Construction is key to supporting life on Earth. But in recent years, a spotlight has been shone on the industry, highlighting the extent of the damage it does to the environment and the planet as a whole. In fact, according to some reports, as much as 75% of the world’s natural resources have previously gone into the construction industry. And whilst companies around the world are already striving to do better, there is still a lot that can be done by the sector to clean up its act.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the ways in which construction is damaging the planet, and explore ways the industry as a whole can better protect biodiversity going forward.
How can construction affect biodiversity?
Construction projects, whether they are commercial buildings, roads, or even homes, can have a devastating impact on local ecosystems if not planned and executed properly. There are so many different elements of a project that could negatively affect the environment, both locally and further afield.
In the first case, simply taking up land to build upon will have a direct impact on the local wildlife and their habitats. Beyond this, water and air pollution, waste, noise and flooding can all affect natural behaviour patterns in different species. All of these factors aren’t only harmful to wildlife now – they can have lasting effects on species’ populations further down the line.
Globally, the extraction of natural resources and supply chain management can also have long-lasting effects on the planet.
Being aware of the ways in which construction can affect biodiversity is the first step in tackling the issue – but what can construction companies do to actively protect it?
Protecting biodiversity
Assess the area
In order to minimise the impact of a project, it’s crucial to do a proper assessment of the area set to be affected. This analysis should include an evaluation of the current flora and fauna, as well as the hydrology and soils. With this information in hand, the construction team can develop a plan to avoid or minimise damage to sensitive areas. In some cases, it may be necessary to relocate wildlife or replant vegetation that is disturbed during construction.
Use sustainable materials
Material choice is a major factor in determining the environmental impact, or lack thereof, of any construction project. One thing to consider when it comes to material choice is whether you can use local alternatives to fulfill the brief. Using materials grown locally can mitigate the impacts of transporting goods around the world, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the project, as well as helping to preserve local ecosystems. Where possible, you should also look to use renewable materials such as cork or natural timber, since these options will have less of an impact on biodiversity in the long term.
Create green spaces
Another way to protect biodiversity is to factor the creation of green spaces into the development process. These can include community gardens, pocket parks, and rain gardens. Green spaces provide habitats for local wildlife, and they also help to improve air and water quality.
By taking these steps, construction projects can have a much smaller impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
To sum up
As the world becomes increasingly urbanised, it’s important for construction companies to take measures to protect biodiversity. The industry needs to work closely alongside local stakeholders to ensure that projects are sustainable and their needs are being met. By taking a few simple steps, everyone can help make sure that our natural resources are protected for future generations
