Tag Archive for: environmental impact of construction

The Importance of Adopting Green Construction Practices

Sustainability is a hot topic lately; stakeholders across all industries are being compelled to switch their practices to incorporate more “green” practices in the interest of protecting the planet from further pollution and complying with new regulations. The construction industry is no exception; green construction is taking over the sector. Construction firms are adopting green construction practices to ensure that future projects are built sustainably and that cities are cleaner places to live and work.

What is Green Construction?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “green construction is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle.” This includes the design and construction of the building, as well as any future operations, maintenance, and renovations. More and more construction companies are adopting green practices in their building projects. In 2021, 47% of construction companies identified 60% of its projects as green building projects. This represents significant growth, compared to only 27% of construction firms making this claim in 2018.

The environmental benefits of sustainable construction are numerous, including:

  • Enhancing and protecting the ecosystem. Construction zones are notorious for being environmentally hazardous. Implementing green construction practices will help reduce the long-term devastation of ecosystems and their inhabitants.
  • Improving air and water quality. According to the World Green Building Council, the construction industry generates an estimated 39% of the world’s total carbon emissions. Structures built using green construction practices create less pollution than those built using traditional construction tactics.
  • Reducing waste. In a 2018 study, the EPA found that the United States produced over 600 million tons of construction-related waste. Green construction sites produce significantly less waste than traditional construction sites.
  • Conserving and restoring natural resources. These modern buildings utilize natural, renewable energy resources to create electricity. Wind turbines, solar panels, and water pump systems all power these green buildings without creating waste or burning fossil fuels.

Examples of Green Construction

Thankfully, we are seeing more and more green buildings pop up across the globe. These structures are not only striking to look at and great examples of modern architecture, but they are also paving the way for green buildings to be the norm instead of the exception.

Museum of Tomorrow – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This incredible science museum is beautiful to look at and a testament to the future of architecture. The building features adjustable, fin-like solar panels and a revolutionary air-conditioning system that distributes the cold water from Guanabara Bay throughout the building. This all-natural method of providing cool air throughout the building is a great energy saver.

Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China

The Shanghai Tower is the world’s second-tallest building, measuring 2,073 feet. This building is wrapped in a transparent second layer through which captured air serves as natural ventilation. This innovation, including the 270 wind turbines that power the building’s external lights, significantly reduced energy costs and waste.

CopenHill – Copenhagen, Denmark

This power plant burns waste to generate electricity. Every year, 440,000 tons of garbage is converted into clean electricity and heating for 150,000 nearby homes. In addition to being a green power plant, this building is a sports facility with one of the world’s tallest climbing towers and artificial ski slopes.

The Future is Green

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 represents the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history. This bill directs $370 billion over the next decade to rapidly increase renewable energy production and create significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This will be accomplished by accelerating the production of clean energy, vehicles, buildings, and manufacturing.

Backed by federal funding, states and cities will hopefully continue to turn to more green construction practices in the future.

Durable, Sustainable Bridges

Here at U.S. Bridge, we believe in building bridges that positively affect the community and that will last decades. Construction has a major impact on a country’s environment, including its carbon footprint.

As industry leaders and an AISC-recognized supplier, we work directly with companies around the world—without middlemen—to engineer, manufacture, and construct high-quality steel bridges for every project. Steel is a strong, recyclable, and versatile material that is great for construction.

That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide selection of prefabricated bridges specifically designed for your project.

Contact us for a free estimate, or use our industry-leading Bridgescope tool to begin planning your project now!

Earth Day: Reducing Environmental Impact of Construction

, ,
Earth Day: Environmental Impact of Construction

It’s no surprise that construction has a huge impact on the environment. Although many structures can not be built sustainably today, we should still try to reduce our environmental footprint for tomorrow. However, you may be surprised to find how easy it is to reduce the environmental impact of construction, especially bridge construction!

Here are some ways bridge construction can reduce environmental impact, and ways U.S. Bridge aims to build sustainable, eco-friendly bridges.

Use Sustainable Materials

Steel Bridge

This easily adaptable material is a popular choice for many bridges due to its affordability, strength, and positive environmental impact. The great thing about steel is that it is both lightweight and incredibly durable. Its lightweight means that often, no cranes or large machinery is needed for steel construction — thus less invasion on surrounding environments.

Steel’s enduring nature guarantees it can withstand large amounts of weight which is why it can be used for any construction project. And as added bonus, the weight of steel makes installation easier by keeping road disruption at a minimum.

Steel’s Environmental Benefits

One of the best parts about steel is that it is the most recyclable material in the world.

Almost all steel construction incorporates recycled steel, which has proven its strength as equivalent to virgin steel. Its popularity and eco-friendly status are often why steel is considered affordable for many project builders. Additionally, builders save money on maintenance and repair due to steel’s long life span, as it does not degrade over time as quickly as other materials.

Plastic Bridges

Many countries around the world are striving to reduce their environmental impact within their industry. From this idea, construction companies are testing the effectiveness of using recycled plastic to construct a bridge.

Located in Scotland, the Easter Dawyck Bridge is the longest in the world built using recycled plastic. This completely recyclable bridge was constructed by recycling over 100,00 lbs. of waste and can hold the weight of vehicles up to 88,000 lbs.

The Easter Dawyck Bridge wielded great results as the recycled material is both light and extremely durable. Reports indicate that it does not corrode, does not rust, does not require painting nor any form of treatment or maintenance.

There are many benefits to using recycled plastics in road applications such as reduced energy consumption, reduced waste to landfills, and alleviating the need for use of creating new materials for future projects. However, there is still much uncertainty about the performance and long-term durability of recycled plastic bridges with different traffic loading and environmental conditions.

So why don’t we see more recycled bridges? Its biggest obstacle is the high price tag that comes with making it. That’s why U.S. Bridge sticks with steel.

Environmentally-Friendly Construction Methods

Just using sustainable materials isn’t enough. Take the step further and ensure that you are incorporating environmentally-friendly methods in bridge construction processes.

Develop a green design that considers the long-term impact of the bridge, along with the economic aspects, to ensure that the positive benefits can be maintained over the long term. This means that you should consider the environmental issues and conditions that can arise during its lifespan, construction phase, and maintenance.

Ask yourself if you are doing all you can to limit the effect of stormwater and other runoff? What steps can you take to better manage construction waste? Partner with other companies that may use your leftover products so that nothing goes to waste.

Accelerated Bridge Construction and Bridge Kits

An easy way to reduce your environmental impact in bridge construction is with accelerated bridge construction. The installation and construction process of a bridge consumes large amounts of fuel, increases exhaust emissions, incurs traffic delays, and affects pavement performance. Using accelerated bridge kits to quickly build a safe and dependable bridge will significantly cut the environmental footprint of the project. Not to mention, it saves builders time during the installation phase of construction.

Building with an Impact at U.S. Bridge

Here at U.S. Bridge, we believe in building bridges that positively affect the community and that will last decades. That’s why we offer a wide selection of prefabricated bridges specifically designed for your project. We work directly with companies around the world — without middlemen — to engineer, manufacture, and construct steel bridges.

If you would like to know more about our construction process or bridge design feel free to contact us. Also, check out our exclusive bridge scope tool designed to provide a free quote in just five minutes!