Building a Healthier Future with Sustainable Building Practices
Reducing environmental impact by implementing sustainable building practices.
Did you know that buildings are responsible for about 40 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions? And that most of those emissions arise not from the electricity used to power the lights and air conditioning, but from constructing the buildings in the first place?
Sustainable construction is the process whereby buildings are created in a way that seeks to minimise harmful environmental impacts. But far from simply adding solar panels to a roof, or a water tank on the side of a house, the sustainable building process assesses every aspect of a build’s environmental impact.
While Construct Melbourne is recognised for our quality residential design and construction, it’s a little-known fact that we are equally conscientious when it comes to our commitment to the environment. From incorporating passive design principles and environmentally conscious materials to waste minimisation techniques, our commitment can be seen in many ways.
Passive design principles
Passive design principles centre around using sunlight, shading and cross-ventilation to heat and cool a house, rather than relying on air conditioning and heating. Passive design also extends to the use of insulation and triple-glazed windows; both of which help to keep the heat inside in winter and outside in summer. When it comes to our projects, we always try to incorporate passive design principles where possible.
Summerhill Project master bedroom balcony. Photography by Simon Shiff
Summerhill Project open kitchen and living space with plenty of natural light and bi-fold doors for cross-ventilation throughout warmer months. Photography by Simon Shiff
Environmentally conscious materials
We like to use non-toxic and eco-conscious materials ranging from sustainably grown or recycled timbers to recycled steel and reclaimed bricks. We also use low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and green thermal insulation. Where we can, we source locally, as utilising local suppliers is another way to significantly reduce our operational energy consumption.
Waste minimisation
One less glamorous part of the sustainable building process that often gets overlooked is waste minimisation. As seen in our recent Summerhill Project, we always try to reduce waste when building a new home, salvaging the existing 1910 Californian Bungalow on the property by relocating the structure to be utilised as house number four on the TV series, The Block.
House Four on TV Series The Block 2020. Image via Homes to Love
House Four on TV Series The Block 2020. Image via The Block
We use Job Site Recyclers as they clean our building sites and recycle more than 95 per cent of the waste. We also incorporate lean methodology into our construction projects, with a focus on reducing waste. For example, our ‘zero defects’ policy focuses on detail-oriented construction that minimises the need for reworks, which minimises the impact on the environment.
Sustainable energy
We like to draw on sustainable energy sources, such as solar, where possible. Entirely renewable, solar energy captures power from the sun and converts it into electricity via solar panels, thus reducing a home’s greenhouse gas emissions.
About Construct Melbourne:
Construct Melbourne designs and builds luxury homes in Melbourne’s inner-south. We are dedicated to our craft and passionate about creating beautiful homes to enrich the lives of our clients.
To learn more about our Design & Build Process, or to discuss your project, click here.