Pollution From Construction
The construction industry is a major source of pollution, responsible for around 4% of particulate emissions, more water pollution incidents than any other industry, and thousands of noise complaints every year. Although construction activities also pollute the soil, the main areas of concern are: air, water and noise pollution.
Air Pollution from construction
Construction activities that contribute to air pollution include: land clearing, operation of diesel engines, demolition, burning, and working with toxic materials. All construction sites generate high levels of dust (typically from concrete, cement, wood, stone, silica) and this can carry for large distances over a long period of time. Construction dust is classified as PM10 – particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter, invisible to the naked eye.
Pollution From Construction – The legacy persists
Research has shown that PM10 penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause a wide range of health problems including respiratory illness, asthma, bronchitis and even cancer. Another major source of PM10 on construction sites comes from the diesel engine exhausts of vehicles and heavy equipment. This is known as diesel particulate matter (DPM) and consists of soot, sulphates and silicates, all of which readily combine with other toxins in the atmosphere, increasing the health risks of particle inhalation.
Diesel is also responsible for emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Noxious vapours from oils, glues, thinners, paints, treated woods, plastics, cleaners and other hazardous chemicals that are widely used on construction sites, also contribute to air pollution.
Water Pollution from construction
Sources of water pollution on building sites include: diesel and oil; paint, solvents, cleaners and other harmful chemicals; and construction debris and dirt. When land is cleared it causes soil erosion that leads to silt-bearing run-off and sediment pollution. Silt and soil that runs into natural waterways turns them turbid, which restricts sunlight filtration and destroys aquatic life.
Surface water run-off also carries other pollutants from the site, such as diesel and oil, toxic chemicals, and building materials like cement. When these substances get into waterways they poison water life and any animal that drinks from them. Pollutants on construction sites can also soak into the groundwater, a source of human drinking water. Once contaminated, groundwater is much more difficult to treat than surface water
Noise Pollution from construction
Construction sites produce a lot of noise, mainly from vehicles, heavy equipment and machinery, but also from people shouting and radios turned up too loud. Excessive noise is not only annoying and distracting, but can lead to hearing loss, high blood pressure, sleep disturbance and extreme stress. Research has shown that high noise levels disturb the natural cycles of animals and reduces their usable habitat.
Measures to Prevent Pollution from construction
Good construction site practice can help to control and prevent pollution. The first step is to prepare environmental risk assessments for all construction activities and materials likely to cause pollution. Specific measures can then be taken to mitigate these risks:
- To prevent erosion and run-off, minimise land disturbance and leave maximum vegetation cover.
- Control dust through fine water sprays used to dampen down the site.
- Screen the whole site to stop dust spreading, or alternatively, place fine mesh screening close to the dust source.
- Cover skips and trucks loaded with construction materials and continually damp down with low levels of water.
- Cover piles of building materials like cement, sand and other powders, regularly inspect for spillages, and locate them where they will not be washed into waterways or drainage areas.
- Use non-toxic paints, solvents and other hazardous materials wherever possible
- Segregate, tightly cover and monitor toxic substances to prevent spills and possible site contamination.
- Cover up and protect all drains on site .
- Collect any wastewater generated from site activities in settlement tanks, screen, discharge the clean water, and dispose of remaining sludge according to environmental regulations.
- Use low sulphur diesel oil in all vehicle and equipment engines, and incorporate the latest specifications of particulate filters and catalytic converters.
- No burning of materials on site.
- Reduce noise pollution through careful handling of materials; modern, quiet power tools, equipment and generators; low impact technologies; and wall structures as sound shields.
Pressure to Clean Up
The UK Environment Agency and other government bodies are putting increasing pressure on construction companies to reduce pollution and conform to environmental regulations. In the past the pollution fines have been low and environmental regulations slack, and it could have been perceived as cheaper to pollute than to prevent pollution. This situation is now changing, and enforcement of environmental regulations is not only very expensive but can be irreversibly damaging to the reputation of a firm. Measures to reduce and control pollution are relatively inexpensive and cost-effective, and the construction industry needs to incorporate these into an environmental management strategy. By employing these practices, the construction industry is well positioned to clean up its act.
Recent Advances in Pollution Control Technologies
The construction industry has embraced various technological innovations to reduce pollution. This includes the use of electric and hybrid machinery, which drastically cuts down emissions, and advanced dust suppression methods like water mist systems. IoT technology for monitoring environmental impact on-site and employing machinery with lower emission engines are also notable advancements.
Sustainable Building Materials
There’s a growing trend in using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled steel, and low-VOC paints. The industry is increasingly adopting sustainable wood and incorporating green building standards such as LEED certification, which promote environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.
Energy Efficiency in Construction Practices
Construction sites are increasingly using renewable energy sources. Solar-powered equipment and biodiesel are becoming more common. Additionally, energy-efficient practices like optimised machinery usage and improved insulation during construction are being implemented to reduce energy consumption.
Water Conservation Measures
Water conservation techniques include the use of rainwater harvesting systems and grey water recycling. Erosion control measures and sediment traps are also being utilised to prevent water pollution. Water-efficient machinery and practices are being adopted to reduce the industry’s water footprint.
Waste Management and Recycling
The focus on efficient waste management is prominent, with practices like recycling construction debris, proper disposal of hazardous materials, and reducing waste through efficient design and planning. Modular construction also contributes to this effort by minimising on-site waste.
Regulatory Changes and Compliance
Updates on environmental regulations affecting the construction industry are crucial. This includes stricter emission standards, mandatory use of eco-friendly materials, and new waste disposal guidelines. Companies are increasingly adhering to these regulations to avoid penalties and maintain their reputation.
Case Studies and Examples
The construction industry’s shift towards sustainability can be highlighted through various case studies. For instance, Shanghai Tower in China, which incorporates wind turbines, a rainwater recycling system, and a double-skin façade to reduce energy and water usage. These examples showcase how innovative design and technology can be effectively employed in large-scale projects to achieve environmental sustainability.
Economic Benefits of Eco-Friendly Construction
Sustainable construction practices offer significant economic advantages. Energy-efficient buildings typically have lower operating costs due to reduced energy and water usage, leading to substantial savings over the building’s lifecycle.
Moreover, green buildings often have higher market values and attract tenants more easily due to their modern amenities and lower utility costs. The construction industry also benefits from job creation in green technology sectors and potential government incentives for sustainable building practices. These economic benefits make a compelling case for the adoption of eco-friendly construction methods.
Global Trends and Comparisons
Globally, there is a diverse approach to sustainable construction. In Europe, countries like Germany and Sweden are leaders in energy-efficient building standards, often exceeding the requirements of EU directives. In Asia, Singapore stands out for its green building initiatives, mandating sustainability ratings for large buildings.
These global trends highlight different strategies and regulatory approaches, reflecting varied geographic and economic contexts.
Future Outlook
The future of sustainable construction is poised for dynamic growth, driven by technological innovation and environmental awareness. Emerging trends include the integration of smart technology for real-time energy management, the development of new eco-friendly materials, and the increasing use of AI for optimising construction processes. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency, which presents a vast potential for reducing the overall environmental impact of the built environment.
However, the industry also faces challenges such as the need for skilled labor in green technologies and potential regulatory changes.
Adapting to these changes will be crucial for the future growth and sustainability of the construction industry.
Comments are closed.
Hi! I’m Chris, the founder of The Organic & Natural Paint Co, and I’m focused on the education and promotion of natural non toxic alternatives to chemical laden everyday products that we just take for granted. We have a choice, and I want to raise awareness of alternative products that don’t actually harm us!
This company is my way of pushing the awareness of better indoor air quality, something that I am personally passionate about due to my own children’s breathing medical conditions. I just couldn’t paint with big brand standard petrochemical paint any longer and wanted another solution.
Read more: About me
Twitter: NaturalPaintCo
Instagram: thenaturalpaintco
Need frequent messages on dust and noise pollution
Actually theres my project on noise pollution.and ur site really help me in getting information on noise pollution.so I am very much thankful to u.
Has any company ever been fined for failing to meet air quality standards around a construction site? It there is no threat of a fine what incentives do constructors have to implement solutions to improve air quality.
What regs are in place for private builders –is it council regulated.I’m frequently getting clouds of dust, rubble and particles of insullation material from a roof extension build next door floating/falling into my space whether I have my door open or not. My eyes are suffering as a result and I want to know if this is common place and acceptable behavior or if they should be avoiding this happening more thoroughly. Thanks
What construction chemicals or substances are banned? I have heard about asbestos and bentonite. Is there any regulation for this in the UK or any code of conduct being followed?
@Santosh. You may find this publication: “EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits: Containing the list of workplace exposure limits for use with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) Environmental Hygiene Guidance Note EH40 (Second edition) HSE Books 2011 ISBN 978 0 7176 6446 7 ” useful.
I live in council owned accommodation between 2 privately owned dwellings. The continual resale and redevelopment and employment of unsupervised building has been problematic to say the least. We have suffered very much. But it is my garden which is very distressing. This year again we are faced with rebuilding and making good a garden which at its best is beauitiful. The woodland garden I planted gradually over the years ith fuschis leading to a beautiful bed ofhelleboresleading to blue bells with 200 fresh bulbs planted last autumn now showing. A trampled cherry tree. A border torn up. Will my woodland soil recover and how best apart from removing sand and cement and adding topsoil can I help it dothat. I have advanced rheumatoid arthritic and am visualy impaired. The garden is what saves me.
Construction of a development of about 120 houses has just started beside my house. The noise was just about bearable for a few weeks but then they started breaking concrete which was unbearable. I called the council, they talked to the foreman who said that would only last about a week. They also advised that they wouldn’t work Saturdays. A few months later and now they are mixing concrete this morning: Saturday morning. The noise is terrible and I can’t open my windows or go outside let alone sleep. I would like to know what are my rights as someone who owns the property beside the site? How can I find out the estimated finish date for the development so that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel? it would be a lot easier to cope with the stress this causes me if I knew it wasn’t going to be forever. Thanks.
@Christine Brody. Your neighbour’s building projects should not be affecting you/your garden in this way. Can you get someone from your housing team to help you address this? Really the neighbours should be helping or contributing to the restoration of your garden. Speak to a local councillor or MP, who may be able to put you in contact with an organisation that can help you with the garden or with recouping some of the costs.
@carly. Arrange a meeting with the council and the developers to negotiate some points over specific issues. You should get an end date from them, an agreement not to work weekends, or maybe if it suits you, to provide you with alternative accommodation at weekends etc.
how do you prevent turbidity in urban areas?
@Sick of noise. You could try complaining Environmental Health about the nuisance. If the skip is directly in front of your window are they trespassing? You could get something done about that of course. Speak to you neighbour. Find out how long the work will take. If you have an end date it may be easier to tolerate for a while longer.
It is now Sunday evening after a very dry weekend yet our cat has just returned from an evening wander looking as if he has sat then laid down in a puddle of cement. There are several redevelopment building sites close with skips, any one of which he might have got into. It concerns me that wet cement or waste water with cement is lying out somewhere for unsuspecting animals such as cats, wild birds, squirrels, foxes and endangered animals like hedgehogs could wander into. None of them have owner who can help clean them and could therefore suffer or die from having cement on the outside of their bodies and from ingesting it as they try to clean themselves. Surely there are regulations stating that any such substances should be covered up as a minimum, are there not? Your comments are appreciated.
@JustJo. Not everything in society can be regulated and this would probably be too difficult to police.
I have been inventing pollution containment product for over 20 years. This has lead me to write a simple free guide to pollution prevention. It is worrying just how little understanding there is regarding water pollution and the risk. Pollution is a crime, there is no excuse. Very few contractors understand that there insurance does not cover a prosecution via the regulator.
I am very much thank full to you for spreading this kind of information through the social networking site … I got to leans many thing to prevent the pollution that is spreading overall the world…. thank you sooo much…. I expect many more information in future from your site…..
My neighbours have recently build a large extension on the back of their home. Work has been on going for five months now. There is a lot of dust and I have to keep my windows closed. Our houses are attached and I am worried that fumes from their house are now entering my house. My lounge room and their kitchen are just just opposite to each other. I can hear their voices through our wall. In the past few weeks I developed a persistent cough and breathlessness. An X-ray has shown lung infection and a shadow. My GP was surprised because I’ve never smoked or suffered any lung disease. I am very worried but don’t know how to find out if pollution from their extensive building extension is causing my health problems. Any advice would be appreciated.
You will need to seek advice from a combination of your GP/consultant and also a health/safety professional who can investigate the likely fumes/dust emissions from the building work.
A housing development at the back of our garden is causing problems with site security lights shining right in to my faughterd bedroom at night. It is so bright that i dont need to turn the light on if i need to get up to go to the toilet. I have asked the site to do something butbthey have ignored our requests. Please can you offer some advice??
Hi, I need some advice on how pollution can cause strokes to occur
thanks guys this website really helped my learning
my dads recently started a build and this will help me tell him about the different types of pollution as I want to protect the place I live thanks very much eoin.
Thanks for the information it increased my thinkings on this particular subject
I really loved this piece of information thanks
My neighbours built a large extension about 18 months ago .It took ages and created a lot of dust. Their kitchen is adjacent to our lounge room and sometimes I can smell cooking . Since they added the extension I have suffered with coughing and breathlessness . How can I get advice to find out if their extension may be causing my health problems and what if anything I can do about it ? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi, I’m from Australia and have worked next to a concrete recycling plant who crushes and cover with dust and rocks every time for years – he has water but rarely uses it. – I have so much proof but EPA NSW doesn’t seem to care and Council say it’s not their department. – has anyone ever read of a case where something similar was happening and they found a resolution, i need a case study that proves human life is worth a lot more or am I making fuss over nothing. – eating and breathing concrete dust is not harmful. – we do wear hard hats for the chunks of concrete that come over the fence. Jenny
Hi,here I am sharing my story and asking for legal advice or remedy. I am presently living in flat on fourth floor and on rent in apartment.The building was constructed 6-7 years ago.But now, there is construction of flats is going on for 5th and 6th floor.I don’t know whether it is legal or illegal.Some flat owners i.e residents gave permission to that.Actually, my family is facing trouble due to air pollution,lot of cement in air,penetration of water through the roof , noise pollution and what not.As we are living on the fourth floor,this construction troubles most to us only.The other flat owner residents do not say anything about this even the chairpersons also.As we have that flat on rent, we have no right to talk or to complaint against this.But if it hazards my family’s health I need a legal advice.Plz provide it.(India)
Unfortunately our website is UK based and we can only comment on issues that relate to UK laws/regulations etc
stop building it causes pollution and its damaging our earth
Thanks i have got more in learning skill on pollution ,in this website .
This site is so helpful. All this informations available here is so much clear and easily understandable. I came to know many new things from here. Thank you so much.
Very useful information, but i would love to know the sources of the pollution rates information, shown at the begining. And what is the scope of these results… are global or only in UK, thank you!
Hi. Good day to the editor of Sustainable Build. Hope you’re doing fine. I’m Romalyn. I’m a writer and I’m learning a lot from your site. Hope I can share insights to your audience. Can I send an article for guest posting? Hope you can consider. Sincerest of appreciation and all the best, Romalyn
How about parking machinery on ‘bibs’ so that any fuel or oil leaks are easily visible and contained? And the same for refuelling.
I rent a condo and the HOA for the condos has engaged in a long term construction project to completely rebuild the whole complex of approx 800 condos from the foundation up to the roof. I’m really concerned that the dust from the construction is making us sick. It is like living in a war zone and the noise pollution is unbearable. Also, we are paying the highest rent in the area and expected good health and peace and quiet in out senior years.
How does construction industry contributes to plastic pollution