By Nikhil Bothra, Director, EPACK PREFAB
In the face of escalating environmental challenges posed by conventional construction methods, exacerbated by factors such as the recent construction bans in Delhi due to severe air quality concerns, the imperative for a sustainable shift in building practices becomes more evident than ever. The construction industry’s significant energy consumption, substantial waste production, and contribution to carbon dioxide emissions demand a re-evaluation of traditional approaches.
India, grappling with a staggering annual production of approximately 150 million tonnes of construction waste, shoulders a substantial burden, accounting for a substantial 35 to 40 per cent of the global construction and demolition waste each year. This challenge is bound to intensify further with a growing population and an ever-increasing demand for housing and infrastructure in the country.
Enter prefabricated construction, often referred to as pre-engineered buildings (PEBs), as a transformative solution aligning with India’s sustainable development goals. Prefabrication not only addresses environmental concerns but also presents an efficient alternative amidst the challenges posed by construction bans. As Delhi grapples with a temporary halt in construction activities to curb air pollution, the delayed project timelines underscore the urgency for resilient, eco-conscious building practices.
Water conservation
Traditional construction practices, deeply rooted in history, have historically often come at an environmental cost that is both significant and concerning. Traditional construction methods consume vast amounts of water for mixing concrete, curing, and other essential processes. In contrast, prefabricated construction is a game-changer as it utilises a remarkable 0 per cent water during the construction phase. This is particularly significant in regions facing water scarcity, remote hilly regions where every drop counts. By eliminating water-intensive practices, PEBs help preserve this precious resource and contribute to a sustainable future.
Lower carbon emissions
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace prefabricated engineered structures is their significantly lower carbon footprint. Traditional construction projects churn out massive waste, including surplus materials, excess packaging, and discarded debris. This waste not only strains landfills but also exacerbates environmental degradation. However, PEBs are environmentally friendly, emitting 60 per cent less carbon pollution during the construction process compared to conventional construction. This substantial reduction in emissions is achieved by streamlining the manufacturing process in a controlled environment, reducing energy consumption, and minimising waste.
Shorter construction time
Time is money in the construction industry, and shorter construction periods are a win-win for both builders and the environment. Prefabricated solutions can reduce construction time by more than 50 per cent compared to traditional construction methods. The efficiency of assembling building components in a factory setting and transporting them to the construction site accelerates project timelines. This not only reduces the disruption caused by lengthy construction activities but also curtails associated energy and resource use.
Energy efficiency
PEBs are designed with energy efficiency in mind. The materials used in prefab construction provide superior insulation, maintaining a consistent interior temperature, regardless of external weather conditions. Also, India’s diverse climate can pose a significant challenge to the on-site construction process. Harsh weather conditions, including scorching heat, heavy rains, and extreme cold, can disrupt construction schedules, and expose a substantial energy drain by excessive heating or cooling. Prefabricated construction eliminates this issue by shifting most of the work to a controlled indoor environment. By offering enhanced insulation, PEBs contribute to significant energy savings and promote energy-efficient living by using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
Reduced material waste
The controlled environment of a factory setting ensures that PEBs have fewer defects and require fewer repairs and replacements. In contrast, traditional construction often generates considerable material waste due to on-site errors and over-ordering. PEBs’ streamlined manufacturing process significantly reduces material waste, making them a more sustainable choice. This also aligns with the global push towards responsible resource management and conservation. Moreover, traditional construction methods often require wood framing, which contributes to deforestation. Prefabricated construction uses alternative materials such as steel and concrete, reducing the demand for wood and helping address deforestation.
Recyclability
Sustainability goes beyond the construction phase and extends to the life cycle of a building. In India, out of 150 million tonnes of construction waste every year only a mere 1 per cent of this colossal waste is recycled, as projected by the Centre for Science and Environment. Such practices undermine the collective efforts towards a greener future and leave a lasting mark on the planet. When a building reaches the end of its life, PEBs can be dismantled, and their components can be repurposed or recycled as they are designed for disassembly and reuse. This cradle-to-cradle approach minimises a lot of waste and adds to the overall sustainability of PEBs.
Improved resource management
Prefabrication optimises resource allocation within the factory. Materials and resources are efficiently managed, reducing over-ordering and minimising resource wastage. This results in a more efficient use of resources, promoting sustainable practices and responsible resource management.
As we aim to build a greener tomorrow, embracing PEBs and sustainable practices is the first crucial step toward a responsible and eco-conscious construction industry. The choice is pretty clear, prefabricated construction paves the way for a more sustainable and efficient construction industry that safeguards our planet for generations to come.