The impact of construction and renovation on the environment
26 February 2024
The hard truth is that the construction and renovation sector is a significant contributor to environmental degradation. The use of toxic substances not only threatens human health but also affects ecosystems and hinders recycling and circular economy practices.
Moreover, renovation projects can lead to substantial waste generation, causing landfill overflow and pollution of our soil, air, and water. The transportation and use of materials and equipment are also major sources of CO2 emissions, exacerbating climate change.
The unsustainable consumption of natural resources in these projects leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Additionally, large-scale water usage during renovations can deplete local resources and cause ecological harm through runoff and contamination.
But there is hope. Here are steps you can take to make a difference:
🌿 Choose sustainable and non-toxic materials.
🌿 Select materials with longevity to minimize waste.
🌿 Use locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions.
🌿 Refurbish existing furniture to avoid unnecessary resource consumption.
🌿 Implement water conservation measures during your projects.
The construction industry still has a long way to go to achieve circularity and decarbonization. But we as consumers at our own level can already make choices for more sustainable repair and construction practices to care for the environment.