Commercial construction practices that promote sustainability

Commercial construction companies increasingly understand the value of sustainability. With a growing industry-wide focus on environmental concerns and the need to address climate change, sustainable practices have become a top priority in the sector. In response, commercial construction businesses use green building practices to limit their environmental effect and resource consumption, as well as develop buildings that are energy efficient, environmentally responsible, and occupant-friendly. 

These companies lead the way in promoting a more sustainable future by embracing energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, water conservation, sustainable material selection, waste management, and site management. Commercial construction businesses' commitment to sustainability not only results in high-quality buildings, but also contributes significantly to the creation of a greener and more sustainable built environment.

Thanks to shifts in manufacturing methods and innovations in construction techniques, numerous opportunities for enhanced sustainability have emerged. By applying some of the green building practices explored below, you can not only reduce your environmental impact and maximize cost-savings but also stay competitive in a market that increasingly values construction sustainability. 

What are some construction practices that promote sustainability?

Promoting sustainability in commercial construction involves adopting practices that minimize environmental impact and optimize resource utilization. 

Sustainable purchasing - Refers to the procurement process of materials, products, and services that prioritize environmental, social, and economic sustainability throughout the construction project. Sustainable purchasing also involves making conscious choices to select suppliers and products that have lower environmental impacts, promote responsible sourcing and labor practices, and contribute to the long-term economic viability of the project.

Fleet Management - Involves the efficient handling and supervision of commercial vehicles to ensure their proper use and maintenance. The primary goal of fleet management is to increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, comply with regulations, and provide a high level of customer service. Successful fleet management heightens a construction project’s overall sustainability by limiting unnecessary waste and fuel usage and greenhouse emissions.

Waste Diversion - Refers to the practice of reducing, reusing, and recycling construction waste to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills. Construction projects prioritizing sustainability will want to implement strategies and processes to divert construction materials from disposal and instead find alternative uses for them.

Pollution Prevention - This refers to the implementation of practices, technologies, and strategies to minimize or eliminate pollution and waste at the source in construction projects. It involves taking proactive measures to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainability throughout the construction process.

Logistical choices that can be made to minimize waste and carbon emissions

Minimize materials consumption - By carefully assessing and planning material usage, construction companies can minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact. Strategies include optimizing material quantities and utilizing recycled or reclaimed materials whenever possible. Designing products with fewer materials can reduce resource consumption during manufacturing, transportation, and usage. When possible, employ lightweight and efficient designs that meet the required functionality while reducing environmental impact. Additionally, optimize material usage during the product's lifecycle by building products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable, as well as promoting responsible usage and maintenance practices amongst end-users. Incorporating these strategies can not only benefit the environment but also contribute to cost-savings for construction companies in the long run.

Minimize energy consumption - Remember, sustainability-driven practices to reduce energy consumption and emissions should be made at all stages of the commercial construction project, including pre-production, production, transportation, storage, and usage. 

Minimizing resources’ toxicity and harmfulness - To prioritize environmental and human health, select materials and energy resources that are non-toxic and safe. Such decisions  minimize negative impacts during manufacturing, usage, and disposal but also contribute to a more sustainable future and ensure the well-being of both current and future generations. By making conscious choices in selecting eco-friendly materials and energy sources, we can actively contribute to the health of our planet and create a positive impact on the overall ecosystem.

Optimizing resources renewability and biocompatibility - Choosing renewable and biocompatible materials and energy resources promotes your construction project’s sustainability in the long term. Prioritize procuring materials that are derived from renewable sources and have minimal environmental impact during their lifecycle. Additionally, using renewable and biocompatible materials can contribute to the overall health and well-being of the occupants, as these materials are often free from harmful chemicals and pollutants. By making conscious choices in material selection, you are setting a positive example for the construction industry.

For example, composite lumber—often made from recycled materials—is a sustainable choice for building projects. It has a longer lifespan than natural wood and requires less maintenance, reducing the need for new materials over time. Additionally, some composite lumber options are designed with a minimal environmental impact in mind. For more information, please refer to the Composite Lumber Comparisons.

Product lifespan optimization - Fabricating and procuring construction components with a maximum lifespan is essential for avoiding premature obsolescence and reducing waste. This can include crafting for reliability; facilitating product upgrades and adaptability; and extending the lifespan of materials through reuse, recycling, or repurposing. By prioritizing durable and versatile components, you can ensure that your construction project remains functional and relevant for a longer period of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements or renovations. Additionally, designing for adaptability allows for future modifications or upgrades, ensuring that the project can accommodate changing needs or technologies without compromising its integrity.

Extending the lifespan of materials - By implementing efficient systems for collecting and transporting end-of-life products and materials, recycling and disposal processes can be streamlined. This reduces the environmental impact associated with waste management.

Benefits of being sustainable and using green building techniques

There are several advantages to using green building practices in commercial construction, including cost savings, environmental responsibility, better tenant comfort and health, and increased marketability and reputation. Adopting sustainable techniques promotes long-term profitability in the commercial construction sector while also being in line with international environmental goals. More examples of benefits include:

• Energy efficiency

• Cost savings (material cost)

• Environmental conservation (water)

• Enhanced marketability and brand image

• Occupant Satisfaction

• Emission reduction

• Reduce waste

• Defends biodiversity

• Less maintenance

• Conserves natural resources

What is helpful when trying to practice sustainability on a jobsite?

Speed - By completing projects quickly, construction activities have a shorter duration of pollution and resource consumption.

It can reduce the disruption to local communities, ecosystems, and surrounding areas. Faster construction timelines mean shorter periods of noise pollution, traffic congestion, and disturbance.

For this and related reasons, SFS engineers fasteners and tools that enhance time-savings without jeopardizing safety or structural integrity. When employed at scale on larger construction projects, the individual time savings per connection accumulate, resulting in significant sustainability benefits.

Proper planning and preparation - Proper planning can ensure the project goes smoothly and avoids delays. In turn, you reduce the need for additional construction activities and their subsequent environmental consequences. 

Use of correct material - What does it mean for construction materials to be sustainable? Firstly, they should utilize manufacturing techniques that limit waste generation. Secondly, it’s ideal to opt for materials which can be reused or recycled at the end of their useful life. Lastly, the materials themselves should be of a higher caliber; if screws made from subpar alloys swiftly rust and need replacing, this leads to increased material usage and labor (neither of which is particularly sustainable). Consider both the load-bearing strength requirements and the  degree of corrosive element exposure your building materials will face. The goal is to choose fasteners and supplies made from premium steels and similar alloys that provide longevity rather than needing to be semi-frequently replaced. 

Our point? Using correct material can conserve resources, improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, enhance indoor air quality, and minimize carbon emissions. By minimizing waste and rework, projects can achieve higher sustainability performance.

Training - Proper training improves cost and time efficiency by lowering the need for rework. When installations are completed correctly the first time, there is no need for additional work, resources, or time spent correcting errors. This optimization of resources and time results in cost savings and faster project completion.

By understanding the correct procedures, workers can minimize the risk of errors and avoid damage that may require rework.

SFS green initiatives

SFS is a worldwide leading supplier of precision components, assemblies, mechanical fastening systems, quality tools and procurement solutions. Sustainable business practices have been part of SFS's DNA from day one, our company has a proactive mission towards sustainability. This can be seen on SFS's Sustainability Report page, where our company shares its commitment to sustainable thinking and acting and details its progress in the areas of Environment, Social, and Governance.

As part of its sustainable practices, SFS has embraced the use of solar panels on its buildings. The installation of solar panels on buildings helps SFS generate clean, renewable energy, aligning with our overall sustainability goals. Solar energy not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also mitigates the impact of climate change and promotes environmental stewardship. Installing solar panels is a cost-effective strategy that emphasizes environmental projects while minimizing energy use. 

In addition to our commitment to sustainability, SFS innovates many fasteners and tools to support the installation of metal roofing. Metal roofing is widely used in commercial construction due to its durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability benefits. It provides long-lasting protection against the elements, including extreme weather conditions. Moreover, metal roofs are highly reflective, which contributes to energy savings by reducing heat absorption and cooling costs for buildings. At the end of their lifecycle, metal roofs are also recyclable, minimizing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.

The use of mass timber in construction projects has gained popularity due to its efficient and precise off-site fabrication. Furthermore, the natural beauty of mass timber creates warm and inviting spaces, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings. The structural integrity and fire resistance of mass timber have been rigorously tested and proven, ensuring the safety and durability of structures. With its ability to provide a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional construction methods, mass timber is increasingly being embraced by architects and developers around the world.

Check out our article “Mass Timber Environmental Focus” for more details!

SFS is proud to support the installation of rainscreens with the industry-renowned Nvelope systems. No ordinary product line, Nvelope founded The Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA) and continues to pioneer technologies aimed at enhancing safety, security, and sustainability. Best of all, the systems accommodate a variety of cladding materials and design needs, including fiber cement, high-pressure laminate (HPL), aluminum composite material (ACM), and metal rain-screen panels. To learn about what measures SFS has taken to maximize sustainability within the Nvelope line, click here.

Final thoughts about sustainability in construction

Integrating sustainable practices into commercial construction not only fulfills an ethical responsibility but also serves as a strategic decision for the future. By prioritizing energy efficiency, utilizing green materials, and adopting innovative construction processes, companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable built environment. Moreover, embracing sustainable techniques in commercial buildings can lead to long-term cost savings, improved customer well-being, and enhanced reputation in the marketplace. As the demand for sustainable buildings continues to rise, it is imperative for the construction sector to prioritize these practices, engage with stakeholders, and adapt to evolving requirements and technologies. Through these collective efforts, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future for our world and economy, ensuring a healthier and more resilient environment for generations to come.