The construction sector is now under pressure to be sustainable. The management of green building projects includes planning, designing, and constructing sustainably throughout the building project cycle, from the very beginning to the end. Project managers will be the ones to help us have the functional design, money-making, and environment-friendly buildings in perfect proportion as the demand for green constructions increases. The essay will discuss the benefits of green building project management, the main ways it contributes to sustainability, and the tools that are driving this trend.
Green Building Project Management: What Is It?
Green building project managementmeans managing the building projects that focus on environmental sustainability right from the very start to the end. The project impact reduction includes methods like using fewer resources, making less waste, conserving energy, and using natural products. One more thing, projects like this will be certified under the environmentally friendly rules, such as those of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Green building project managers help businesses accomplish long-term sustainability objectives without sacrificing quality or cost by using a methodical, phased approach.
Sustainability
The sustainability idea presents a viewpoint that reconciles the needs of both the present and the future in order to deal with the different issues caused by the long-term and short-term management of buildings, organizations, and resources, such as the case of the scenario described by Kubba (2010). Opoku et al. (2019a), in their definition of sustainable building, emphasized that it is an infrastructure development or project that satisfies today’s needs and, at the same time, does not restrict future generations’ right to their own needs.
Most of the poorest countries, such as Ghana, still depend on traditional building methods to a great extent, which makes it very hard and stressful to apply the more advanced techniques. One of the major barriers to the attainment of sustainable construction is the often negative attitude of the clients and key stakeholders towards the new construction practices (Tokbolat et al., 2020; AlSanad, 2015). The construction industry, according to Djokoto et al. (2014), is still aspiring for sustainable construction. The inability of contractors to implement sustainable practices was also pointed out in the study. According to Pham et al. (2020) and Asamoah and Decardi-Nelson (2014), the construction industry in the majority of developing nations is hesitant to go above and beyond the client’s expectations, which makes it extremely complex to operate.
The Crucial Stages of Project Management for Eco-Friendly Buildings
Planning and Pre-Design
The planning stage is where the sustainable building process begins:
- Energy Goal Setting: This includes aiming for net-zero energy use, increased water efficiency, or carbon emissions reduction.
- Site selection involves choosing a site that utilizes natural resources such as sunlight or wind to the maximum extent possible and has a minimum adverse impact on the environment.
- Budgeting refers to the allocation of funds for green certifications, eco-friendly materials, and techniques.
Design Phase
The architects and engineers try to put in place green practices at the design phase:
- The use of passive design approaches to maximize ventilation and natural lighting.
- Select materials from local sources that are environmentally friendly.
- The building’s efficiency is assessed through energy modeling.
Building Phase
Implementation of green practices at the construction site during the building phase
- Excellent waste management to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
- Supervision of the use of green materials.
- Cutting down on energy consumption during the building process.
Post Construction
Eco-friendly building project management carries on even after the construction is over:
- Energy-saving lighting and HVAC systems are being installed.
- Installation of solar panels and other forms of renewable energy sources.
- Implementation of long-term maintenance plans for sustaining the sustainability goals.
Benefits of Green Building Project Management
Eco-Friendliness
The environment is grateful for green practices that keep the earth healthy by saving the earth’s resources, increasing the number of different species, and significantly decreasing the carbon footprint.
Financial Savings
Lower operating costs and water and energy prices are among the long-term benefits of adopting environmentally friendly practices, and even the initial investment might seem too high.
A Rise in Market Value
Sustainable building certification often leads to a higher rental and resale value. They are also attractive to buyers and tenants who are concerned about the environment.
Adherence to Regulations
Green project management ensures that buildings are compliant with environmental regulations, thus reducing the risk of fines and enhancing the company’s reputation.
Healthier Environments
Implementation of non-toxic substances, very good ventilation, and natural lighting altogether provides the residents with a healthy atmosphere.
Tools and Technologies for Green Project Management
Sustainable project management uses a lot of advanced tools and technologies to fulfill the sustainability goals:
BIM or Building Information Modeling
Through BIM software, it is possible for project managers to see and make the best use of the materials, energy, and other sustainability factors during the design phase.
Energy Management Systems
Intelligent systems keep tabs on and manage the consumption of energy, which leads to the maintained efficiency of the buildings even after the construction is done.
Green Certifications
The criteria set by LEED or BREEAM are like a challenge for projects, demanding them to not only comply but also go beyond very stringent sustainability limitations.
Waste Management Tools for Construction
By employing systems for tracking and enhancing waste disposal in the course of the construction, being eco-friendly is assured.
Visit The Economic Times to learn more about sustainable techniques in India’s building sector.
Conclusion
For long-term success, implementing green and sustainable building management is now required, not an option. Organizations are capable of achieving a powerful trifecta of reduced operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and increased asset value by adopting and applying efficient building sustainability strategies that are efficient. This innovative approach not only contributes to the health of the planet but moreover, it brings about the next generation of assets that are stronger, more efficient, and hence, more profitable.
With the help of green building project management, sustainability is present in every single step of the construction process. It ensures that the future is not only represented by the application of technology but also by the interaction that is taking place between the social, economic, and environmental spheres. Sustainable project management guarantees not only the environment’s but also the stakeholders’ benefits from the investment made.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is green building sustainability?
A green or sustainable building is a building that, because of its construction and features, can maintain or improve the quality of life of the environment in which it is located.
What is a green building strategy?
Green building is the practice of creating structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle.
How many types of green buildings are there?
Are there different types of green buildings? Yes, there are various types, including Certified Green Buildings, Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB), and Passive Houses.
What are the five principles of green building?
By incorporating the five principles of site planning, energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality into our designs, we can create buildings with a lower environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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