By adopting recent technological advancements, the construction industry reportedly has the potential to significantly lessen the impact of climate change. But how exactly can this be achieved? Continue reading to know more about it.
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Impact of the Construction Industry on Climate Change
The effects of climate change are felt in every aspect of life, including the places where we live, work, and interact with others. The devastation caused by natural disasters and extreme temperatures has rendered specific structures and caused an alarming amount of economic and personal loss.
As mentioned, the construction industry has an opportunity to implement adjustments for higher resilience to climate change and energy efficiency since construction activities and firms are responsible for over 40% of the annual carbon emissions that are produced around the world. Thus, the need to ensure that structures can resist heat waves, torrential rain, and other climate extremes is becoming increasingly recognized by construction companies, project owners, and designers since it is essential to take into account the environmental implications of building design, materials, and operations that take place on-site.
Moreover, utilizing new technologies is one way the industry is working to lessen its negative environmental impact. One example of this is the utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for improved planning and management of resources, as well as the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to optimize building design for increasing energy efficiency.
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How can BIM Help Mitigate Climate Change?
By implementing passive design principles and incorporating BIM technology, the construction industry has the potential to enhance its efficiency by optimizing the allocation of resources, minimizing waste, and lowering the environmental imprint of projects. Before construction begins, BIM allows architects and designers to experiment with various passive design tactics, enabling them to refine their designs in the early stages of the design process. The most efficient methods for lowering the amount of energy required and improving the overall performance of the building are chosen through this proactive approach.
It also permits the seamless incorporation of environmentally friendly and efficient materials in terms of energy use into the design process. Materials with reduced energy consumption and emissions can be selected by designers based on an evaluation of their environmental impact. Their ability to make more environmentally friendly, knowledgeable, and sustainable judgments is enhanced as a result of this.
For architects and designers, BIM systems give them the capacity to perform dynamic thermal analysis, which allows them to evaluate how building materials react to different temperatures throughout the year. This makes it easier to construct buildings capable of naturally regulating the temperatures within, reducing the need for mechanical heating or cooling systems. Furthermore, the analysis and modeling of building performance can be carried out thoroughly. A better decision-making process can be enabled by conducting assessments of passive design techniques, such as ideal orientation, shading, and natural ventilation, as well as the influence these tactics have on energy usage.
On the other hand, BIM offers the possibility to implement Life Cycle Assessment tools, which evaluate the influence that a structure has on the environment during its entire history, starting with its construction and moving through to its demolition. By adopting this comprehensive approach, environmental factors are consistently considered throughout the whole life cycle of the organization.
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