If you have decided to build your own home, you may be pretty excited. However, it is important to remember that this is a big project which will require you to use a lot of different skills. You will also need to learn when it is time to call in a professional construction contractor. You will find lots of cool info on this blog which covers the types of jobs you can complete on your own, as well as providing you with some top tips which will allow you to effectively work with building professionals. I'm not a pro myself, but I have spent a very long time researching these topics!
Can You Use "Greener" Products in Your Civil Engineering Project?
If you're in charge of a major civil engineering project and are choosing the materials involved, you need to pay close attention to the environment. After all, you are likely to be heavily reliant on concrete, and even though this is one of the most widely used materials, it's a major contributor to the problem. So, what do you need to bear in mind, and what type of approach can you take?
Understand Your Impact
According to some experts, the world produces more than 4 billion tonnes of cement each year, which accounts for about 8% of CO2 emissions. In other words, these projects consume a lot of energy, and even though this is at the production stage, you need to take this into account as the end-user.
Turn to Renewables
Today, it is possible to use various renewable materials in any construction project. For example, some project managers will choose steel or copper for their recyclable properties or may even consider making structures from sugarcane or bamboo instead.
Green Concrete Products
But there are also better solutions when it comes to the concrete itself. For example, you could decide to restrict any building work to just "green" concrete. This is made from cement based on fly ash, which is a waste product that may include certain concrete aggregate or aluminium fibres. These other ingredients are equally as good and fit for the purpose, but it means that you will be using less energy as part of your own project footprint. You can use green concrete to help you build walls, columns, beams, slabs and patios, and be equally satisfied with the outcome.
Recycled Plastic Bricks
Turning to bricks, you may be able to use recycled plastic. As you may know, plastic is one of the most durable materials and is likely to last longer without degradation. You can buy recycled plastic bricks at a relatively low cost, and they will also have great insulation properties against heat or noise.
More Sustainable Bricks
Other manufacturers have created an even more sustainable brick that is made from mostly construction waste. Consequently, it generates a fraction of the typical carbon emissions associated with brick manufacture and may also offer better insulation properties.
Make the Best Decisions
As you can see, there are ways to make your project more environmentally friendly. Consequently, you should look into the different types of concrete and brick, so you can make shrewd decisions and move forward with confidence.
Speak to a company like GBM Consulting Services Pty Ltd to learn more.