9517

31

Scan the article below to find out what building materials are unsustainable and

why.

8 of the most unsustainable building materials

Construction is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world. Building new structures uses a lot of energy and also creates a lot of waste. Unfortunately, there are many unsustainable building materials that are still being used regularly today.

Here are 8 of the most unsustainable building materials still being used:

•Aluminum

•Reinforced Concrete

•Steel

•Glass

•Wood

•Clay

•Lead

•Asbestos

32

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most unsustainable building materials and why they’re still being used. We'll also discuss some alternative, more sustainable materials that could be used instead.

1. Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most popular materials used in construction. It’s lightweight and strong, making it ideal for use in a variety of applications. However, aluminum production is highly energy-intensive.

It takes a lot of energy to mine aluminum ore and process it into usable metal. In fact, aluminum production is responsible for around 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That works out to be 1.1 billion metric tons (1.1 trillion kg) of C02 every year.

Reliance on aluminum is unlikely to falter any time soon. In fact, experts believe that humans will increase their aluminum usage over the next 30 years. Aluminum is commonly used in construction for framing, cladding, and trim. It’s a lightweight material that’s strong and easy to work with. It’s also a good conductor of heat and electricity, making it ideal for use in electrical wiring and heating systems.

2. Reinforced Concrete

Concrete is the most commonly used material in construction. It’s strong, durable, and easy to work with. The downside is that it takes a considerable amount of energy to produce, which leaves behind a massive carbon footprint.

The production of cement, which is the main ingredient in concrete, accounts for around eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Each pound of cement is responsible for 0.9 pounds (0.41 kg) of C02 being released.

Cement production emits a lot of carbon dioxide because of the high temperatures that are required to produce it. The manufacturing of cement also uses a lot of water, which can lead to water shortages in areas where it’s produced.

33

3. Steel

Steel is another popular material that is used extensively in construction. It’s strong and versatile, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Unfortunately, steel production like aluminum and concrete, has a very large carbon footprint that can’t be ignored.

The production of steel is responsible for around eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is because the process of making steel uses a lot of energy and also emits quite a bit of carbon dioxide. For every ton of steel, 1.85 metric tons (1,850 kg) of carbon dioxide is produced.

Making steel also uses a lot of water. In fact, it takes about two gallons of water to produce one pound of steel. This water is used to cool the steel as it’s being produced and to transport the finished product.

Steel remains a popular material used for construction of all kinds. This is because it’s substantial, tough and simple to use. However, the high carbon footprint of steel production means that it isn’t a sustainable option in the long run.

4. Glass

Glass is a commonly used product for things like doors and windows, which, of course, are frequently installed during construction. It’s also used in some types of insulation. Glass is made from sand, which is a renewable resource. However, the production of glass still has a significant impact on the environment.

The production of glass emits greenhouse gases and uses a lot of energy In fact, it takes about 285 kg (628 lb) of CO2 to produce 1000 kg (2,205 lb) of glass. The production of glass also uses a lot of water which, as we’ve already covered, dramatically contributes to C02 emissions.

Glass is used in basically every building, and there’s little chance it'll be replaced anytime soon we’re reliant on the glass to let light from the sun into buildings, which our bodies need daily.

34

5. Clay

Clay is used in construction for a variety of purposes such as bricks, pipes, and roofing tiles. It is also used in ceramic products like toilets and sinks. Clay is a natural material that is found all over the world.

While clay might be a natural resource, that doesn’t mean its production doesn’t have an impact on the environment. In fact, the production of clay bricks emits greenhouse gases which gives this product a high carbon footprint in construction.

The process of making clay bricks involves mining the clay from the ground, shaping it into bricks, and then firing it in a kiln. This process uses a lot of energy as well as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

6. Wood

Wood is one of the oldest materials used in construction and it’s still being used today. People like wood because it’s aesthetically pleasing: versatile in use, and is a renewable resource.

An added bonus in the fight against greenhouse gasses is that trees take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood, making wood a carbonneutral material.

All of these facts make wood sound like it should be a sustainable material, but the problem is how we use it and have used it in the past. This has significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions.

The problem with wood is that it takes a long time to grow, which means that we’re cutting down trees faster than they can be replaced. The production of wood is what causes the spike in C02. Wood will likely remain a popular construction material forever, which means we need to work on ways to limit its effect on greenhouse gasses.

35

7. Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that’s often used in construction because it’s durable and has a low melting point. Lead is often used in pipes and plumbing fixtures, as well as in some types of paint and insulation. The main issue with lead is that it’s a toxic substance that can be harmful to humans if ingested or inhaled.

The health hazards of lead have been known since as early as 2000 BC, yet it remains a common material used in construction. This is because lead is still considered to be one of the most effective materials for its intended purpose. Despite the health risks, lead is still considered to be one of the most effective materials for its intended purpose. Lead continues to be used in construction because it is inexpensive and easy to work with.

8. Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once commonly used in insulation and fireproofing materials Asbestos fibers are strong and durable, which makes them ideal for these applications. However asbestos fibers can also be inhaled, which can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer.

The use of asbestos has been banned in many countries, but it’s still used in some developing nations. Asbestos-containing materials are still being imported into developed countries as well. The health risks of asbestos are well known, yet it's still being used in construction. Most countries have taken to banning the material because it can cause a slow death in those exposed to it. However it still exists in many buildings throughout the world.

Asbestos fibers can remain in the air for a long time and be inhaled by people nearby. Asbestos fibers can also settle on clothing and be taken home, where they can be breathed in by family members. Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause lung cancer or other diseases.

From: https://www.builderspace.com/8-unsustainable-building-materials-still-being-used

36

Study Cases

1. Read the text, fill in the gaps with one of the words:

artificial intelligence (AI) - Building Information Modelling (BIM) - digital solutions - Internet of Things (IoT) - Off-site manufacturing

Innovations in construction

_____ is one solution that can help change construction. Modular building components, created in controlled workshop conditions, can reduce building costs while also reducing in-site problems such as noise, pollution and traffic disruption. These components can be made safely, reducing the everyday dangers of construction work, while simultaneously increasing control over price, quality and timing without sacrificing creativity, individuality or design flexibility. Some believe this is the future of construction.

In a streamlined construction cycle, manufacturing sites are integrated with work sites through _____ . Buildings are becoming data gathering devices with inbuilt smart sensors, robotics are becoming more and more common for jobsite applications and developments in _____

make ‘robots’ more and more ‘thoughtful’. Every onsite worker can be positioned with geospatial technologies and can be connected to every other worker.

The _____ makes every device with an on/off button connected into a grand web of data. These digital technologies are a trend or maybe even a revolution. These innovations are a great driver for efficiency and sustainability.

_____ is a ‘hot topic’. It is the process through which all data, for the whole life of an asset, is managed to provide detailed information and visualization. It often involves 3D digital modeling that was not possible before the introduction of laser scanning (Lidar). Now Lidar has been linked with un-manned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

37

to create a new horizon that slashes surveying time and removes humans from dangerous surveying tasks. It also helps ameliorate the shortage of registered surveyors, who can now spend their time and use their expertise analysing and interpreting data instead of gathering it.

From: https://www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/civil-

engineering/sites/civil/files/uploads/PDF/CVEN%20research%20future%20magazine-Web.pdf

2. Use the article “Innovations in construction” to find innovations for the following tasks:

1.to provide detailed information and visualization;

2.to reduce building costs;

3.to drive for efficiency and sustainability;

4.to slash surveying time;

5.to reduce the everyday dangers of construction work;

6.to remove humans from dangerous surveying tasks.

38

Invent Ideas

From Inspiration to Realization

Background

The Skolkovo Innovation Centre will host a conference on New Technologies in Construction. The event is dedicated to discussing the problems of the construction and housing and communal services sector in Russia. Experts will discuss trends in the development and use of innovative solutions in the industry, the economic impact of their implementation, as well as the practice of decision-making on the introduction of new materials and technologies in large companies. In turn, Skolkovo residents will present their developments in the field of construction and utilities, which will reduce infrastructure maintenance costs and energy consumption.

Task 1. You are researchers who need finance for your project. Work in groups. Choose the innovation you are going to present to the team of investors.

Task 2. Prepare the presentation of your products.

Task 3. Present your proposal to the rest of the class.

Task 4. Once each group has presented, the class should consider which innovative product has the greatest potential.

Self-Reflection Questions

•What are the important ideas you explored?

•What new discoveries emerge?

•What strategies did you use to learn?

•Which worked well or didn't work well?

•What did you learn were your greatest strengths?

Your biggest areas for improvement?

• What new questions do you have?

39

Achievements of Civil Engineering

Explore Topic

Work in pairs. Choose four of these questions and discuss them.

1.What goals do you want to achieve studying this topic?

2.What is the topic associated with in your mind?

3.What is one of your greatest personal achievements?

4.What will you achieve this year?

What is the best way to achieve your goals?

5.Do you always achieve your goals?

6.What is one of mankind’s greatest achievements?

7.What is a great achievement of the 21st century?

8.What do you think makes a great civil engineer?

9.What the most impressive civil engineering projects do you know in our country; in other countries?

10.What is your idea of ideal: a) city planning, b) new towns, c) buildings, d) building technologies?

Discover Content

Internet Treasure Hunt

Do you want to get to know about the greatest civil engineering achievements? Read the questions below and use the internet to find the answers.

Create a glossary of relevant terms.

1.What is an engineering achievement?

2.What are the top civil engineering achievements in the past 30 years? Examples could highlight developments in materials, manufacturing, communication, testing and applications of technology. What is their purpose?

40

3. What are changes on people’s lives that have been achieved through civil engineering?

Study Cases

In order to increase efficiency and build green Decorium construction company wants to adopt new building technologies. You have conducted research about best practice in the field of construction. Use information from the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k2MaK9b8rQ and other relevant resources to write a memo explaining the study to the business owner.

Invent Ideas

Choose your project

Project option 1. Compile information about achievements of civil engineering in the form of the quiz. Compile a range of interesting questions and answers that will have your

group mates thinking more about the finer points of civil engineering achievements.

Project option 2. Conduct a SWOT Analyses (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) of using robots in construction.

Project option 3. Think of examples of significant construction projects (skyscrapers, bridges etc.). Describe two of them, then make comparisons (place, when completed, height, floors, functions, owners, architects, construction companies, construction facts, construction system, material, etc.)

Project option 4. To help people understand the full scope of the modular construction industry, compile a guide to modular construction. Think of the following questions: