like aluminium, plastics, or foam insulation leave behind a high carbon footprint. So think of possibilities of minimizing their usage. For instance, if you can utilize a wood structure instead of aluminium and concrete or wood siding instead of vinyl, then go for it. Some other options you can consider are earthen materials, wood, bamboo, SIPs, insulated Concrete forms, cordwood, strawbale or earthbags.
4. Reuse materials
Look out for salvage materials like brick, broken concrete, metals, or wood. These materials have a much lower carbon footprint than newly manufactured materials. They also have long-term climate benefits. A report suggests that virgin steel could lead to a 3% reduction of GHG emissions between 2017 and 2050.
5. Buy local materials
Transportation of materials from the manufacturing facility to the construction site again adds up to CO2 emission. Buying local materials will forego this emission and you will also get to support the local economy.
6. HVAC
HVAC comprises 40% of all carbon emissions!
Maintain and repair the Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) regularly to reduce your building’s carbon footprint. You can also instal low energy humidifiers instead of electric steam ones.
7. Waste management
Construction waste consists of different types of materials such as bricks, concrete, mortar, wood, steel rebar, insulation material, electrical wiring, plastic materials, glass, iron plate, tile, sanitary pieces, etc. Prefabrication under controlled conditions will reduce waste and its associated carbon emissions.
8. Reduce finish materials
You can use polished concrete slabs as finished flooring to save the embodied carbon from carpet or vinyl flooring. Unfinished ceilings are also one of the sources of embodied carbon savings. In short, finishes should include low-carbon materials as they allow easy recovery for recycling or reuse.
