Australia’s population has increased significantly over the past 50 years, creating an astoundingly high demand for infrastructure not previously seen in the country. Around 12 million people are expected to live in Australia by 2060, making this rise in demand inevitable.

The creation of new infrastructure will significantly affect the environment and local communities. However, the behaviours of these communities have the power to influence the length of time that buildings will last.

Sustainability Construction in Australia

Sustainability in construction is an approach that considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of building projects. It can be achieved by adopting several different methods, including:

• Minimising environmental impact through the use of sustainable materials
• Supporting local communities through the use of local labour and materials
• Creating development opportunities for women and children in the community
• Improving the quality of buildings through the use of renewable energy

Sustainable building practices are vital considerations in producing safe and sustainable buildings. By combining sustainability practices with green building, Australia can minimise the adverse effects of building projects on the environment while optimising economic, social, and environmental benefits.

The Australian government’s Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) supports implementing sustainable building practices through its Green Star rating system. In fact, in the GBCA’s 2017 Australian Green Star Report, the organisation acknowledged how sustainable building practices are reducing the adverse impacts of construction on the environment.

The Environmental Problems Caused by Australian Infrastructures

It is estimated that Australia produces 2.2 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste every year. This waste creates several environmental issues, and removing it from the environment can be extremely expensive.

The production of waste can affect the local ecosystems home to wildlife and plants. Unmanaged waste can contaminate groundwater and waterways, impacting the local terrestrial, marine, and aquatic life. 

A large amount of energy is used during the production of construction and demolition waste, and this energy is often derived from fossil fuels. This waste production can also contribute to climate change by releasing ozone-depleting gases.

The Infrastructure Australia’s 2019 Infrastructure Audit even revealed the major challenges the construction sector faces in the coming years. Fortunately, these negative effects can be minimised and even reduced by implementing sustainable building practices.

How the Australian Government Can Address the Country’s Construction Sustainability Challenges

Consumers can influence the sustainability of infrastructure through their consumption choices. By purchasing sustainable products, they can contribute to the development of green businesses and help improve the sustainability of the production of construction industry materials.

By implementing green building practices, governments can also contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure projects and help reduce the environmental impact of current and future projects.

The construction industry is well-placed to address the sustainability challenges that face it. Australia currently has many initiatives that can be used to reduce the environmental impact of building projects. However, these initiatives are not being used effectively due to the lack of education and knowledge surrounding the importance of sustainability practices.

How Technology Can Help

Many innovative technologies are now being developed to make the construction sector sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Sustainable construction practices can help create safer and healthier buildings for the Australian community. It minimises building projects’ environmental impact and supports the local community.

With the help of sustainable technologies and building practices, Australia can create new infrastructure that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Australia’s infrastructure is the backbone of the country’s economy, and it will be crucial in the development of the country’s future. However, if the environmental impact of building projects is not minimised, then the negative consequences of building infrastructures will start to negatively affect the health and well-being of citizens.

If your construction jobs need quality and environmentally-friendly caulking and sealing services on the Gold Coast and nearby areas, we got you covered. Quality Seal Australia uses every opportunity to use green (Good Environmental Choice Australia – GECA) certified items for our caulking, silicone, and cleaning products. Contact us to book your appointment.