The role of companies in terms of sustainable construction is acquiring more and more importance. At Castro Group, we assume our responsibilities in raising awareness of the efficiency of our resources and in the use of raw materials through the adoption of sustainability strategies and policies for the entire Group.

The COVID-19 pandemic situation exposed even more dangerous system failures and actively threatened the lives of people around the world. Even before the start of the current crisis, the evidence for transformation had never been as clear as it has been until now. For this to happen, it is important to implement measures at the environmental level that include the construction sector.

What is the meaning of sustainable construction?

Charles Kibert defines sustainable construction as “the responsible creation and management of a healthy built environment, taking into account ecological principles and the efficient use of resources”. One of the biggest obstacles to global sustainable development is the growth in world energy consumption and the impacts of its use on the environment.

At the international level, as a way of responding to the needs of climate change and, in particular to global warming, several systems for assessing the environmental performance of buildings have been applied. We can find two examples in Portugal: LiderA and SBToolPT.

Traditional construction vs sustainable construction

According to data provided by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), it is estimated that buildings constructed in developed countries are responsible for more than 40% of energy consumption over their lifetime.

In the current world context, there is still a lot of work to be done. One of the main causes of the energy consumption of buildings in Portugal is the fact that many companies in the construction industry remain “tied” to traditional methods for the execution of works, such as:

• Unqualified labor;
• Excessive consumption of raw materials;
• Use of non-renewable energy sources;
• Exaggerated waste production;
• The increased cost of building maintenance: poor energy efficiency.

Thus, the contribution of construction professionals to reverse this trend becomes relevant. For this, it is important to adopt sustainable measures in the construction of buildings such as:

• Passive/active resources and techniques to improve the energy efficiency of the project;
• Opt for the use of sustainable construction materials;
• Reuse water;
• Implement the use of renewable energies, such as solar energy;

Is it a high investment?

Buying a building that adopts the requirements of sustainable construction, remains more expensive than traditional construction.

However, although the initial investment is higher, it is proved through studies that the difference in value will be amortized over a short to medium term, between 5 and 15 years.
Following the value of good practices in this type of construction, savings will be reflected above all:

• Saving water and electricity consumption;
• In the costs of air conditioning and housing maintenance.

The paradigm shift in the construction sector is happening (more slowly than expected): more and more companies are adopting measures that reflect the concern for the environment and, consequently, for future generations.

Thus, at Castro Group, we strive the search for innovative and environmentally efficient solutions. If you have a project to build and are looking for a company that ensures professionalism, environmental concern, and social responsibility, contact us.

 

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