Pollution looms large as a public health threat, silently impacting every corner of the globe. However, despite its dangers, we’re not doing enough to curb its spread.
Human activity is the root cause of this crisis, which in turn affects our health and lifestyle.
One of the key contributors to pollution is the construction industry. Construction activities lead to air, water and noise pollution. A report by Public Health England (PHE) highlights the hazards of air pollution on our health with as many as 43,000 premature casualties occurring in the UK every year. With infrastructure projects on the rise, the impact of construction activities cannot be pushed to the sidelines.
If you are a construction business owner or project manager, this article is for you. In this post, we will walk you through how various construction activities contribute to pollution and the alternatives or measures you can take to mitigate them.
1. Concrete Production
How Does Concrete Production Contribute to Pollution?
Concrete is used in many different types of construction projects, however, its environmental impact can’t be ignored. From buildings to to driveways to parking lots, concrete is the foundation of all types of construction.
The production of concrete on construction sites is a major contributor to air pollution as well as a high carbon footprint. While generating concrete, construction dust is generated into the air which forms a part of PM 10. PM10 is particle matter equivalent to 10 micrometres in diameter, visible to the naked eye.
Additionally, the diesel-fueled engine exhaust of concrete plants accounts for a major chunk of carbon dioxide and PM10 emissions. Also known as diesel particle matter (DPM), these exhaust gases contain sulphates and silicates as atmospheric pollutants.
What Is the Alternative?
From construction engineers to tarmac driveway contractors, professionals in the construction business have resorted to using ecological concrete. Also known as green concrete, ecological concrete is an environmentally friendly construction material. It is made using industrial by-products and recycled aggregates like fly ash and slag instead of traditional cement. As it uses recycled ingredients, it reduces the demand for virgin materials for concrete generation and diverts waste significantly from landfills.
The production of green concrete may require less energy and in turn, may emit fewer greenhouse gases as compared to conventional concrete. This further lowers its environmental impact. It is important to note, that although it is crafted from recycled materials, ecological concrete is structurally durable as traditional concrete. This makes it a sought-after traditional concrete alternative for construction projects.
2. On-Site Facilities for Construction Workforce
How do On-site Facilities Contribute to Pollution?
Construction sites are often associated with dust, fumes, and vehicle emissions, but there’s another surprising contributor to pollution – on-site facilities for workers.
The mandatory regulations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) call for appropriate welfare facilities for workers and staff. This includes working toilets, changing areas, storage, access to drinking water, and more. Makeshift solutions like portaloos are insufficient and can potentially result in harm to the environment through improper waste disposal.
Having inadequate space in these makeshift solutions can result in overcrowding of workers. Overcrowding, along with poor ventilation, can lead to the production of indoor air pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and mould spores. These can affect air quality and harm worker health.
What Is the Alternative?
A more centralised approach calls for a welfare unit that not only offers the required amenities but also is more environmentally sound. Many of these units run on hybrid generators that use minimal power and need low maintenance.
They also incorporate sustainable features like solar panels, energy-efficient light fixtures, and water-saving fixtures to reduce the consumption of energy and water. With a proper waste disposal system in place, these units safeguard the integrity of the working staff as well as the environment.
3. High Noise Levels of Construction Equipment
How do High Noise Levels Contribute to Pollution?
Noise pollution is at its peak on construction sites. The heavy equipment and machines used for construction and building are equipped with very powerful engines, generating really loud noises.
This noise can be harmful to the ear without protective gear. It can also contribute to increased stress levels, disturbance in sleep, altered sleep cycles, and high blood pressure. High levels of noise can also affect animals.
What Measures Can Be Taken?
Very high-level sounds are a hazard even for a short duration. Using modern tools and equipment designed specifically to reduce noise levels is a good way to reduce noise pollution. Alternatively, maintaining fixed hours for construction work, especially during the daytime, can help avoid disturbances.
Another great way to mitigate noise levels is by having movable noise barriers in place. To prevent hearing loss, remember to ensure that workers wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective ear muffs, ear plugs or semi-insert/canal caps while operating the machines. These PPE reduce the noise to acceptable levels, helping your workers stay safe.
To Sum Up
The construction industry may be booming in the UK, but their operations come with a cost to the environment. Be it poor waste management, air pollution or water pollution, construction activities leave a lasting impact on the environment and public health. In addition to the three mentioned above, enforcing more sustainable measures can minimise the impact of construction in generating pollution and build a cleaner and healthier future.
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