Innovations in Green Construction

by | Jul 17, 2024 | Blog

Photo by Shivendu Shukla on Unsplash

In the first of my short series on innovation and training in the European construction Industry written as part of the European Green Circle project, I looked at European and international targets and initiatives for supporting the green transition. I had intended to follow this with a look at issues facing the industry, but became sidetracked by a argument over an article on the BBC web site entitled ‘Why technology has not transformed building’. Based on a report by McKinsey back in 2017, the McKinsey Global Institute concluded that the construction industry could improve productivity by 50 to 60% and boost the industry’s global value by $1.6tn (£1.3tn) a year.

Since then, McKinsey says, improved production processes and the use of new software and apps have improved efficiency, but not to the extent that one might have hoped.

“Construction is a bit of a digital laggard compared with many other industries. It’s been slow to adopt digital in the widest sense,” said Mr O’Gorman from McKinsey.

But other have hit back. Johnny Furlong, writing in BIMPLUS says it is a myth that construction companies do not spend on technology, R&D and digitisation. He points to the Productivity in the construction industry, UK: 2021 report by the Office for National Statistics, which states:

  • Construction is spending considerably more on technology and services than it used to;
  • Construction is outpacing the economy as a whole, in the shift from intangible assets to technology assets. This means construction is innovating quicker than the majority of other industries;
  • 14% of all assets in construction are now technology assets, which is higher than the economy as a whole;
  • Education levels and diversity are increasing faster in construction than in other industries. Although we have a way to go here due to starting from a low base.

Although the construction industry, has been long known for its traditional practices and resistance to change, is now seen by some as at the forefront of innovation as it grapples with the urgent need for sustainability and environmental responsibility. The green transition in construction is not just a trend but a necessity, driven by global climate change concerns, stringent environmental regulations, and increasing demand for sustainable buildings. This shift towards greener practices is revolutionizing the industry, but it also faces significant challenges.

Key Areas of Green Innovation in Construction

  1. Sustainable Materials: One of the most visible areas of innovation is in the development and use of sustainable building materials. These include:
  • Low-carbon concrete: Innovations in concrete production aim to reduce its carbon footprint, which accounts for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions.
  • Mass timber: Engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) are gaining popularity as a renewable alternative to steel and concrete.
  • Recycled and upcycled materials: Using materials from demolished buildings or industrial waste in new constructions reduces landfill waste and raw material consumption.
  1. Energy Efficiency: Innovations in energy-efficient design and technologies are crucial for reducing the operational carbon footprint of buildings:
  • Smart building systems: AI-powered building management systems optimize energy use in real-time.
  • Advanced insulation: New materials and techniques improve thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling needs.
  • High-performance windows: Innovations in glazing technology enhance natural lighting while minimizing heat gain or loss.
  1. Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources into building design is becoming increasingly common:
  • Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into building facades and roofs.
  • Geothermal systems: Ground source heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling.
  • Micro wind turbines: Small-scale wind energy systems are being designed for urban environments.
  1. Water Conservation: Innovations in water management are critical in many regions:
  • Greywater recycling systems: These systems treat and reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry for non-potable purposes.
  • Rainwater harvesting: Advanced systems collect, filter, and store rainwater for various uses.
  • Water-efficient fixtures: New designs significantly reduce water consumption without compromising functionality.
  1. Waste Reduction and Circular Economy: The industry is increasingly focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency:
  • 3D printing in construction: This technology allows for precise material use, reducing waste.
  • Modular and prefabricated construction: Off-site manufacturing improves quality control and reduces on-site waste.
  • Design for disassembly: Buildings are designed to be easily deconstructed, with materials reused or recycled at the end of the building’s life.
  1. Digital Technologies: Digital innovations are transforming project planning, execution, and management:
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM): This technology enables better coordination, reducing errors and waste.
  • Digital twins: Virtual replicas of buildings help optimize performance throughout the lifecycle.
  • Augmented and Virtual Reality: These technologies improve design visualization and on-site safety training.

Barriers to Green Innovation

But there still remain barriers to Green Innovation in Construction which are hindering widespread adoption:

  1. High Initial Costs: Many sustainable technologies and materials have higher upfront costs, even if they offer long-term savings. This can be a significant deterrent, especially for projects with tight budgets or short-term financial outlooks.
  2. Lack of Awareness and Expertise: There’s often a knowledge gap among industry professionals regarding new sustainable technologies and practices. This can lead to hesitation in adopting unfamiliar methods or materials.
  3. Regulatory Hurdles: Building codes and regulations can sometimes lag behind technological advancements, making it difficult to implement innovative solutions. Navigating complex and often inconsistent regulatory landscapes across different regions can be challenging.
  4. Industry Fragmentation: The construction industry is highly fragmented, with many small to medium-sized enterprises. This fragmentation can make it difficult to coordinate large-scale adoption of new technologies or practices.
  5. Risk Aversion: The construction industry is traditionally risk-averse due to the high stakes involved in building projects. This can lead to a preference for tried-and-tested methods over newer, potentially riskier innovations.
  6. Lack of Client Demand: While there’s growing awareness of green building benefits, not all clients prioritize sustainability, especially if it comes with higher upfront costs.
  7. Supply Chain Challenges: Implementing sustainable practices often requires changes throughout the supply chain. Ensuring a reliable supply of innovative materials or technologies can be challenging.
  8. Skill Shortages: The adoption of new technologies and practices requires a workforce with updated skills. There’s often a lag in training and education to meet these new skill requirements.

Overcoming the Barriers

The Green Circle project is focused on education and training, particularly through the introduction of Micro Credentials. Investing in education and training programs for construction professionals is essential to bridge the knowledge gap and create a skilled workforce capable of implementing green innovations. But advances in education and training need to be accompanied by other measures as part of a multi-faceted approach which includes:

  1. Policy and Regulation: Governments can play a crucial role by implementing policies that incentivize green building practices and updating building codes to accommodate innovative technologies.
  2. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government can accelerate innovation and its adoption.
  3. Financial Incentives: Governments and financial institutions can provide incentives, grants, or favourable financing terms for green building projects to offset higher initial costs.
  4. Demonstration Projects: Showcasing successful green building projects can help build confidence in new technologies and practices.
  5. Life Cycle Cost Analysis: Promoting the use of life cycle cost analysis can help demonstrate the long-term benefits of sustainable practices, offsetting concerns about higher initial costs.
  6. Standardization: Developing industry standards for new technologies and practices can help reduce perceived risks and facilitate wider adoption.

The green transition in the construction industry is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity. As the industry overcomes these barriers and embraces innovation, it has the potential to significantly reduce its environmental impact while creating more resilient, efficient, and valuable built environments for the future.

Author: Grahan Attwell

Pontydysgu