Sustainable Engineering Construction: Sources And Requirements

Renewable energy sources

As the project manager of a £ 320 million building project situated in Manchester, there is need of designing and then building a new Shopping Centre for a duration of 24 months with an aim of minimizing the environmental impact and focusing towards any sustainable activities. There is a need for selecting the materials from suppliers and then getting experienced subcontractors for different activities.

For the construction of this particular shopping centre there is need to understand what sustainability is.
According to Brutland Report of world commission on Environment, Sustainability is defined as “The ability to develop the needs for the present without compromising the ability of the future” which means, whatever the changes we make for the present shall not affect the future.   

Biodegradable Materials

The use of biodegradable materials during the construction process provides a renewable energy source since these materials make the final building to be eco-friendly. The traditional methods of construction normally result in the accumulation of toxic chemicals and waste products, majorly of which take approximately decades to degrade. Even if the traditional materials degrade, they will harm and contaminate the environment. When making the decision on the construction process, the disposal, consumption, transportation, and production of the materials and resources should be taken into account since they form the basis of renewable energy.

During the construction of the structure, the conservation of the materials and resources should be observed to prevent any wastage through recycling and reusing of the waste construction materials. The construction materials to be selected should be environmentally friendly and their disposal should not pollute the environment. Some of the biodegradable materials which can be used during the construction of the shopping centre include organic paints, timber, natural biodegradable plastics, and synthetic biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable materials can be categorized into biodegradable synthetic materials such as biodegradable plastics, natural compounds used in the manufacturing of components such as polymers and adhesives, natural compounds bonded with mesh or resin such as soy boards and sisal carpets, and natural materials such as timber and bamboo.

Zero-energy Building Design

Sustainable technologies in construction entail mechanisms to reduce the consumption of energy. For instance, the construction of the building with wood is a sustainable technology since this material has a lower embodies energy compared to those structures made of concrete or steel. Sustainable green construction also involves the use of designs which cuts back the leakage of air and permits for free air flow which at the same moment using high-performance insulation techniques and windows.

Biodegradable Materials

One of the renewable energy sources that could be used for this project is the implementation of energy efficient systems. Energy efficiency involves the use of low-energy electric appliances and heating/cooling systems which will significantly reduce the environmental effects and energy cost during the construction process. An efficient construction process will be a source of renewable energy since the integrated process of energy efficiency helps in the identification of strategies that promote energy consuming in the areas such as operational performance, renewable energy, and energy demand. The strategic allocation of windows is also another design technique that can be implemented since this strategy encourages day-lighting hence reducing the need for electric lighting during the day. Use of LED lights both in shops and common areas could be a lot energy saving and also implementation of green roof, retail units and a bicycle park with aim of constructing most sustainable shopping centre in Manchester.  

Solar Power

The application of solar energy has been exploited increasingly as a sustainable construction technique. In this construction of a shopping centre, the solar power can be implemented either passively or actively. Active solar power involves the use of functional solar systems in the absorption of radiation from the sun to be used for electricity and heating of the structure. The solar power reduces the use of gas or electrical energy. The cost of installation of solar power is expected to be high but in the long-term, it will save the energy bills and aids in minimizing the emissions of greenhouse gas from the non-renewable sources of energy such as fossil fuels.
As per records from existing shopping mall in Norway with introduction of solar panels say about 1000 m² it can produce 140,000 kWh / year, this same idea can be implemented for lower energy consumption in the construction of shopping centre in Manchester.

The passive solar power involves the use of solar energy from the sun to warm homes through strategically designing the windows of the shopping centre and use the surfaces for heat absorption. The windows are expected to let in energy and the absorbed heat minimizes the need for warming the building during the cold seasons.

Water Efficiency Systems

Another type of renewable energy source is ensuring the water efficiency during the construction of the structure. There are numerous technologies of water efficiency which form part of the sustainable construction technologies. Basically, the water efficiency technologies entail re-use and the application of water supply systems such as:
Water conservation fixtures: Generally referred to the standards impose on maximum amount of water used per flush by toilets and urinals and per minute by faucets and showerheads.  

Zero-energy Building Design

Dual plumbing: It is system of installations used to supply both portable and reclaimed water to residential or commercial.

 These methods will ensure that water is sufficiently used, recycled, and managed for non-portable purposes during the process of construction. So for this particular shopping centre there should be comprehensive metering and an energy monitoring system around the building to help optimize energy and water use will save potable water and minimize the treatment demands of wastewater. 

The benefits and challenges that result from the implementation of renewable energy sources include the process benefits and challenges and the product benefits and challenges which may broadly be classified into cultural, economic, and environmental perspectives.

During the production process of the building, some of the environmental benefits that are expected to be realized include the protection of the environment, minimization of waste, prevention of potentially irreversible effects of the environment. Some of the environmental issues that are likely to be experienced during the production stage of the building include:

• Maximization of the sustainable use of renewable and biological resources
• Reduction and control of the dispersion and use of toxic materials
• Enhancement of material recyclability
• Reduced material intensity through substitution technologies
• Increased materials efficiency through reduction in the material demand of non-renewable resources.

Waste management through conservation and drainage, recycling, and waste reduction are the basic principles in creating a sustainability culture. The major challenge facing the implementation of sustainability is the exhaustion of natural resources. Resources such as woods are continuously being used in the construction of sustainable buildings resulting in their depletion.  

Some of the environmental challenges that are likely to be faced by the project team during the production stage of the project include advanced weather conditions such as stormy and strong winds, landslides, lose soil, and depletion of natural resources.

Some of the positive economic issues within the production stage of the shopping centre construction include the increased profitability by making more efficient use of resources such as energy, water, materials, and labour. The other economic issues that are likely to be experienced during the production stage of the building include:

• Negative economic impacts on the local structures caused by the demand of these sustainable structures
• The increased cost of production of the building since some of the resources required during the construction of the sustainable structure are very rear and scarce.
• There is the need of considering an alternative financial mechanism to finance the production stage of building
• High performance and long service life of the structure.

Some of the economic challenges that are likely to be faced by the project team during the production stage of the project include fluctuations in currencies, inflations, political instability, and delayed construction period.

Responding to the need of the client at whatever stage of involvement during the process of design and construction from site preparation to demolition, the resultant structure will ensure customer satisfaction as well as local communities, employees, occupants, suppliers, and clients. The other cultural issues that are likely to be experienced during the production stage of the building include:

• Positive impact on health and quality of life due to the environmental sustainability
• Negative impact on the existing social framework caused by the new sustainable building since they are not likely to be acceptable by the locals especially those involved in the construction of ordinary structures.
• Promote the development of a suitable institutional framework which will be involved in ensuring the standards of sustainable structures.
• Promote public participation

Solar Power

Some of the social challenges that are likely to be faced during the construction process of the project include uncooperative workers, shortage of workers, negative effect of the structure on the locals, institution weaknesses, and socio-economic stress.

The procurement process adopted for this shopping centre construction project is the Design and Build Procurement approach. The Design and Build approach is a project delivery approach used in the construction industry. In this procurement approach, the construction and design services are contracted by a particular entity referred to as a design-build contractor or design-builder. When carrying out the construction project in the design and Build system, the client cannot specify the ultimate shape of the project. Therefore, contracting the construction and design to the proven a trusted contractor who will ensure that the project meets the expectations of the client. In case of additional work, the task will be delegated to the chosen contractor who has the resources required and the ability to deliver the project.

The major material resources required during the design and construction process include equipment, construction materials, and labour. The handling of materials, which includes field servicing, shop fabrication, inventory, and procurement, needs attention for reduction in cost. Resources procurement is a significant element in the project control and planning as shown in figure 1 below. Resources denote a primary expense in construction, therefore, reducing purchase or procurement costs denotes significant opportunities for costs reduction. Materials and resources should be purchased early, capital may be tied up and charges of interest incurred on the excess inventory of resources. There is a need for ensuring a timely flow of resources is a significant concern during project production.

                                                        

                                                                      Figure 1: Procurement process of material resources

The decisions about the procurement of materials may also be required during the initial scheduling and planning stages of the project. The availability of resources may greatly impact the schedule in the project delivery with a very tight schedule or fast track by providing enough time for acquiring resources. The main sources of information for feedback and control of material procurement are shipping and receiving documents, purchase subcontractors, invoices and orders, quotations, bids, and requisition. In this construction project of designing and building a shopping centre, there is need of initiating the procedure of procurement even before selecting a contractor to shop for the resources with the best performance and price characteristics specified by the designer.

Water Efficiency Systems

Supply chain examines the downstream and downstream flows of information, services, finances and resources from the source to the construction site. The procurement of materials in the supply chain during the construction process have been recognized to have a significant impact on the sustainability status of productivity and society during the construction process. The steps involved in the supply chain and purchasing process during the design and construction of the shopping centre project include:

Buyer-seller Relationship: The relationship with suppliers is very significant during project delivery and may lead to better operation with greater coordination. It is important to have a good relationship with suppliers since they influence the quality and price of materials and resources to the client.

Supplier Selection: The capability of suppliers of continuous improvement, flexible contract, and information sharing are perceived to be essential in the selection of suppliers.

Awarding contract to supplier: The best supplier in terms of prices and quality is then selected after reviewing the quotation. The selected supplier will be responsible for supplying the resources and materials needed for construction of the shopping centre.

Procure materials: The supplier selected will then supply the resources agreed in the contract at a correct quantity and brands. Trust and cooperation are very crucial during the supply of resources and it is the responsibility of the supplier to ensure that the products suppliers are the correct once. These processes are explained in figure 2 below.

                                                            

                                                                                          Figure 2: Purchasing process 

Just like any other construction project, the construction of the shopping centre is very complex and pose numerous external and internal risks. There is a need of strictly following the set of regulations, laws, and codes during the production stage of the project so as to avoid these risks. Some of the different types of risks associated with the project within the production stage include:

Technical risks entail any hindrance that may prevent the creation of any product according to the requirements of the client. Some of the technical risks associated with this project delivery include design omissions or errors, incomplete design, inadequate site investigation, the uncertainty of materials and resources availability. These technical risks can commonly occur when there are variations in the scope of the project and requirement or in case of design missions and errors.

Sustainable challenges in production

The omissions or errors is design can be prevented by carefully evaluating and analyzing the design schematics during the production phase of the structure. The designs should be analyzed by the term of experts who are qualified for the task. Site investigation should be performed by the design and construction team for proper evaluation of the site before the commencement of the construction process. The resources and materials required in the construction process should be availed on time before the beginning of construction process and properly categorized and grouped by the construction team to prevent confusion and delay. 

There are numerous logistical risks that should be addressed during the initial stage of project production. These logistical risks include the availability of resources like labour, resources, and fuel and the availability of facilities for transportation. The logistical risks are likely to be caused by lack of proper coordination with the suppliers resulting in the insufficient supply of resources or supply of wrong resources. Other logistic risks such as availability transportation facilities may be unavoidable since it is likely to be caused by advanced weather conditions.

The logistical risks such as the availability of resources like labour, resources, and fuel and the availability of facilities for transportation can be prevented by adequate preparation and early resource allocation before the beginning of the construction process. It is very important that the project team specify the number and quantity of resources that will be needed for timely completion of the structure. 

Some of the environmental risks associated with this project delivery include seasonal, weather, natural disaster implications. These risks are normally overlooked when the team is unfamiliar with the weather conditions of the place. The advanced weather conditions may negatively affect the production phase of the project since these conditions may wash away the foundation or even loosen up the soil layers resulting in changes in the design. Lack of proper preparation from weather conditions is likely to result in potential losses and delays in the final project.

Environmental risks caused by advanced weather conditions can be prevented by analyzing the weather conditions of the region and properly timing the perfect time and season to start the construction process. The site should be adequately analyzed to determine the type of soil in the region and the foundation to be set up. 

The most common management-related risk in the uncertainty in resources productivity. During the initial stage of project production, there is a need of ensuring that there are sufficient skilled staff with clearly defined responsibilities and roles. Resources required for the construction process should be availed timely and the quantity and number of these resources should be specified to ensure that the project meets the required standards.

Procurement

Fluctuation and availability of foreign exchange, local taxes, and inflations are a few of the possible financial risks that may be incurred during the initial production stage of the project. In case the project is an international project, there is a need for understanding how the foreign currency will be exchanged.

The financial requirements should be predetermined during the procurement process and the project tem should have prior knowledge of the fluctuations in the local currencies and exchange rates before quoting the cost of construction process. 

Health and safety are of particular importance during the early stages of project production. Some of the health and safety hazards include exhaustion, working from heights, moving objects, slips and trips, noise, and unintended collapse.

Moving objects: There are normally numerous activities being carried out within the production stage of the project. These activities may be caused by tripping or slipping and without proper work are management, the workers are likely to be hit by moving objects or falling objects.

Slips and trips: Slipping and tripping are the most common causes of injuries within the workplace and they constitute about 40% of the reported injuries. Slips and trips are normally caused by the use of inappropriate gametes and also slippery floors.

Noise: The site of construction is usually problematic when it comes to hazardous levels of noise.  The problem is because the levels of noise on the site can vary and therefore, the workers should wear proper hearing protective gear. There are instances where the workers fail to use proper hearing gear or even use the wrong protector, which not only create additional hazards but also increases reluctance to wear them.

Unintended collapse: There are instances when the structure constructed unintentionally collapses resulting in accidents and deaths. Unintentional collapse is likely to be caused by landslides, a poor method of construction, or poor selection of construction materials.

Asbestos: Asbestos is the major cause of respiratory conditions and has resulted in deaths. Elements such as cement siding, insulation, wall plaster, thermal paper, and ceiling tiles present hazards due there composition.

Building systems use both passive and active design features in architecture to ensure comfortability in the living spaces through the utilization of materials that are energy-intensive which permit an entire reduction in the usage of energy.

Active designs use equipment that modifies the state of the structure, creating comfort and energy. An active design can be defined as devices, architecture, and infrastructure that produce or use electricity to attain a result. Some of the examples of active design architectures include deep water cooling, district heating, wind turbines, and solar panels. Active designs use equipment such as pumps, lights, air conditioning, and fans as shown in figure 3 below. The selection of efficient systems in active design, such as exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom, choosing energy efficient lighting and appliances, and using water conservation appliances and fixtures combined with air from outside are all means to an effective active design features in architecture.

Risk Mitigation

                                              

                                                                            Figure 3: Active and Passive Building Designs

The active system that can be implemented for this project is the solar panels and some of its techniques include:

• Elaborate monitoring schemes
• Demand management and peak shaving
• Occupancy Control
• Lighting controls
• Principally mechanical (HVAC)

• High cool factor
• Advanced analytics and real-time performance monitoring
• High performance when properly maintained and operated
• Higher failure rates
• High maintenance costs

A passive building design is a structure or system that directly uses natural energy such as wind, gravity, temperature difference, and sunlight to attain a result without fuel or electricity. The passive designs features are those that optimize the energy efficiency by the actual design of the construction itself. Passive architecture involves site planning and design of building so as for taking advantage of the local climates enabling the structure to assist the building naturally in its capability to store thermal energy from the sun and cool the building through defending it from the sun rays. Some examples of passive design features that can be implemented in the shopping centre project include:

• Positioning doors and windows
• Ventilators
• High ceilings
• Skylights
• Thick walls
• Green roofs
• Effective landscaping

Passive designs are normally valued due to their aesthetic and simplicity in appeal. This design tends to have zero operational costs since they normally contain no moving parts and have that ability to last for many decades. The electrical components are significant due to their functionality and accuracy, however, they may need to be regularly replaced and maintained. These components also have a higher environmental impact an operational cost.

Conclusion

This research paper analyzes different types of renewable energy sources that can be used in this construction of shopping centre project. The sustainable issues that are likely to affect the cultural, economic, and environmental perspective during the production stage of the project are also discussed. The procurement process adopted for this shopping centre construction project is the Design and Build Procurement approach. The Design and Build approach is a project delivery system used in the construction industry. Supply chain examines the downstream and downstream flows of information, services, finances, and resources from the source to the construction site.

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