Assess the Environmental Effects of Construction Activities
Construction and the Great Outdoors go hand-in-hand! That’s what makes this article worth reading…
Fellow readers,
you must be aware of the towering buildings, highways, and residential outlooks that we adore so much. They have a hustling world of construction lying behind all the grind of building stuff. So, let’s shift the side to this sawing which impacts our environment.
The growing world of construction activities must be equally met with the assessment of its impact on mother nature!
HOW DOES THE CONSTRUCTION AFFECT OUR ENVIRONMENT NEGATIVELY?
The industry accounts for 50% of climate change as it impacts air, water, and landfills. However, the inclusion of eco-friendly building materials and sustainable building practices have somehow minimized the overall negatives.
WHY IS THERE A NEED TO CARE?
Right from the materials, the technologies employed to execute the designs, all became a source of global warming in multiple senses. As we cannot put a hold on growth, we must balance these impactful factors with justified measures.
This makes it important to evaluate the project’s environmental impacts on the surrounding environment.
THE MAJOR IMPACTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Construction activities guzzle significant amounts of energy. The direct consumption is made from machinery and equipment operation while the production and transportation of materials account for the indirect takings. This High energy utilization has made construction account for the third-highest level of greenhouse gas emissions, among all industries.
WASTE GENERATION
Accounting for the huge amounts of waste, construction projects generate, debris, materials packaging, and residual hazardous substances. A large batch of it goes into landfills or is tuned down into incinerators that cultivate air pollutants. Their improper disposal also contaminates the water, and soil, and poses risks to human health.
RISING POLLUTION
The construction equipment and machinery are loud which disturbs the wildlife, and habitats, and wreaks havoc on the surrounding areas, impacting the well-being of nearby residents. All this causes noise pollution and prolonged exposure which can also lead to increased stress levels and hearing loss in humans.
Runoff from the sites (carrying harmful sediments) to the water bodies, and the types of machinery emitting pollutants in the air, account for the water and air pollution respectively
HARMFUL EMISSIONS
Manufacturing of materials consumes fossil fuels that produce tons and tons of carbon emissions with cement in concrete manufacturing, accounting for 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.
WHAT MAKES EIA COME TO THE SCENE? AND WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?
The EIA stands for the Environmental Impact Assessment, which is subjective to the real estate sector. EIA for construction projects helps in ensuring environmental protection against uncontrollable development, in conjunction with the respective stakeholders, advisors, and technical assessors.
EIA framework outlines multiple aspects of a proposed project that must be assessed before complying with the project and moving ahead with it in an environmentally responsible manner
FRAMEWORK OBJECTIVES
- Identifying probable impact and determining the environment compatibility of the proposed project
- Implying for eco-friendly construction to reduce the impact on the environment
- Incorporating environmental management plans to minimize the short-term and long-term impacts.
THE STREAMLINES PROCESS CARRIED OUT IN THE EIA
1. Screening
The initial step to determine if the proposal requires an EIA is done through screening, following up on the criteria set forth by authorities/environment agencies.
2. Scoping
When decided that EIA is required, determining the scope of the same comes next. The scoping process includes identifying key environmental issues, stakeholders, potential impacts, and methodologies to be used in the assessment. It involves early coordination with the affected agencies, experts, and the public.
3. Baseline Studies
This accounts for establishing the existing environmental conditions in the project area before the construction. Baseline studies cover the assessment of air quality, water quality, biodiversity, soil conditions, noise levels, and socio-economic factors.
4. Impact Prediction and Assessment
The next step is to identify the potential environmental impacts for assessing their magnitude and significance using appropriate methodologies and tools.
5. Mitigation Analysis
This involves proposing the modifying project designs to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse environmental impacts. The modification may be subject to the incorporation of pollution control technologies or even exploring alternative project locations
6. Public Participation and Consultation
This allows the affected groups to provide input and express their concerns regarding the suggested alternatives, which can influence the mitigation measures and project design.
7. Preparation of EIA Reports
Baseline data, impact assessments, mitigation measures, public consultation outcomes, and all findings are compiled as a solid statement of the potential impacts of a proposal, into an EIA report which is submitted to the regulatory authorities for granting permits.
The EIA report should be Actionable and present all the complex information required for the project authorization with a systematic presentation.
8. Review and Licensing
The authority reviews the EIA report, assessing its adequacy, effectiveness, and compliance with environmental standards. They will either request modifications to the proposal or approve or reject the project, based on their conclusions
To sum it up,
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a valuable tool that contributes to sustainable development. We are yet to recognize the importance of EIA and why large-scale construction projects should go through the assessment!
We must work to minimize and evaluate such probable adverse effects on the environment.
So, find the balance between progress and preservation!
Before indulging in a big construction, remember to ensure nature stays happy too!
HAPPY CONSTRUCTION!
We deliver, what we promise ~Concept space
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