The construction and use of buildings is responsible for almost 40% of global CO2 emissions and 35% of energy consumption. One of the strategies for reducing environmental impact is sustainable construction, which uses renewable methods and materials. Natural lighting, proper thermal regulation, good air quality, and accessibility are some of its advantages. Experts assert that a “sustainable building is better constructed because it is more cost-effective, efficient, and durable.”.
One of the fathers of sustainable architecture was born 120 years ago in Alexandria, Egypt. Hassan Fathty, who died in 1989, looked back to traditional building techniques and natural materials to advance construction that was more respectful of biodiversity. He focused on the properties of adobe, clays, and sun-dried sands mixed with straw. He applied thermodynamic conditioning methods for air capture and regulation. He also used latticework to achieve soft lighting and water features in walls and floors to humidify and cool the air through evaporation. In the 20th century, he was known as 'the architect of the poor.' Today, his philosophical contribution to sustainable building is undeniable: reduced costs, recyclable materials, excellent thermal and acoustic properties, versatility, among other benefits.
Returning to the present, it is expected that over the next decade the world will shift towards a more sustainable future. One in which pollution levels are reduced, the circular economy is embraced, and our impact on the environment is mitigated. One, ultimately, in which the coexistence between humankind and its environment finds a balance.
An increasingly sustainable construction
Rethinking how we build and use buildings is fundamental to achieving this sustainable future. After decades of reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas, buildings have become one of the main emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Currently, their construction and use account for 38% of energy-related CO2 emissions. They also account for 35% of global energy consumption.
Reducing these figures is a challenge in a world where the population continues to grow. It is estimated that we will be 2 billion more people within 30 years. 2 billion more people who will need new buildings in the form of homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals, and many other types of buildings.
Thanks to research and the development of new construction methods and materials, it is possible to design and build structures that have little impact on the environment and are also healthier and more respectful of people.
Sustainable innovation in construction: materials, techniques and new technologies
To calculate the environmental impact of a building, it's not enough to simply measure the emissions related to its use. It's necessary to go further and trace its construction back to the very beginning. From the moment the materials needed to build a building are created or extracted, its inevitable environmental impact begins.
Research and the use of new materials that replace or complement more traditional ones (such as brick and concrete) play a fundamental role in the sustainable construction sector. Currently, alternatives based on plant-based fibers, bioplastics, and even self-healing materials thanks to the presence of bacteria are being developed.
Furthermore, the creation and transport of these materials must guarantee the responsible use of raw materials and energy. To this end, a growing number of construction companies are calculating the environmental footprints of their projects. “Alongside the development of new materials, the disruptive element in the coming years will be the calculation of the carbon and water footprints in project execution,” explains Laura Tordera, Global Head of Innovation at Ferrovial Construction.
“We are in a period of transition from a linear economy, which begins with the use of raw materials and ends in the landfill, to a circular economy. In the latter, identifying the carbon footprint is fundamental for designing strategies,” he points out. This approach, which seeks to always choose the most sustainable and environmentally friendly option, also extends to construction methods. In this area, technological innovations that enable modular construction or 3D printing are of great importance, allowing for reduced construction times and less machinery use.
