Chapter 1

1. Understanding Green Construction Toolkit

Image source from Shutterstock website

1. What is green construction?

Green construction, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly construction, is a holistic approach to building that prioritizes environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, occupant health, and long-term sustainability in the construction sector. It seeks to minimize the negative impact of construction on the environment while creating healthy and safety construction workplaces. Through innovative practices, technologies, and materials, green construction aims to address the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and resource depletion.

The conception of green construction refers to the fundamentals and principles behind sustainable or eco-friendly construction practices. It involves a shift of the construction process towards a manner that minimizes negative environmental impacts, reduces resource consumption, and promotes the health and well-being of occupants and the surrounding community. At the heart of green construction is the commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of construction. This involves various strategies, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials. 

2. Why green construction is important? 

The construction sector is one of Australia's largest industries, accounting for 9% of GDP in Australia, and it has been predicted to grow by 2.4% annually [1]. However, due to the increasing concern about sustainable environment, green construction has attracted great public's attention. For developing a sustainable environment, energy consumption, materials waste, air quality, noise pollution, soil erosion, and water pollution bring many obstacles in the way. Particularly, the construction process is one of the parts which can not be ignored. Currently, green construction is a catchy word both in construction research and relevant industry field all around Australia.

The benefits from green construction mainly consist of：

• Improved Air Quality: Green construction often incorporates better ventilation systems and reduces the emission of pollutants, leading to improved air quality in the surrounding area. This can have direct health benefits for residents by reducing respiratory issues and other health problems associated with poor air quality.

• Save construction materials: Green construction ask for reducing, recycling and reusing construction materials. Low-carbon supply chain technologies are applied. Accordingly, the construction materials will be saved.

• Reduced Noise Pollution: Green construction practices often result in better insulation and soundproofing. This can reduce noise pollution, creating a quieter and more pleasant living environment for nearby residents.

• Energy Savings: Green construction typically consume less energy due to energy-efficient construction processes. This can lead to lower energy bills for residents in the area and reduce strain on local energy grids.

• Water Conservation: Green construction often includes water-saving features such as rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing fixtures. These measures can help conserve water resources, which is especially important in areas prone to water scarcity.

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Green construction often feature landscaping with native plants and green roofs or walls. This not only adds visual appeal but can also contribute to a more pleasant and calming atmosphere in the community.

• Reduced Traffic Congestion: Green construction may involve practices like off-site prefabrication, which can reduce the duration of construction projects and minimize disruptions to traffic in the surrounding area.

• Community Engagement: Green construction may involve community input and participation. This can foster a sense of ownership and pride in the project, strengthening the connection between the project and the community.

• Save construction cost: Green construction will reduce energy, material and resource consumption. Waste could be reduced, recycled, and reused. Therefore, the construction cost will be decreased compared to traditional construction. 

• Resilience to Climate Change: Green construction practices often include measures to make buildings more resilient to extreme weather events, which can enhance the safety and well-being of community members during disasters.

• Promote enterprise brand: The brand of green construction will enhance the reputation and sustainable development of enterprises and practitioners. 

Image Source from Pexels website.

3. Green construction framework

A Green Construction Framework is a structured approach or set of principles that guides the planning, design, execution, and management of construction projects with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It provides a comprehensive framework for integrating green practices and principles into all stages of construction, aiming to minimize the environmental impact of projects while promoting long-term viability and community well-being.

• Green construction frame

Figure 1. Green Construction Frame

• Green construction management

Green construction management involves implementing strategies and practices that prioritize environmental sustainability throughout the construction process, from planning and design to construction and post-construction phases.

• Environment protection

Managing site impacts involves minimizing disruption and pollution to local ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife. Controlling the matters that can negatively impact both workers' health and the surrounding environment, such as dust, noise, light, water, soil and other resources.

• Saving materials

Implementing practices to reduce material waste and optimize usage helps conserve resources, reduce costs, and minimize the environmental impact of construction.

• Saving water

Water conservation practices include using water-efficient fixtures, reusing water when possible, and minimizing water waste during construction.

• Energy efficiency 

Incorporate energy-efficient technologies, designs, and construction methods to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Waste control

Effective waste management involves proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of construction debris to reduce landfill waste and promote responsible handling.

• Construction technologies

Utilize innovative construction technologies that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and prefabrication.

• Community well-being

Consider the well-being of the local community by minimizing noise, dust, and other construction-related disturbances. Engage with the community to address concerns and foster positive relationships.

• Sustainability evaluation

Evaluate the overall sustainability of construction projects using assessment tools, certifications, and performance indicators to ensure they meet environmental and social standards.

By implementing a combination of these strategies and tailoring them to the specific context of the construction project and its surroundings, it's possible to significantly reduce the negative impacts on the wellbeing of the community and the environment. Effective collaboration among construction companies, regulatory bodies, and local communities is key to achieving these goals.

Image Source from Editors

4. The differences between green buildings and green construction 

The concept of green construction is different from green building. The concept of green buildings generally aims to promote building performance from an environmental perspective during a building life cycle, whereas green construction focuses on environmental performance during a construction stage for buildings and other structures. More importantly, the concept of green construction can be used for other kinds of construction projects, such as industrial and infrastructure projects. Besides, although the concepts of sustainable construction and green construction sustainable have structural differences in their scopes, where sustainable construction considers environmental, social, and economic sustainability of construction projects, this report consider sustainable construction is same as green construction, as society becomes more concerned about environmental sustainability and green construction is becoming increasingly important.

In Australia, there are many systems and codes that focus on green buildings.

• National Construction Code (NCC): The NCC, previously known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA), includes regulations and standards related to building design and construction. It has incorporated provisions for energy efficiency and sustainability, such as requirements for thermal performance, insulation, and lighting efficiency.

• The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) provides a standardized system for measuring the energy efficiency of residential buildings. The scheme assesses factors such as insulation, window performance, and design layout to provide a star rating for a building's energy efficiency.

• BASIX, which stands for Building Sustainability Index, is a planning policy initiative in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. It was introduced to promote sustainable residential design and construction practices and to ensure that new homes and renovations meet specific energy and water efficiency targets. BASIX aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption in the built environment. 

• The Green Star rating system, developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), is a widely recognized certification program that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings. Different levels of certification (4 to 6 stars) are awarded based on various criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials usage.

However, there are no systems and codes focusing on green construction. There has been a growing emphasis on sustainable and green construction practices to reduce the environmental impact of construction and promote their environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is very necessary to promote green construction in the Australian construction sector.

5. How to use the green construction toolkit?

It is great that NSW Environmental Trust funded the University of Canberra to implement environmental sustainability education program to improve the awareness and skills of environmental sustainability for construction managers, engineers, and workers in New South Wales (NSW). The program develops a Green Construction Toolkit in order to provide a green construction education guidebook. It can serve as educational resources for the community in green construction practices. It can offer opportunities for learning about sustainable technologies, practices, and the benefits of environmentally friendly living.

The Green Construction Toolkit is a comprehensive set of resources, guidelines, and strategies designed to facilitate and promote environmentally sustainable practices within the construction industry. It serves as a practical guide for professionals focusing on construction stage. It is divided into several sections which reflect key areas of interest to those involved in green construction. Each chapter will provide an in-depth analysis of green construction related topics, and will also use some pictures or data as a background.

The toolkit encompasses a wide range of topics, techniques, and best practices that aim to minimize the environmental impact of construction projects while enhancing their overall sustainability. We hope that this toolkit can answer some of your confusion during the green construction process and inspire you with some ideas and methods. It is designed to continually grow – we will update gradually. If you think there's something we should include, please let us know.