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Nothing stays the same for long, and the same is true for construction. Each year exciting new innovations are developed to update and improve the landscape of construction. In recent years, green construction practices and highly efficient materials have emerged as key drivers in shaping the future of the industry. These developments hold the promise of creating buildings that are not only environmentally friendly, but also highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing. In this blog, we will explore some of the top trends and technologies that are reshaping the construction industry.
1. Passive design and energy-efficient windows.
The Passive House – or Passivhaus – is an exciting alternative to regular home heating and insulation. Simply put, the house is designed to stay at a comfortable temperature because of it’s excellent efficiency, orientation, natural lighting and ventilation. Ideally, a Passive House would not require artificial heating or cooling, keeping running costs exceptionally low for the homeowner. Not only this, but the Passive House will also have significantly lower carbon emissions and energy consumption than a regular property as the house is generating and retaining heat passively.
If you are considering taking on a Passive House project, start first with the windows. Most household warmth is lost through the windows, but they are an important element of creating a passively heated property. When approaching your next window installation, make sure to pick units that have exceptional glazing and thermal efficiency. Our windows and doors team are here to help you find PVC and aluminium framed windows with excellent efficiency in a range of different styles. Make sure the windows you pick not only let the light in but keep the warmth in as well.
Top tip: Smart thermostats offer your customers full control over their heating system, with insights into energy consumption, to help them pick optimum times to schedule heating.
2. Renewable energy integration in green construction projects.
One of the biggest technological changes to construction has the development of renewable power sources. From solar panels to electric vehicle charging points, renewable energy is becoming a staple in new build constructions. Some truly innovative properties are going off the grid with wind turbines and solar panels to power their properties. These renewable energy sources are generating clean and sustainable power, reducing the household’s dependence on fossil fuels, and therefore reducing the carbon footprint of the property.
Harness solar: Choose a solar energy solution that includes highly efficient batteries which charge during the day, allowing the house to stay off-grid during the evening.
3. Using sustainable and recycled materials.
The construction industry has traditionally relied heavily on resource-intensive materials such as concrete and steel. While these are highly useful and feature a number of benefits, moving towards uPVC and aluminium can reduce the carbon footprint of the build. Both uPVC and aluminium are low maintenance and are highly weather resistant. They are less likely to need replacing, thereby reducing the wastage from a building. Additionally, both uPVC and aluminium can be recycled at the end of its life cycle and brought back into the market as a new product. Here at Edge we specialise in supplying uPVC roofline, cladding, guttering and window trims, as well as aluminium window trims, because of it’s excellent functionality and sustainability.
Recycled materials, such as recycled plastic, glass, and metal, are becoming an increasingly important part of green construction. Recycled materials not only reduce landfill waste, but also decrease the demand for raw materials. By embracing these sustainable alternatives, the construction industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute meaningfully to a circular economy.
4. Shop local to promote green construction.
When calculating the carbon footprint of a build, all of the transportation costs must also be included. That’s why as a builder’s merchant we are dedicated to working with manufacturers from the UK, to reduce the transport emissions of each product. Not only it is this good for the environment, but it also allows us to be a reliable supplier as our British manufacturers are not travelling vast distances to make deliveries.
Making use of delivery services from suppliers can also reduce the carbon emission of your build. Rather than many builders out on the road collecting parts, a couple of vans can visit multiple locations, dropping off the day’s building supplies. Reduce the number of cars on the road by utilizing our next day delivery service on your next order.
Did you know? Our lightweight uPVC products also reduce our carbon footprint as they require less fuel to transport than heavier materials such as concrete or timber.
5. Modular construction as a sustainable alternative.
Modular construction involves assembling prefabricated modules off-site and then transporting and assembling them on site. As the majority of construction occurs off site, modular projects are perfect for schools and hospitals looking to expand as disruptions to day-to-day work are minimised.
As modular products resemble a ‘flat pack’ system, many suppliers use recycled materials to create the modules. These sustainable, easy to install systems offer great flexibility for smaller projects, such as garden rooms, sheds, classrooms, and additional office space.
Remember – protect the building with low maintenance guttering and thermally efficient roofing, such as the Britmet Roofing Tiles, offering exceptional performance and style.
Final thoughts…
The future of building lies in green construction practices and innovative materials. New build projects are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, energy efficiency, and low carbon footprint. We strive to provide low maintenance products, supplied by local manufacturers, in materials which can be recycled at the end of their life cycle. Innovations such as Passive design, and an increase in renewable energy integrations are meeting the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient builds as we head into 2025. It is essential for the industry to continue to find ways to reduce construction waste and drive positive change towards a greener future.
Got any questions, or want to discuss your requirements? Just ask a member of our team – we’re always on hand to help with any queries. Drop an email to [email protected] or call us on 0345 021 3333.