On the topic of ‘Green Construction’ (first week of October)

“\"Green construction\"? We really have never seen this at the actual construction site of our factory. Apart from adding fences.

It’s the four aspects of environmental protection: energy conservation, land conservation, water conservation, material conservation, and environmental protection.

Green construction refers to construction activities in which, while meeting basic requirements such as quality and safety, resources are conserved to the greatest extent possible and negative environmental impacts are minimized through scientific management and technological advancements. The goal is to achieve the “Four Savings and One Environmental Protection” objectives: energy conservation, land conservation, water conservation, material conservation, and environmental protection.

Green construction refers to construction activities in project development that, while ensuring basic requirements such as quality and safety, make use of scientific management and technological advancements to maximize resource conservation and minimize negative environmental impacts, thereby achieving the goals of energy conservation, land conservation, water conservation, material conservation, and environmental protection. 　Minimize site disturbance and respect the surrounding environment. Green construction aims to reduce disturbances to the site. The construction process can significantly disrupt the site environment; this is especially true for new projects in undeveloped areas. Site leveling, earthwork excavation, construction dewatering, the construction of permanent and temporary facilities, and site waste disposal can all have an impact on the existing flora and fauna, the topography and landforms, and the groundwater level at the site ； It will also cause damage to the cultural relics and local distinctive resources already present on the site, affecting the inheritance and promotion of the local cultural heritage. Therefore, reducing disturbances at the construction site and respecting the surrounding environment are of great importance for protecting the ecological environment and preserving the local cultural context. Owners, designers, and contractors should identify the existing natural, cultural, and man-made features on the site, and preserve these features through proper design, construction, and management practices. Sustainable site design plays an important role in reducing such disturbances. Regarding project construction, the contractor shall develop a site use plan that meets the requirements set by the owner and the design firm regarding the use of the site, and that minimizes disturbances on the site. The plan should specify: (1) which areas within the site will be protected, which plants will be protected, and the methods for protection. 　　(2) How to minimize the area requiring clearing and disturbance, as well as the number of temporary facilities and construction pipelines, while still meeting the requirements in terms of construction, design, and economics. 　　(3) Which areas within the site will be used for storage and the construction of temporary facilities, and how should contractors, subcontractors, and various types of workers be arranged to use the construction site in an efficient manner in order to reduce the need to move materials and equipment. 　　(4) Requirements of various job types for site access routes for transportation, installation, and other purposes. 　　(5) How will the waste be treated and disposed of? If waste is backfilled or landfilled, its impact on the ecology and environment of the site should be analyzed. 　　(6) How to isolate the site from the public. 　　Construction should be adapted to the climate. Contractors must take climatic characteristics into account when selecting construction methods and machinery, arranging the construction sequence, and planning the construction site. This can reduce the increase in construction measures caused by climate factors, as well as the increased consumption of resources and energy, thereby effectively lowering construction costs ； It can reduce the disruption caused by additional measures to the construction site and the environment ； It can contribute to the improvement of the environmental quality at construction sites as well as the enhancement of project quality. 　　For a contractor to be able to carry out construction in line with the climate conditions, it is first necessary to understand the meteorological data and characteristics of the area where the project is located. This includes information on rainfall and snowfall, such as the annual rainfall and snowfall amounts, the start and end dates of the rainy season, and the maximum daily rainfall amount ； Temperature data, such as annual average temperature, maximum and minimum temperatures, and their durations, etc ； Data on wind, such as wind speed, wind direction, and wind frequency. 　　The main ways in which construction activities are adapted to weather conditions are as follows: (1) Contractors should arrange the construction sequence as reasonably as possible, so that construction tasks susceptible to adverse weather can be completed before such weather sets in. Complete the earthwork and foundation construction before the rainy season arrives, in order to reduce the impact of rising groundwater levels on construction and to minimize other additional measures that are needed to ensure work can proceed during the rainy season. 　　(2) Arrange proper drainage and flood control measures to minimize the impact on the site and the surrounding environment. 　　(3) The layout of the construction site should take into account the climate, and meet the requirements regarding labor protection, safety, and fire prevention. Processing plants that generate harmful gases and pollute the environment (such as asphalt boiling and lime slaking) as well as flammable facilities (such as carpentry sheds and warehouses for flammable materials) should be located downwind, so as not to pose a threat to local residents ； The layout of lifting equipment should take into account the effects of wind and lightning. 　　(4) During construction in winter, the rainy season, the windy season, or hot summers, appropriate seasonal construction methods or effective measures should be selected based on the characteristics of the project, especially for concrete work, earthwork, deep foundation work, underwater work, and work at heights. 　　Green construction requires water and energy conservation as well as environmental protection; it involves saving resources (energy). Construction projects typically use large amounts of materials, energy, and water. Reducing resource consumption, conserving energy, improving efficiency, and protecting water resources are the fundamental tenets of sustainable development. The conservation of resources (energy) during construction mainly includes the following aspects: (1) Efficient use of water resources. Water consumption during construction can be reduced, thereby lowering water costs, through measures such as monitoring water usage, installing devices and appliances with low flow rates, and reusing rainwater or construction wastewater wherever possible. 　　(2) Save electrical energy. Electricity consumption can be reduced and energy saved by monitoring usage rates, installing energy-efficient lighting fixtures and equipment, using sound and light sensors to control lighting, employing power-saving construction machinery, and arranging construction schedules appropriately. 　　(3) Reduce material loss. Reduce material consumption during use and improve its efficiency by conducting more careful procurement, maintaining materials properly on site, minimizing the number of times materials are moved, reducing packaging, optimizing operational procedures, and increasing the frequency of turnover of allocated materials. 　　(4) Utilization of recyclable resources. The utilization of recyclable resources is a primary means of conserving resources and is also an area that should be strengthened at present. This is mainly reflected in two aspects: first, the use of products and materials that are renewable or contain renewable components, which helps to separate the recyclable parts from waste while reducing the use of raw materials, thereby decreasing the consumption of natural resources ； Secondly, it is necessary to increase the recycling and reuse of resources and materials; for example, by establishing waste recycling systems at construction sites and reusing the materials obtained from demolitions. This can reduce the amount of materials used in construction, increase a company’s revenue through sales, and also lower the costs associated with transporting or dumping waste. 　　Reduce environmental pollution and improve environmental quality. Green construction calls for the reduction of environmental pollution. The large amounts of dust, noise, toxic and harmful gases, and waste generated during construction can have a severe impact on environmental quality, as well as harm the health of workers on site, users, and the general public. Therefore, reducing environmental pollution and improving environmental quality are also basic principles of green construction. Improving the indoor and outdoor air quality related to construction is the main focus of this principle. During construction, the dust generated by disturbing building materials and systems, as well as volatile organic compounds or particles emitted from materials, products, construction equipment, or the construction process itself, can all cause problems with indoor and outdoor air quality. Many of these volatile organic compounds or particles pose potential threats and risks to health, requiring special safety measures. Some of these threats and damages are long-term, or even fatal. Moreover, during the construction process, these air pollutants may also penetrate adjacent buildings and remain inside them even after construction is completed. This impact is particularly important to consider in renovation projects that require construction while the occupants of the house are present. Common green construction techniques for improving air quality at construction sites may include: (1) Formulating construction management plans related to indoor and outdoor air quality. 　　(2) Use materials or products with low volatility. 　　(3) Install local temporary exhaust or local purification and filtration equipment. 　　(4) Carry out necessary landscaping, water and clean regularly to prevent construction waste from accumulating inside the building, and store materials that may cause pollution properly. 　　(5) By using safer and healthier construction machinery or production methods, such as replacing on-site concrete mixing with ready-mixed concrete, dust pollution can be significantly reduced. 　　(6) Arrange the construction sequence reasonably to minimize the absorption of pollutants by certain building materials, such as carpets and ceiling finishes. 　　(7) For buildings that are still in use during construction, toxic tasks should be carried out outside working hours, in conjunction with ventilation measures; fresh outdoor air should be used to ventilate the site both during the performance of these toxic tasks and after they are completed. 　　(8) For buildings that are still in use during construction, maintaining a negative pressure in the construction area or increasing the air pressure in the areas being used will help prevent air pollutants from contaminating those areas. 　　Controlling noise is also an aspect of preventing environmental pollution and improving environmental quality. Currently, China has introduced various regulations to restrict construction noise. Green construction also emphasizes the control of construction noise to prevent disruption to residents. Reasonably scheduling construction times, carrying out construction in a closed manner, using modern isolation and protection equipment, and employing building machinery with low noise and low vibration levels such as silent vibration devices are effective ways to control construction noise. 　　Implement scientific management to ensure construction quality. To carry out green construction, it is necessary to apply scientific management and improve the level of enterprise management, enabling companies to shift from passively adapting to actively responding, and thus institutionalizing and standardizing green construction practices within these enterprises. This will fully leverage the role of green construction in promoting sustainable development, enhance its economic benefits, and increase contractors’ motivation to adopt green construction practices. Obtaining ISO14001 certification is an effective way for enterprises to improve their management standards and implement scientific management. 　　Implement green construction practices to minimize site disturbances as much as possible, improve the efficiency of resource and material utilization, and increase material recycling; however, the prerequisite for adopting these measures is to ensure project quality. Good project quality can extend the lifespan of a project, reduce its daily operating costs, contribute to the health and safety of users, and promote socioeconomic development; it is in itself an embodiment of sustainable development. 4 Construction Requirements Edit First, regarding the construction of temporary facilities, relevant permits must be obtained in accordance with the requirements of the planning department before setting up mobile houses at the site. The project owner and the construction contractor shall use materials with high thermal insulation properties that are detachable and reusable to build temporary facilities at the construction site, and such facilities may be put into use only after obtaining the product certification. Within one month after the completion of the project, a demolition company with legitimate qualifications shall be selected to demolish the temporary facilities ； 　　Second, with regard to restricting construction dewatering, the project owner or the construction contractor shall adopt appropriate methods to prevent groundwater from entering the construction area. Due to reasons such as underground structures, strata and groundwater, construction conditions, and technology, it may be difficult to implement the curtain waterproofing method, or although it can be implemented, the additional cost involved is clearly unreasonable. After the construction dewatering plan has been reviewed and approved by experts, methods such as boreholes and well points can be used for construction dewatering ； 　　Third, in terms of controlling construction dust, before starting earthwork excavation, the construction party shall, in accordance with the requirements of the \"Green Construction Guidelines,\" implement measures such as providing car washing areas and washing facilities, installing enclosed storage systems for construction waste and domestic waste, covering the ground with sand, hardening the site surfaces, and landscaping the residential areas ； 　　Fourth, regarding the green transportation of construction waste, construction units must, in accordance with relevant requirements, select vehicles that have obtained the “Permit for Transport of Bulk Cargo”, and conduct construction waste transportation operations while holding a “Construction Waste Disposal Permit”. 　　Fifth, with regard to reducing noise and light emissions, when signing contracts, the project owners and contractors should pay attention to the scheduling of construction periods and any adjustments due to extended construction times as specified in the contracts, and should try to avoid carrying out construction at night. If night construction is truly necessary for special reasons, it is mandatory to obtain a night construction permit from the county construction committee in the area where the project is located. During construction, measures should be taken to reduce noise levels, and efforts should be made to minimize the disruption caused by strong light to residents’ daily lives. 5 Measures and Approaches Edit 1. Construction and implementation units should strive to use equipment with high performance, low noise levels, and minimal pollution, adopt construction methods that make heavy use of machinery, and reduce the use of vehicles that generate high levels of pollution. 2. Standard separation facilities shall be installed between the construction area and the non-construction area, ensuring they are continuous, stable, tidy, and aesthetically pleasing. The height of rigid fences/enclosures must not be less than 2.5 meters. 　　3. For construction tasks that are prone to mud formation, hard flooring must be used ； All mounds and piles of material must be covered with covers to prevent dust pollution, or treated by spraying protective agents. 　　4. Hot water boilers and similar equipment used at construction sites must use clean fuel. It is prohibited to melt asphalt or burn tarps, paint, and other materials that produce toxic and harmful smoke and foul-smelling gases at the construction site. 　　5. Construction sites must install continuous and unobstructed drainage facilities as well as other emergency facilities in strict accordance with flood control requirements. 　　6. In urban areas (within 1,000 meters of residential areas), diesel impact pile drivers, vibrating pile drivers, rotary pile drivers, and diesel generators are prohibited; hitting conduits and drill rods is strictly forbidden to control high-level noise pollution. 　　7. The construction unit must establish a responsibility system for environmental hygiene in front of the site, and assign a specific person to be responsible for daily management. A sealed waste station should be installed at the construction site, with construction waste and domestic waste stored separately. 　　8. Enclosed garbage containers should be installed in the living areas; domestic waste at the construction site must be placed in bags, and the sanitation department should be entrusted to collect it regularly. 　　9. Encourage the comprehensive utilization of construction waste and debris. 　　10. Hazardous waste must be stored in a classified manner with unified labeling; once a sufficient amount has been collected, it should be handed over to qualified entities for proper disposal. 　　11. Use water and electricity reasonably and conservatively. Large lighting fixtures should be installed from a top-down perspective to avoid light pollution. 　　12. Strengthen greening efforts; proper procedures are required for moving trees ； In landscaping construction, residual pesticides should be used scientifically and reasonably to minimize environmental pollution.

Green construction refers to construction activities in project development that, while ensuring basic requirements such as quality and safety, make use of scientific management and technological advancements to maximize resource conservation and minimize negative environmental impacts, thereby achieving the goals of energy conservation, land conservation, water conservation, material conservation, and environmental protection. 　

Four aspects of environmental protection: energy conservation, land conservation, water conservation, material conservation, and environmental protection.

Four aspects of environmental protection: energy conservation, land conservation, water conservation, material conservation, and environmental protection. It is rare to be able to achieve all of these aspects perfectly

I’ve never heard of this new term; I’ll catch up with the trend after learning it. . .

Energy conservation, land conservation, water conservation, material conservation, and environmental protection