THE
DEBRIEF
MORAG EVANS
CEO OF DATABUILD
Globally , the building and construction industry has been putting more emphasis on using energy-efficient technologies and equipment to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in buildings . This has resulted in the integration of renewable energy sources in building designs with solar panels , wind turbines , and even geothermal systems becoming commonplace . Ultimately , the sector has been committing to reducing the environmental impact of buildings and embracing the move towards net zero .
To this end , South African builders have been looking towards using sustainable building materials such as recycled steel , bamboo , reclaimed wood and eco-friendly concrete alternatives like fly ash or hempcrete . There has also been a concerted effort around adopting water conservation initiatives and reducing waste . For example , low-flow plumbing fixtures , rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling are all gaining momentum locally . Improvements in recycling technologies are seeing the repurposing of construction and demolition materials for other uses .
From a waste reduction perspective , prefabrication and modular construction techniques have helped reduce on-site wastage by allowing building components to be built off-site in controlled environments . These techniques are enabling faster , more resource-efficient building processes . Additive manufacturing technologies , such as 3D printing , are enabling faster fabrication of complex structures using sustainable materials . This allows for precise material placement , optimised designs , and reduced material waste . Furthermore , using hydrophobic additives in concrete to reduce water requirements during mixing , employing waterless construction techniques like dry stacking for masonry walls , and optimising irrigation systems for landscaping all contribute to reducing water usage during the construction phase .
There is also green infrastructure which encompasses a range of nature-based solutions . These include green roofs , permeable pavements , and urban green spaces that can help manage stormwater , improve air quality and mitigate the urban heat island effect .
Technology usage
Of course , advances in technology have empowered those in the sector to become more efficient . Using real-time monitoring solutions like sensors , meters and data analytics platforms can assist builders in monitoring water usage and help detect leaks much faster on construction sites . This can lead to significant water savings and cost reductions .
Using digital twins has also been a game-changer . This sees the creation of virtual replicas of physical infrastructure assets . Having such a digital twin means stakeholders can do everything from real-time monitoring , analysis , and optimisation in the construction process . But more than that , they can also simulate different scenarios and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement around energy consumption , water usage and waste reduction .
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