Construction: Recycling and Energy
P4 four key methods used to protect the natural environment from the impact of construction
Minimisation of pollution
Pollution has a marked effect upon the environment as well as on our health and well-being. There are several ways to minimise pollution including: * Fitting fume scrubbers to chimney outputs to remove solids and any pollutant chemicals that would be realised into the air. * Treating water of foul drainage before it is discharged into sea outfalls to reduce the effects on marine environment. * Minimising wastage by recycling construction products such as timber, metal and bricks and therefore reducing pollution dumped into landfill sites. * Using developments in technology such as biofuels and low sulphur fuels to provide cleaner emissions released during combustion in engines.
Reduction in embodied energy
There is a close relationship between the energy we use and global warming. We can therefore try to reduce the amount of energy we use in construction by specifying materials that have lower embodied energy. Natural timber products are excellent examples as they absorb carbon during growth and cost little to convert into a useable construction product. Cement –based products, contain high levels of embedded energy, careful consideration should be given before using these products or alternative products should be sought.
Reduction in energy usage
We need to extend the life of our limited resources. To accomplish this, we need to save energy. This can be achieved through: * Energy saving measures * Renewable energy measures
There are many ways to save energy in a building including switching off appliances on standby, using energy efficient light bulbs, using grade A appliances, and only filling a kettle
with the amount of water needed, however these are just the minor ways to reduce energy usage that can have a big effect if we all contribute.
Renewable energy sources are a rapidly developing
Minimisation of pollution
Pollution has a marked effect upon the environment as well as on our health and well-being. There are several ways to minimise pollution including: * Fitting fume scrubbers to chimney outputs to remove solids and any pollutant chemicals that would be realised into the air. * Treating water of foul drainage before it is discharged into sea outfalls to reduce the effects on marine environment. * Minimising wastage by recycling construction products such as timber, metal and bricks and therefore reducing pollution dumped into landfill sites. * Using developments in technology such as biofuels and low sulphur fuels to provide cleaner emissions released during combustion in engines.
Reduction in embodied energy
There is a close relationship between the energy we use and global warming. We can therefore try to reduce the amount of energy we use in construction by specifying materials that have lower embodied energy. Natural timber products are excellent examples as they absorb carbon during growth and cost little to convert into a useable construction product. Cement –based products, contain high levels of embedded energy, careful consideration should be given before using these products or alternative products should be sought.
Reduction in energy usage
We need to extend the life of our limited resources. To accomplish this, we need to save energy. This can be achieved through: * Energy saving measures * Renewable energy measures
There are many ways to save energy in a building including switching off appliances on standby, using energy efficient light bulbs, using grade A appliances, and only filling a kettle
with the amount of water needed, however these are just the minor ways to reduce energy usage that can have a big effect if we all contribute.
Renewable energy sources are a rapidly developing