Sustainable Construction Practices

The construction industry is generally one of the largest contributors to the economies of most countries around the world. Construction produces the buildings we live and work in, and the infrastructure required to support our daily activities including water systems, power systems and transportation.

The economic and social benefits of a booming construction industry cannot be overemphasized. At the same time, construction projects require a significant amount of resources including material, energy and water. Most of these resources come from non-renewable sources resulting in rapid depletion of important reserves. The production of these resources generates significant amount of emissions that are harmful to human health and the natural environment, results in polluting of natural habitats and ecosystems and generates solid and liquid waste. Similar adverse effects on the environment occur during the life cycle of the building or infrastructure project.

To address these challenges, the construction industry has endorsed sustainable construction methods to ensure that construction projects minimize their environmental impacts while supporting the economic wellbeing and social welfare of the communities in which they are developed.